A sparking electrical switch or outlet is never a good sign. A Manchester CT homeowner called us because she noticed that her light switch wasn't working and she could see a spark. We recommend that you immediately stop using any electrical source that is not working properly until a repair can be made. For added precaution, we suggest you turn the electricity off at the panel for the troubled area, if possible. Your electrical panel should be clearly labeled so you can locate your electrical sources quickly. [You can order one here for just $1.00.]
Poor electrical installation
Once one of our electrical technicians arrived at the home, he found that most of the electrical switches and outlets had been installed incorrectly. Not only were there no ground wires, but almost NONE of the screws had been tightened! Because the wires were not secured by the screws, the electricity had room to move around. When electricity moves around, it creates heat. Over many years, that heat melted the casing off the wires. The wires were unprotected and the electricity could move from bare metal wire to bare metal screws. This is why the homeowner began to see sparking each time the switch was moved. Below is a video that shows the damage created by the situation:Safety first
Electrical fires start so quickly but can be so easy to prevent. A licensed, professional electrical contractor should be hired for your repairs and installations. Whether it's a larger project, such as an electrical service change; or a smaller project, such as replacing a receptacle, it's important to do your homework. Please do not make your decisions solely on the bottom line of the quote. Google, Yelp and Facebook are good places to check for customer reviews. To see if a contractor is licensed in CT, you can check the state's website. Also be sure to ask for proof of insurance. To learn more about electrical safety, Electrical Safety Foundation International has a FANTASTIC website full of resources.
Rapid Service is located in Columbia CT. We offer plumbing, electrical and heating repairs and installations for Eastern CT homeowners. Our Plumbing Installations include: well pumps, well tanks, water heaters, sump pumps, sewage pumps, toilets and water treatment systems. Plumbing Repairs include: clogged drains, frozen pipes, burst pipes, appliance hookups, clogged toilets, leaking pipes and odor or leak detection. Electrical Installations include service changes, panel upgrades, generators, electric heat, surge protection, outside lighting and interior fixtures. Electrical Repairs include faulty outlets, GFIs, and updating wiring and circuits. Heating Installations include oil or gas boilers. Heating Repairs include baseboard, piping, valves and coils. We offer FULL Kitchen Remodeling and Bathroom Remodeling services too! Some of the towns we cover are: Columbia, Willimantic, Andover, Coventry, Bolton, Vernon, Ellington, Willington, Tolland, Mansfield, Willlimantic, Ashford, Chaplin, Windham, Lebanon, Colchester, Hebron, Marlborough, Glastonbury, Manchester, Portland, Middletown, East Hampton, Bozrah, Norwich, Franklin, Sprague, Lisbon, Scotland, Canterbury, Guilford, Madison, Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Essex, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Waterford, New London, Montville, Groton, Ledyard, Stonington, & North Stonington CT.
