When left unchecked for too long, common household electrical problems such as a frayed wire or a tripped circuit breaker can cause serious issues. Therefore, it’s critical that you understand what these issues are, the signs of a potential problem and how to fix them quickly.
1) An Outlet Is Warm to the Touch
If an outlet is warm to the touch, it could mean that the wires behind it are overheating. Too much heat could result in an electrical fire, which can cause significant damage to walls, insulation and other parts of your house. You can fix the issue by turning off the circuit to that switch and calling for help.
2) Lights Don’t Shine Consistently
Lights that are either too bright or too dim can be a sign of an improper connection resulting in electrical surges. Over time, the surges can damage wires and cause sparks or a fire. To resolve the issue, make sure that the bulbs are the right size and wattage for the light fixtures that they are attached to.
3) Bulbs Don’t Last Long Enough
A bulb will last for about 40,000 hours under normal operating conditions. If a bulb goes before then, you might have a loose socket or other loose connections inside of the light fixture. In some cases, you may be able to fix the issue by putting in a bulb rated for the fixture it’s attached to. Otherwise, you may need to call for assistance to deal with a socket defect.
4) A Bulb Overheats
It’s possible that a bulb will become hot to the touch when left on for several hours or days at a time. However, if you notice that it’s hot after a few minutes, it may mean that you have a problem called overlamping. This may be another problem that you can resolve by changing out the bulb for one that is properly rated. Otherwise, the overlamping is a symptom of a potentially hazardous issue that a professional will need to diagnose.
5) Electrical Shocks
A faulty wire or outlet may create conditions that lead to an electric shock when you try to plug something into that outlet. The best way to fix the problem is to inspect these two items if you can do so safely. However, it’s often best to allow a professional to inspect and replace any wires that are frayed or otherwise damaged.
6) A Light Switch Stops Working
A faulty light switch could be caused by improper installation or old age. Of course, it could also be caused by wiring issues or other hazards that you can’t see at first glance. If there are issues with the circuit breaker or other switches in your home, call a professional for help with a potential wiring issue.
7) Circuit Breaker Constantly Trips
The circuit breaker will trip when there is too much energy going through it at one time. This is done to ensure that it doesn’t completely fry the circuit or cause a fire in the electrical panel. The most likely solution to the problem is to upgrade the panel or add a new circuit to account for the extra load being placed on the electrical grid in your home.
8) You Notice Power Surges
Tripped circuits aren’t the only sign that there are electrical surges in your home. You may also notice that the lights dim or flicker when you turn on the washing machine or turn on the air conditioner. Possible solutions to this issue include having a contractor replace wires or other components that are designed to help electricity flow safely through your home.
9) Plugs Won’t Go Into Outlets
Over time, an outlet or plug can become warped or otherwise misshapen. While an inability to plug something into an outlet isn’t a massive issue by itself, it can result in secondary problems. For instance, an arc or a spark caused by the loose connection may ignite dust, wood or other nearby materials on the floor. The solution to this issue is to have the outlet replaced, and you may also want to have the plug checked as well.
10) Your Electric Bill is Unusually High
Faulty wires, outlets or lights can mean that your home is using more energy than it should. In addition, older HVAC components or appliances may use more energy than those made today, which could explain the issue. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to unplug appliances when not in use, have your home’s electrical system checked and call your electric provider for assistance.
If you are having issues with your home’s electrical system, don’t hesitate to call the team at Mister Sparky today. Our goal is to provide you with timely, affordable and professional service without any malarky or other types of foolishness included.
