5 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Add Style and Efficiency

From flickering lights to buzzing outlets, electrical problems can be more than just annoying—they can pose serious safety risks. At Landmark Electric, we’ve repaired thousands of home wiring issues across Troy, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and the greater Metro Detroit area. Here are the most common problems we see and how to recognize the warning signs before they become dangerous. 1. Flickering or Dimming Lights If your lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on, it could signal a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or an aging electrical panel. This is one of the most common calls we receive across Oakland and Macomb counties. When to call: If the flickering is frequent or affects multiple rooms, contact a licensed electrician immediately. 2. Warm or Discolored Outlets Outlets that are warm to the touch, scorched, or discolored may indicate overheating or faulty wiring behind the wall—a serious fire hazard. When to call: Right away. This is a major red flag and should be inspected by a professional ASAP. 3. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells If you hear a buzzing noise from a switch or smell burning plastic, shut off power to that area and call an electrician. These issues are often caused by arcing or loose wire connections inside your walls. 4. Frequently Tripping Breakers Are your circuit breakers tripping often—especially when using appliances like microwaves or space heaters? This could be due to overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or a faulty breaker. Tip: Modern homes require more amperage. If you live in an older home in Troy, MI, your panel may need an upgrade. 5. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets Older homes built before the 1960s may still have two-pronged outlets. These are not grounded and offer limited protection against shocks or surges—especially around water sources like kitchens and bathrooms. Solution: We recommend upgrading to GFCI-protected, grounded outlets for your safety. 6. Extension Cord Overuse If you’re using extension cords or power strips daily, it’s likely a sign that your home doesn’t have enough outlets or circuits. This overuse can strain your system and increase fire risk. Tip: Our team can safely install additional circuits and outlets where you need them most. 7. Aluminum Wiring (Older Homes) Homes built in the 1960s and 70s may contain aluminum wiring, which expands and contracts, causing loose connections over time. It can increase the risk of arcing and electrical fires. Solution: Have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring. We offer safe rewiring and aluminum-to-copper retrofits.