Signs You Need a Multi-Family Electrician Los Angeles Experts Warn Not to Ignore

Managing a multi-family property in Los Angeles is no simple task. From plumbing to pest control, property managers and landlords are often busy managing tasks related to property management, which can make it tricky to oversee everything. One of the most commonly neglected aspects of property management is electrical issues. While electrical problems aren't isolated to multi-family properties, the state of the electrical system in multi-family properties is often ignored until it's too late, and then, we’re stuck scrambling to remedy the situation. 

Multi-family properties - unlike single-family homes - typically have a combination of an increased demand for electrical services, highly complex electrical schematics with many different wiring systems, and increased life & property safety risks. This is what makes spotting early warning signs of electrical issues so important! Do not put off service, and do not just use a general handyman if it is electrical related, especially if that general Multi-Family Electrician Los Angeles is not licensed and certified! It could even be a violation of the City Electric Code! All things considered, electrical and safety are paramount in safety in rental units and multi-family property management. 

Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

If circuit breakers are tripping more than they are supposed to, that is a red flag. If there are one or two trips over a long period, that may not be an issue. However, there are continual issues with tripping, which indicates that you may be either overloading the system or using improper wiring. 

The same goes for multi-unit residential dwellings where tenants may be using multiple appliances, heaters, air conditioners, electronics, etc. An outdated or a panel that is too small can easily become overcurrented. A multi-family electrician will be able to inspect, upgrade, or rewire a panel to be able to take on more load.

Flickering or Dimming Lights Across Units

Flickering lights might be a single bad bulb or a loose socket, but if multiple tenants are reporting flickering or dimming, especially if the issues arise while using larger appliances, your systems may have serious troubles. 

Flickering or dimming lights across separate rental units can indicate potential voltage fluctuations or improper grounding, which can potentially damage electronics and/or their safety and performance risk. A certified electrician on staff can investigate the trouble with the lights, remediate the fluctuations, and/or improve grounding circuits, so they don't happen again.

Burning Smells or Discolored Outlets

If you smell anything burning coming from an outlet, switch, or breaker panel, then you need to call a Multi-Family Electrician Los Angeles immediately. Similarly, if you see any discoloration, black marks, or warm areas around an outlet or switch plate, you should stop using it and turn the power off in that area. 

These are normal indications of electrical arcing, or melting inside the outlet or switch, which needs immediate attention.

Outlets or Switches Not Working

When tenants have a complaint about outlets or switches that stop working, it is easy to reason that it could be simple wear and tear. However, outlets that stop working could also mean that there are wires loose behind the walls, or that there are electrical problems in the circuit. 

In multi-family setups, this could indicate a larger problem in the system, such as a deteriorating junction box or a shared system wiring problem. Only a licensed multi-family electrician should investigate and fix any of these issues. Untrained work can cause dangerous violations of the code.

Older Grading and Panels

If your building was built before the 1980's and has not received a full update in the electrical system, you could have a lot of danger lurking around the corner. Old aluminum wiring, fuse boxes, or ungrounded systems are inefficient and hazardous. 

As well, having an electrical system that does not meet the Los Angeles electrical code standards may leave you vulnerable to citations or insurance issues. An electric Los Angeles with experience in multi-family systems could do a full audit, make a recommendation for a safe and code-compliant upgrade.

Tenants Using Extension Cords Excessively

If tenants begin to use extension cords or power strips excessively, that typically means there aren't enough outlets to meet their needs. That indicates that the electrical system is outdated and not designed for current living situations. 

The overuse of temporary sources of power creates fire risk and/or can overload circuits. A multi-family electrician can help with safely creating more outlets, redistribute power loads, and making sure your tenants are not creating hazards simply out of need.

Conclusion

Electrical systems are the hidden lifelines of multi-family properties, and ignoring problems only compounds the risk. From fire hazards and code violations to tenant dissatisfaction and unexpected outages, the cost of inaction is far too high. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs discussed above, don’t wait for the situation to escalate.

For property owners and managers in the Los Angeles area, Langer Electric is the trusted name when it comes to safe, reliable, and code-compliant electrical services. With decades of experience in handling multi-family buildings of all sizes, our Multi-Family Electrician Los Angeles understands the intricacies of large-scale electrical systems and the unique challenges posed by Southern California infrastructure.