⚡When should you worry about an electrical problem at home? And how can you effectively prevent it?
- Frank Electrik
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
At Frank Electrik, we believe your home's electrical safety starts with one thing: trust. Trust in your installations, trust in the professionals you choose, and trust in your own ability to recognize warning signs. But when does an electrical problem become a real danger? Why is it crucial to act quickly? And most importantly, how can you prevent long-term risks?
This blog post will help you answer these questions with clarity and precision, while also giving you the right reflexes to adopt.

🏠 Your Home: A Place of Life, Potentially Compromised by Poor Electrical Upkeep
Most homes on the South Shore, particularly in Longueuil, Boucherville, and Saint-Hubert, were built over 30 years ago. Back then, electrical demands were much lower. Panels were designed for about twenty amps, and charging an electric vehicle, outdoor spas, or wall-mounted air conditioners weren't even considered. Today, these older installations struggle to keep up. And that's where the risks start to pile up.
⚠️ What Are the Signs of a Residential Electrical Problem?
When should you call an electrician? Here are the 7 most common symptoms:
Lights flickering or dimming for no apparent reason
Outlets that are warm, discoloured, or sparking
Circuit breakers tripping frequently, even with low power consumption
Burning smells near the electrical panel or switches
Exposed or frayed wires in the basement, garage, or attic
Appliances overheating or shutting off without warning
Minor electrical shocks when touching an appliance or a faucet (indicating poor grounding)
👉 If you notice any of these signs, don't wait. An assessment by a qualified residential electrician can prevent a fire or a major outage.
🧯 Why Prevent Instead of Repair?
It's a simple truth, but one that's too often ignored: Prevention costs less than repair. And more importantly, it saves lives.
Every year in Quebec, hundreds of fires are caused by electrical defects. And in the majority of cases, these fires could have been avoided with an annual inspection or an electrical panel upgrade.
Where does prevention start?
When buying a home
During a renovation (bathroom, basement, kitchen)
When adding an energy-intensive appliance: spa, EV charging station, air conditioner, etc.
🛠️ How to Effectively Prevent Outages and Dangers
Here are 5 simple steps you can take today to improve your home's safety:
Have your electrical system inspected every 5 to 10 years. Wires age. Panels become obsolete. A complete check-up by a certified electrician ensures everything is up to code.
Install GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. These outlets automatically cut power if they detect a dangerous leak.
Avoid permanent extension cords. If you need an extension cord every day, it means you're missing an outlet. And every extension cord is a potential weakness in your electrical system.
Modernize your electrical panel. A fuse box or an old circuit breaker might be outdated. A modern electrical panel provides more stable, safer electricity distribution, better suited for new technologies.
Call a professional for any modifications. A poorly installed outlet addition can cause an electrical arc. Never take the risk of doing it yourself.
🧠 Why Choose Frank Electrik for Your Residential Needs?
Because we do more than just connect wires.
We listen to your needs. We assess your home as if it were our own. And above all, we explain each step with clarity, transparency, and respect.
We're proud to be certified electricians, based in Longueuil, offering local, personalized service tailored to families here.

📞 How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your electrical system. But at Frank Electrik, you always benefit from:
A free, no-obligation quote
Transparent service, with no hidden fees
Human support, from start to finish
🔚 In Summary: Your Safety Starts with a Call
When should you act? As soon as you have doubts. Why wait, it could be costly? Because in electricity, danger is often invisible. How to prevent risks? By contacting us today.
Frank Electrik – Your Residential Electrician in Longueuil
Need a diagnosis? Advice? A quote for bringing your system up to code?
📞 Call us now at 514-397-1777 🌐 Visit www.frankelectrik.ca to learn more
At Frank Electrik, your safety is our priority. A well-protected home means a more peaceful family.