7 Common Electrical Problems Northern Kentucky Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Top Warning Signs Something’s Wrong With Your Electrical System

Electrical problems rarely fix themselves—and ignoring them can put your home, family, or business at serious risk. Many homeowners across Covington and Northern Kentucky experience warning signs long before a major electrical failure occurs.

At Wehrle Electric, we regularly respond to service calls that started as “small issues” but turned into costly or dangerous situations. Below are the most common electrical problems you should never ignore—and what to do if you notice them.

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your breaker trips often, it’s usually a sign of:

• Overloaded circuits

• Aging electrical panels

• Faulty wiring or appliances

⚠️ Why it matters: Repeated tripping can overheat wiring and increase fire risk.

When to call an electrician:
If resetting the breaker doesn’t solve the issue or multiple breakers trip regularly.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker when appliances turn on often indicate:

• Loose connections

• Undersized wiring

• Failing electrical panels

⚠️ Why it matters: Loose wiring can arc behind walls—one of the leading causes of electrical fires.

3. Warm Outlets or Switches

Outlets or switches should never feel warm to the touch.

⚠️ Possible causes:

• Loose wiring

• Overloaded circuits

• Outdated receptacles

This is a call immediately situation.

4. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells

Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing or smell burning:

• Shut off the affected circuit

• Avoid using the outlet or switch

• Call a licensed electrician right away

These are signs of active electrical failure.

5. Outlets That Don’t Work

Dead outlets may seem harmless, but they often signal:

• Broken wiring

• Tripped GFCIs

• Internal electrical damage

This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and garages.

6. Older Wiring or Electrical Panels

Homes built decades ago may still have:

• Knob and tube wiring

• Aluminum wiring

• Panels not designed for modern electrical loads

⚠️ These systems are not compatible with today’s appliances, HVAC systems, or EV chargers.

7. Not Enough Outlets or Frequent Extension Cord Use

If you rely on power strips everywhere, your home likely needs:

• Additional circuits

• Outlet upgrades

• Panel capacity evaluation

Overuse of extension cords is a major fire hazard.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

If you notice any of the issues above, it’s time to call a professional.

Wehrle Electric provides:

• Electrical troubleshooting & repairs

• Panel upgrades

• Outlet & switch replacement

• Residential & commercial service calls

• Safety inspections across Northern Kentucky

📞 Call (859) 609-3837 to schedule service today.

Serving Northern Kentucky

We proudly serve:

• Covington

• Florence

• Erlanger

• Newport

• All cities within a 40-mile radius

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical problems are considered emergencies?

Burning smells, buzzing sounds, hot outlets, repeated breaker trips, and power loss in critical areas should be addressed immediately.

Can electrical issues cause fires?

Yes. Electrical failures are one of the leading causes of residential fires, especially when warning signs are ignored.

Should I try to fix electrical problems myself?

No. Electrical work should always be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and code compliance.

Related Reading

• Electrical Safety Tips Every Northern Kentucky Homeowner Should Know

• Top 10 Electrical Upgrades to Increase Home Safety and Efficiency in Northern Kentucky