Do you know what to do when you experience electrical problems?
All homeowners need to know how to handle house electrical issues. It can become dangerous very quickly if unattended. Electrical issues can also be expensive if left to an unqualified and inexperienced technician. Learning how to identify the problem is a key skill to master.
Here are five electrical problems that you must be aware of. Read along for some home maintenance tips!
1. Flickering Lights Electrical Problems
Flickering lights are one of the most common electrical problems homeowners experience. It is important to address this issue as soon as you notice it, as it could be a sign of bad wiring or an overloaded circuit.
An unstable electrical connection between a switch and the fixture can be the source of the issue. Loosely connected electrical wires and a dimmer switch installed incorrectly can also be the source. If you are uncomfortable with attempting to fix this on your own, contact an electrician so they can diagnose the issue and help you repair it.
2. Buzzing or Clicking Sounds
Buzzing or clicking sounds may be caused by loose electrical wiring or faulty circuit breakers. The buzzing or clicking may be coming from:
- Light Switch
- Light Fixtures
- An Outlet
- An Electrical Appliance
- A Loose Connection
- Wear and Tear
- A Frayed Wire
If a light switch isn’t the cause, then the issue is likely to be a circuit breaker issue. A qualified electrician will be able to fix it.
3. Tripped Circuit Breakers
The circuit breaker acts like a switch that automatically turns off the affected circuit. Homeowners may identify a tripped circuit breaker when a light switch does not work, an appliance does not turn on, or an unexpected flickering occurs.
When an overload has occurred, the breaker will trip and shut off power to that circuit. The homeowner can reset the tripped circuit breaker by switching it off and then back on. If the circuit trips again, contact an electrician to resolve the issue.
4. Wiring Problems
Faulty wiring installations can cause arcing or sparking, leading to dangerous overheating or even fires. Wiring problems can also cause electrical shocks or signs that the circuits are overloaded, such as dim lights, flickering lights, and blown fuses.
To help reduce the problems with wiring, it is important to use the right type and size of wire and to properly secure it. Install circuit breakers and fuses that are appropriately rated for the amount of electrical load in your home.
5. Blown Fuses
Blown fuses occur when the circuit has overloaded due to an appliance with too much power, or a short circuit. Replacing the fuse is the easy part. Troubleshooting the root cause of the blown fuse is the challenge.
Unplug appliances one at a time until the blown fuse no longer occurs. Ensure that all wiring is firmly secured, and that cords and fixtures are not frayed.
Ensure Your Home Safety
Electrical problems are a common issue for home maintenance. Homeowners should take extra caution to check their wiring and appliances. Consult a professional electrician to make sure the job is safe and correct.
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