Electrical problems can thrust homeowners back into the 19th century, living with no lights, heat, electricity or television.

All of that can be avoided, of course, if you are smart about using electricity and know the warning signs of potential problems. Here are some clear indications it is time to call in a professional electrician.

•  Flickering fights and outlets that are warm

It is not uncommon — especially in houses with antiquated wiring — to notice lights dimming when there is a sudden draw on power from large systems or appliances. Too many outlets on one fuse or breaker or loose wiring could be the culprit. Also be on the lookout for outlets that are warm to the touch. These are caused by overheated wiring, which can lead to a fire and the destruction of a home. If an outlet is warm, hit the breaker switch for the affected area and call an electrician pronto.

•  Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses

Electrical service boxes are generally located in a utility room or basement. Flipping a breaker switch or replacing a fuse is a simple matter, but finding the root of the problem is not always so easy. A professional electrician is the best bet in these situations because they will be able to help determine if the problem is improper grounding, a broken connection or overloaded circuitry.

•  Brown out or partial loss of power

This is a problem that could come from inside or out. A loose wire from the utility pole to your home or a malfunctioning breaker box within the house are the two most likely culprits. Call the power company first because an electrical fire is possible if not corrected. The local utility company will be able to quickly isolate the problem and either make a repair or let you know the services of an electrician are needed.

•  Overloading your limited number of sockets

If a home was built prior to the 1950s and it has not been rewired, chances are the outlets will be of the two-prong variety (non-grounded), and there may be as few as only one or two to a room. For many people on a budget, that means using extension cords or multi-plug adaptors. The problem is, too many appliances on one circuit can lead to a host of bad endings: overheated wiring, blown fuses or thrown breaker switches and electrical fires. If the outlets are not grounded, and plugs are being overloaded, call an electrician before everything goes up in flames.

•  The dangers of do-it-yourself projects

Rewiring lamps or replacing the power cord on your dryer is not rocket science, and most people can handle these simple tasks. Before taking on a seemingly mundane project like this, though, always make sure the master breaker is in the off position. Double check by attempting to turn on lights or appliances throughout the house to make sure there is no current flowing. Remember, you’re working with electricity, which can lead to serious burns and even death so do not attempt to take on a project beyond your skill level — that’s what the professionals are for.

There are a lot of jack-of-all-trades out there who will do just about anything to make a buck. Many of them may have the basic knowledge for simple electrical work. When it is time to get the job done right, though, it’s always best to call a pro.

But how to find a reliable electrician? For a start, get recommendations from friends and fellow homeowners who have dealt with electrical problems in the past. But do not let the research end there — make sure the electrician is licensed and has the proper permits for the job. Also, do not hesitate to inquire about previous work experience.

David Moore writes for www.Kudzu.com, a site that helps homeowners plan projects, solve problems and find highly rated contractors.