Electrical issues happen all the time in households, and they can be frustrating to deal with. From flickering lights to tripping safety switches and circuit breakers, these problems not only disrupt our daily routine but also pose a safety hazard.
In this blog post, we will discuss the five most common household electrical issues and what you should do about them. You should always be hiring a professional electrician for any electrical repairs you need, however understanding these problems will enable you to make informed decisions when it comes to your home's electrical system.
1) Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are not only annoying but also a sign of an underlying electrical issue. The most common cause of flickering lights is a loose bulb or connection.
How to fix flickering lights? If it's a loose or faulty light bulb, obviously you can easily fix this yourself by swapping out the light bulb for a new one. However if it's a loose wire connection or worn out light fitting, you need professional help from an electrical contractor.
If the problem persists after swapping out the light bulb, it's likely due to faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. In such cases, call a licensed electrician to inspect and fix the issue.
2) Tripping Safety Switches and Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical overloads. However, if your safety switch trips frequently, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty appliance.
How to fix tripping safety switches?
If your safety switch keeps tripping, the issue might be a newly connected electrical appliance. To see if the issue is an appliance such as a new fridge, or an older appliance on the way out, try unplugging the appliance, then turn the safety switch back on. If this doesn't fix this issue, it could be due to a faulty circuit breaker or another issue with your switchboard, and it will need to be repaired.
3) Dead Outlets
If an outlet in your home is not working, this can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue. However, it is important to address the problem immediately as it could be a sign of a larger electrical issue.
How to fix dead power outlet?
The first thing to check is whether it has tripped its own circuit breaker. To do this, first, turn off all appliances that are connected to the outlet, then find any safety switches that may have flicked off on the switchboard.
The problem may have been one of the appliances that was plugged into it and that appliance is now a hazard. You can determine which appliance may have been the culprit by process of elimination. To do this, one by one start plugging in suspect appliances into another working outlet and seeing if they also trip the power. If you do find that an electrical appliance to be the cause, obviously you can no longer use or plug in that appliance as it's faulty and needs repair or proper disposal.
If this does not solve the issue, it could be due to faulty wiring or a malfunctioning outlet. In such cases, you will need to contact an electrician for further inspection and repairs.
Plugging in faulty electrical appliances is a hazard and can cause overheating outlets, which can cause a house fire!
4) Overloaded Circuits
This problem can be related to number 3. An overloading a circuit is a frequent issue, especially in older homes. It happens when you plug too many appliances into one circuit, causing it to trip or even worse, cause an electrical fire.
How to fix overloaded circuits?
To prevent this problem, make sure you distribute your appliances across different circuits and powerpoints and avoid using extension cords for heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners.
If you don’t have enough power points in your home, you can have new power outlets installed to cater to your appliances and choose where you need them to be.
5) Light Switches Not Working
If your light switch isn't working despite having a functional bulb, it could be due to a faulty switch or frayed wiring. You might hear electricity sparking as you flick the switch, but the lights don't turn on. This is probably a bad switch with either poor connection or damaged wires.
How to fix light switches?
Due to the nature of this kind of repair, fixing a light switch is against the law unless you are a qualified electrician with a current license. Replacing a light switch is a relatively inexpensive fix and easy for us professionals. This is something that you should get sorted promptly as it's a potential hazard.
Electrical Repairs Prevention - More Tips and Advice!
Understanding these common household electrical issues can save you time, money, and potential safety hazards. Remember, prevention is better than cure when it comes to your home's electrical system. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your wiring and appliances can save you from dealing with these issues in the first place.
You can have your homes electrical system inspected with an electrical safety check which is a standard service that all electricians will provide. In fact, for rental providers it is mandatory to have routine electrical safety checks performed every 2 years.
It's also essential to hire a licensed electrician for any major electrical work or upgrades in your home.
In conclusion, by being aware of these common household electrical issues, you can ensure the safety and functionality of your home's electrical system.
Stay safe and informed, and always seek professional help if needed.
Additional Tips for Electrical Safety:
Don't keep trying to turn your safety switches on if they keep tripping. It means something is wrong and it needs an inspection by an expert!
Use surge protectors to prevent damage to your appliances during power surges.
Regularly check for frayed wires or damaged outlets and have them replaced immediately.
Avoid using electrical cords that are too long or have multiple connections plugged into it.
Educate yourself on the basics of electrical safety to prevent accidents.
Remember, electricity is not something to be taken lightly, so always prioritise safety first.
Any help that you need with any of these electrical issues, we are here!
Comments