Power outages can occur due to various reasons – a small malfunction in the internal electrical system oran electrical maintenance issue. When a power shutdown happens at home, the first question is whether it is an internal electrical issue or not. You can check with your neighbors to know if it is an area wide issue. If the power outage is for your home only, then the next step is to identify whether the power supply is interrupted in all areas of the house or to a particular room or area only.
The common electrical problems in residential properties include overloaded breakers, short circuits, loose wiring, etc. If you have a basic understanding of electrical systems and supplies and know simple troubleshooting methods, you can fix it yourself. However, you should not compromise your safety. If you are doubtful, make sure you contact a certified electrician for troubleshooting the electrical issue. A small error in the electrical systems may lead to seriousproperty damage, injury or death
Let us take a look at the common electrical problems and how you can troubleshoot them.
Circuit overload
The electrical circuit includes wiring, a breaker, and anything plugged into an outlet. Every circuit will have a specific capacity that it can cope with. When the power consumption increases or when the circuit draws more electricity than its safe capacity, overload occurs. It will trip the breaker and the whole circuit shuts off.
To quickly fix the overloading issue, you can remove some appliances from the overloaded circuit. You can flip the circuit breaker back and reinstate the supply of power. However, it is a short-term solution. You can hire a professional electrician for fixing the issue permanently.
Faulty switch
Worried about a faulty electric switch? From substandard products to faulty installation, there are several possible reasons for the switch to malfunction. If the circuit cable is faulty, the switch may not function. If you cannot find the reason, it is better to call an electrician to fix it. In case you are replacing the switch, make sure you turn off the supply and take necessary safety precautions.
Electric shocks
The chance of electric shocks is less likely in modern electrical systems. If it is an old home, such electrical homes may occur frequently. Sometimes you may experience electrical shocks when you switch on or off particular appliances. Here the reason could be either the appliance or the wiring. You can connect the appliance to another switchboard or plug a different device into the switch to see if you have the same problem. Even if the shocks are mild, they should not be left unattended. If you are in doubt, make sure you seek assistance from professional electricians.
An unexpected surge in power bills
If you are worried about an unexpected surge in the power charges without any reason you know of, the issue might be in the electrical system. For example, damages in wiring or circuits may lead to higher power usage. Sometimes the electrical appliances may get outdated and use more power to function. Otherwise, it could be a leakage in the electrical system that causes a surge in power bills. To troubleshoot the issue, you can install energy-efficient devices. You can keep the appliances unplugged when it is not in use. You can connect to a reliable electrician if you cannot find out the reason behind the surge.
Tripping circuits
A circuit breaker is a safety tool used in electrical systems which automatically shuts off the power supply when there is an overload. When you switch on high-power-consuming appliances, there is a good chance for the circuit to trip. However, if circuit breakers are frequently tripping, it is not a good sign. You can reduce the number of appliances that are connected to the same power source. If the issue is repeating, you should consult a professional electrician to resolve the issue.
Frequent burnouts of light bulbs
If the light bulbs in your home are burning out frequently, it could be a problem with the electrical system. From an imbalance in the air circulation to bad wiring, light bulbs burn out due to different reasons. If the wattage is too high, it can cause bulb burnout. Sometimes the bulb might be fixed very tightly. You can fix it yourself if the holder is too loose or the bulb is fixed tightly. If you can’t find the root cause, it is better to hire a professional electrician.
Backstabbed wires
Backstabbed wires are potentially dangerous and should be handled with care. Ideally, you should not keep backstabbed wires. It is a short-cut method that is not recommended by professional electricians. It exposes live wires, which may cause electrocution when touched. If you have backstabbed wires in your home, you should take steps to remove them. Make sure you switch off the power supply before touching the wire. The best way is to get it fixed by a professional electrician.
Replace aluminum wires
Aluminum wires were commonly used in electrical systems instead of copper wires. It is not safe to install aluminum wires anymore, as the metal is prone to corrosion. When it comes in contact with combustible materials, it may quickly catch fire leading to potential damage to the property. If you have aluminum wiring in your home, make sure you get it replaced with copper wires with the help of a licensed residential electrician.
Quick and professional electrical troubleshooting on Siesta Key!
Regardless of the complexity of the work, fixing any issue in the electrical system calls for extra safety precautions. It is highly recommended to hire a licensed and dependable electrician for fixing electrical issues.
If you need prompt and professional electrical repair or maintenance service, you can rely on our expert electricians at Siesta Key Electric. We are a call away to deliver first-rate services at affordable rates. Feel free to get in touch with our team today!