As homeowners, avoiding electrical problems is inevitable. Sooner or later, a plug can malfunction, or the circuit breaker can trip. You can even experience flickering lights from time to time. It is crucial to understand the most frequent electrical issues that arise in houses and how to resolve them.
It’s important to be aware of electrical problems as they are a safety hazard and can damage your home if you don’t fix them timely. If you keep ignoring electrical problems, you are also putting your family’s life in danger. This article covers common household electrical problems and how to fix them yourself.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
One of the most frequent electrical issues that homeowners deal with is a tripped circuit breaker. It happens when a circuit receives an excessive amount of current, tripping the breaker and cutting the power. The circuit breaker might trip for a number of reasons. These include overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning appliance.
To fix a tripping circuit breaker, first, try to identify the cause of the problem. If it is due to an overloaded circuit, unplug some devices and try resetting the breaker. If the problem continues, it can be because of a broken appliance or bad wiring. In this situation, it’s best to use an electrician’s services to resolve the problem.
Light Switch Problems
Light switches can start causing problems over time. Common light switch issues include the dimmer not working to dim the lights or the switch not turning the light on when clicked. While this is not a big problem, you cannot ignore it for long. Damaged or faulty light switches can cause frustration.
Light switch problems can be due to the excessive use of the switches, defective parts, the age of the switch, or an installation mistake. To find out if you have a light switch problem, first, ensure the light bulb works fine. Try it in another light fixture to check it. Then, check the power to the circuit by ensuring the circuit breaker is on and the outlet is working.
You can fix this problem easily by replacing the switches. If you can’t do it yourself, you should call a professional electrician to do it correctly.
Warm Outlets or Switches
Another common electrical problem in homes is the outlets or light switches getting warm to the touch. While it may seem trivial to most homeowners, it really isn’t. It indicates an underlying serious electrical problem that can lead to a house fire.
If you find that the outlets or switches in your home are warm to the touch, you should immediately call an electrician to fix the problem. It will probably involve changing the wiring or replacing the outlet.
You should also notice any kind of fishy smells coming from around the outlet and check them. If it is also warm to the touch, immediately turn off the breaker that powers the outlet or the switch and refrain from using it until the problem is resolved.
Electrical Shocks
Electrical shocks are another common electrical problem that can be a safety hazard. These can occur when there is a fault in the electrical system, and current flows through your body. Faulty wiring, damaged electrical cords, or improperly grounded appliances are all common reasons for electrical shocks.
To fix an electrical shock, first, turn off the power to the affected area and avoid touching any electrical devices. If you suspect the problem is due to faulty wiring or damaged electrical cords, call a licensed electrician. It is important never to attempt to fix electrical problems yourself, as it can be dangerous and potentially cause further damage.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are another common issue in homes that potentially signals a more serious issue. These can be caused by a variety of things, such as defective wiring, loose lightbulbs, or an issue with the electrical panel.
To fix flickering lights, first, try tightening the light bulb or replacing it with a new one. If the issue continues, it can be a problem with the electrical panel or bad wiring. To identify and resolve the problem in this situation, you must speak with a certified electrician.
Dead Outlets
Another common electrical problem in homes is a dead outlet. Dead outlets occur when an outlet no longer provides power to an electrical device. It can be due to many reasons, including a tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or a damaged outlet.
The first step in resolving outlet problems is to determine whether the outlet is switch-controlled. If it is, check to see if the switch is turned on. Try resetting the circuit breaker if the outlet still isn’t functional, though. If the issue continues, it can be the result of faulty wiring or a damaged outlet.
This is something you can’t fix on your own and will require the services of a professional electrician. They will help diagnose the root cause of the problem and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Electricity Dips and Surges
Electricity surges and dips can damage your home appliances and are a big problem. An electricity surge causes an increased current in the power lines to your home’s outlets. A sudden increase in power becomes the reason for the rapid on-off of appliances, which can reduce their lifespan.
Often, there is nothing much you can do about an electricity surge. It can be caused by a slip-up by the electric company, a lighting strike, or damage to the power line. You can install surge protectors to protect your appliances against electrical surges.
On the other hand, electricity dips are equally damaging to your home appliances. They are closely related to surges and cause brownouts. Electricity dips cause sporadic drops in electrical voltage that dim the lights for a short while until they regain brightness.
If your appliances are plugged into a faulty outlet, or they’re using too much electrical power from an outdated panel, chances are they are causing electric dips in voltage. In this case, the option is to call professional residential electrical contractors who can help fix the problem efficiently.
High Electrical Bills
High electrical bills are another common problem that homeowners face. The reason can be a number of factors, including inefficient appliances, air leaks, or faulty wiring. High electrical bills can be frustrating, but certain steps can allow you to reduce your energy usage and lower your bills.
To do this, consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. You can also seal air leaks and add insulation to your home to improve energy efficiency. You should contact a certified electrician if you believe the issue is caused by defective wiring. They will diagnose the problem, replace the wiring, or otherwise properly address it. A licensed electrician can also suggest practical ways to reduce your bill after an inspection.
End Word
Electrical problems are common in homes after a while. You should stay vigilant about the electrical unit and the signs of damage you might spot in wires. Moreover, be mindful of odd scents throughout the house, and if there are any, take action immediately. In this case, residential electrical contractors can help you diagnose electrical problems efficiently and resolve them quickly.