While it is not uncommon to experience electrical issues throughout the year, some are more common during the winter months. The cold, winter months can be a demanding time of year (especially, in the freezing Northern Ireland) for your electrical panel. There are extra demands put on your electrical system, such as added christmas lights, heating systems and appliances on most of the day. Here at ABC Electrical, we have seen it all when it comes to winter electrical issues! 

Sparking Electrical Outlets

Plugging into an outlet can occasionally cause a few sparks to fly, but not all sparks are harmless. A sparking outlet can be a sign of a much bigger electrical problem. When an outlet gets too hot, it can melt away the protective coating on the wires, causing electricity to jump through the bare wires. 

Old Electrical Equipment 

Outdated electrical equipment can be extremely dangerous and hazardous for your home. Dated space heaters, electric blankets, etc. are often incompatible with modern homes. Potentially causing an electrical fire, any older equipment or appliances present in your home must be checked regularly. The recommended guideline is that if an electrical heating appliance is older than 5 years then it is outdated and needs to be replaced. 

Breaker Trips 

Winter is a very demanding season for electricity, especially with the weather here in Northern Ireland. With the evenings getting darker, our lights are being kept on for longer. The additional strain of Christmas lights and decorations further increases the pressure on our domestic electrical systems. If your circuit continues to trip then it is best to get in contact with an experienced electrician. 

Power Outages 

An unprotected or under-protected home is more vulnerable to weather-related power outages during winter. Thoroughly checking your home’s electrical system will help determine if your home is winter-ready. Providing back-up power, a generator may also be installed for use when a power outage is unavoidable. 

If any of these issues occur at your home during winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with ABC Electrical! With over 20 years in both the domestic and commercial electrical industry, there is no problem too big or too small! Areas we service include Armagh, Banbridge Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown. However, we do accommodate customers across Northern Ireland on certain electrical jobs. 

You can never be too careful when it comes to electricity!