It seems like things always tend to go wrong at the worst possible time. Whether you’re in the middle of a family dinner or entertaining guests at a holiday party, you simply don’t have the time or energy to deal with electrical problems. Of course, it helps to know the causes of common electrical problems so that you can easily address them. Here are a few tips to troubleshooting common electrical problems.
1. Outlets stopped working.
Check to see if there’s a surge protector on the outlet. If the surge protector isn’t tripped, then check the breaker box. If you don’t see any tripped breakers, then you could have loose wiring in the outlet.
Switch the circuit breaker to that outlet OFF to prevent electrocution. Remove the cover plate and reattach loose wires to the terminals on the side of the receptacle.
2. Overlamping.
This is a problem that occurs when a high wattage bulb is used in a low wattage light fixture. The heat from the bulb can melt the wires in the fixture and lead to a dangerous arc and even fire. Be sure to only use bulbs that are rated for the fixture.
3. Flickering lights.
If your indoor lights flicker every time it’s windy outside, then you could have frayed wires in the outdoor fitting. Flickering lights are a potential fire hazard and should be fixed by utility companies for little to no charge.
4. Not enough outlets.
Older homes are not equipped to handle modern power needs, so many homeowners resort to using power strips and extension cords, placing a heavy strain on the home’s electrical system. The appropriate solution to this problem is to install more outlets.
5. Overloaded circuits.
Plugging in too many high wattage devices could trip the breakers and overwhelm the home’s electrical system. Homeowners that need to plug in a large entertainment center with multiple power cables should consider unplugging electrical devices that are not used on a regular basis and avoid plugging in all devices at one outlet.
6. Light bulbs burn out quickly.
There are a few reasons why light bulbs don’t last as long as they should. Loose wires within the circuit, damaged filaments, and frequently turning on the light will affect the lifespan of the light bulb. Consider using a better brand of light bulb to prevent bulbs from burning out quickly.