Common Electrical Problems & What to Do
Be on the lookout for these common electrical issues that can arise in your residential or commercial building.
We use electricity every day. It’s become an integral part of our lives. What do you do when you don’t have electricity? Usually wait for the power company to get it back on, right? But, what if you don’t have electricity and there isn’t a power outage in your area? Call an electrician and try to find the problem. It’s surprising how often electrical problems can occur and how small issues can develop into larger complications quickly. You can avoid most small electrical problems with regular maintenance to your system. It will also help you detect problems early on so they won’t snowball into larger ones.
Be on the lookout for these common electrical issues that can arise in your residential or commercial building.
1. Burnt Out Bulbs
Burnt bulbs are annoying and it’s easy to leave them with the intention of changing them at another time. Don’t. Change out burnt light bulbs as quickly as you can, but you’ll also want to keep track of how frequently you’re changing them. Of course all light bulbs have a lifespan, but if yours are burning out frequently there may be an issue with a loose connection in the socket or even the circuit. If you find that you have to frequently change light bulbs, it is best to get hold of a licensed electrician who can do an inspection to identify the problem.
2. Lights that Flicker
It’s not uncommon for lights to flicker, there are a number of reasons why they do. However, one of the most common reasons for flickering lights is a weak connection in the socket or a faulty bulb. While you might be tempted to put up with the flickering. Don’t. Oftentimes replacing the bulb will fix the problem, but if the flickering persists it’s time to hire a licensed electrician to do some investigating.
3. Dead Outlets
Dead outlets are more than just annoying, they could indicate a serious problem. The fix could be as easy as resetting a tripped circuit breaker or replacing a blown fuse. Another reason could be that the receptacle is worn out. No matter what the cause it’s best to have a licensed electrician investigate and fix it accordingly.
4. Fixtures and/or Switches that Stay Warm
Fixtures and/or switches that stay warm after being turned off are a big safety concern and could result in an electrical fire. Unfortunately, this problem is often overlooked and easy to ignore. Common causes include switches being overloaded, switches failing, or faulty wiring. It is important to note that dimmer switches can be warm at times but should never feel too hot. Fixtures and/or switches that are abnormally warm should be troubleshot by a licensed electrician.
5. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Breakers trip when a circuit draws too much power at a given time. It’s designed with this purpose in order to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excessive current. However, if the breaker is tripping frequently there may be a more serious problem. Older breakers that haven’t had regular maintenance could put your building or residence at risk of an electrical fire. If your breaker is constantly tripping then it’s time to call a licensed electrician to diagnose the problem.
Maintenance is Very Important
These are only a few common problems that may result in larger, potentially dangerous and costly problems if left unaddressed. You should have regular inspections and maintenance checks on your building or residence in order to prevent these issues from developing and to help you identify any potential problems. Maintenance ensures the safety of your home or commercial building by detecting loose parts, faulty connections, exposure to moisture and other potential electrical hazards.
Please remember that trying to fix an electrical problem by yourself may be more costly and potentially dangerous. Please call a licensed electrician when it comes to electrical problems. Regular maintenance is important because addressing small problems will help you prevent larger problems.
