We often forget how important it can be to call an electrician if a problem arises with a home’s electrical system. In fact, most homeowners are complacent that their wiring system is just fine and needs no care or maintenance. More often than not, the only time a licensed electrician is called to a house when something is going wrong. It’s important to understand how to recognize when you may need to be preemptive about electrical problems and subtle signs that your electrical system needs maintenance or repairs. Keep an eye out for the following issues that could arise, indicating a bigger electrical problem in your home.

If you’re a fan of power strips, that’s not necessarily a problem right away. The problem happens when you start to overload a specific circuit in your home. Attaching a power strip and then packing it full of energy-heavy devices can quickly cause circuit breakers to flip. In addition to that risk, they can quickly become a fire risk when used inappropriately. Opt for power strips with surge protectors and be careful concerning how much you plug into them. If you need more outlet availability in a space, that’s when you need to call a local electrician.

While the rugs themselves aren’t a sign of electrical problems, the wires and cords run under them are. More and more people are adapting older homes to their current needs, leaving exposed cords and cables throughout the house. You don’t need to run them under carpet and rugs. In fact, that can be a tripping hazard. An electrician can quickly run wires and cables through the walls to get the cables out of sight and out of mind.

If you own an older home, you may have noticed how your outlets don’t look quite like outlets in newer homes. For a long time, two prong outlets were the standard. No many appliances use a three prong plug style in order to provide a ground for the electricity. Don’t be someone who just cuts the third prong off of their appliances or bends it back to make it fit in the two prong outlet; upgrade your outlets instead. Properly grounded outlets can reduce the risk of electrical fires and other risks due to electricity.

It’s important to regularly check your home’s main service panel. Regular visual checks and professional checks by an electrician can help to prolong the life of the panel and help avert any problems from improper care. When you visually inspect the panel, check for any signs of problems, including potential rust. If your panel is rusting, it’s time to have an electrician install a new one for safety and performance.

If you’ve ever turned on a light switch and found that the plate was warm to the touch, then you should call an electrician. Points where power is utilized in the wall should never be warm, and definitely not hot. It’s a sign of a bigger electrical problem that could be a safety hazard.

1.  Add an accent lamp to your dining room console.  Find an accent lamp that is slender enough for your console table.  Locate outlets behind consoles to keep cords hidden from view.  A single lamp works well for a smaller service area.   Consider a pair of accent lamps for an extra long dining buffet/console table.

“Brittany” from Chelsea House

2.  Dress up a vacant corner and extend your room’s design with an accent lamp on a pedestal.  An accent lamp atop a tall pedestal should stand between 5-6 feet above the floor.

To find the correct height for an accent table lamp by a reading chair:  While you are seated, estimate the height from tabletop to your eye-level.  Choose an accent lamp with a light source at that height.

“Masterpiece” from Butler Specialty

3.  Decorate your patio with a few accent lamps.  Be sure lamps are UL-listed for damp locations when looking for patio accent lamps.

“Brent” from Kenroy Home, suitable for damp locations

For more information on accent lamp applications or to see the latest lighting designs, visit 1800lighting.com.

The lighting of your kitchen plays an absolutely critical role in how your design will marry together, as well as make a very noticeable impact on the functionality of your space.

Many homeowners put off or ignore lighting in the kitchen, and neglect to plan accordingly. This can only end in tears! What is the benefit of those gorgeous mahogany cabinets, and that handsome granite counter top if no one can see them properly?

Don’t find yourself regretting your kitchen design decisions. Take lighting into account right off the bat! But how do you plan for your kitchen lighting? There are a few types of light to consider, and it all comes down to how you want your kitchen presented, and more importantly, how you want it used. Consider these lighting types for your perfect kitchen design.

For the sake of giving off the best lighting possible for visual appeal, consider these:

Task lighting is used to provide ample illumination for performing specific tasks (thus: task lighting), and should be installed with a specific purpose in mind. This could be for your stove top, a cutting and preparing area, or a space devoted to work or play. Task lighting is best used when it provides ample, glare-free lighting. These fixtures work particularly well:

Whether you need to install new lights in Alexandria, Annapolis, or anywhere in between, you can rely on Kolb Electric’s licensed electricians for a job done right. We’ve been helping DC home and building owners like you with all their electrical needs since 1925 and are ready to help you next!