Common Electrical Problems in Homes

Holtzople's electrical technician Braxton fixing electrical problems

Here’s a fun scenario: The rain is coming down outside. You and your family decide it’s a great opportunity to have a movie night. You prepare the popcorn, plop down on the couch, and choose a movie. Halfway through, right in the middle of a dramatic scene, everything goes dark. And we don’t mean in the movie. We mean in your home. Your power has gone out. Because the universe has a sense of humor, there’s a loud thunderclap outside to really drive it home. It’s probably time to take care of those electrical problems…

But what causes electrical problems? With such a complex network of wires running all throughout the walls of your home, it can be tough to pinpoint the issue. We can help you out a bit, though, with some details on common household electrical problems. Let’s have a look at these potential issues and see how our residential electrical services can keep you safe.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

In many instances of a power outage, a circuit has been overloaded. We can’t tell you how many calls we’ve shown up to, just to discover three power strips, each with every outlet occupied, connected to a single circuit. Thank goodness for circuit breakers. They’re designed to cut power when they’re being overloaded. Without them, you may have an electrical fire on your hands.

If a circuit breaker is tripping frequently, first try some basic electrical troubleshooting. Be on the lookout for an abundance of outlets in use, faulty appliances, or wiring problems. Try unplugging and redistributing appliances to see if the issue is resolved. If you suspect faulty wiring, you may need the help of a certified electrician. We’ve got you covered there!

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights can be a minor inconvenience at best, and a serious wiring issue at worst. Loose bulbs and minor power fluctuations may cause the occasional flicker, but be on the lookout for widespread flickering that could spell trouble. It could mean loose connections or overloaded circuits—which are difficult to resolve when you can’t just move a device with a plug off the circuit. Should you need help, you know where to go for professional residential electrical services.

Electrical Surges

Typically lasting just a fraction of a second, electrical surges could be the result of a few things:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Power lines issues
  • Lightning strikes

Though they’re brief, they can do some serious damage to your appliances—especially if they happen over and over. This is where quality surge protectors come in handy. We highly suggest investing in them, because you’re not going to be too happy when your 65” television gets toasted.

Outlets Not Working

Sometimes, you may come across one or several outlets around your house that simply don’t work. You test out several appliances that work elsewhere, but the problem doesn’t go away. What gives? Your first order of business is to make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped. If that’s not the culprit, it’s a different issue entirely. You should give us a call if the issue persists. Before making the call, however, inspect all your other outlets to get a feel for how widespread the issue is. Let’s get those outlets working!

It’s important to note that some of your outlets may be GFCI outlets—identified by two buttons between the outlets. If these are the ones giving you trouble, use the buttons to reset them and see if your issue has been resolved.

Warm or Sparking Outlets

Nonfunctioning outlets are one thing, but if they’re warm or sparking, it can be a sign of serious electrical problems that pose significant risk to your safety. Poor wiring, overloaded circuits, or internal damage in the outlets themselves are all possible culprits of this fire hazard. If you notice these symptoms, immediate action is essential! Stop using the outlet right away and consult a certified electrician as soon as possible. Keep in mind that an outlet doesn’t need to be sparking to be a risk. If you notice a burning smell or a “sizzling” noise, take action right away.

Conclusion

Addressing electrical problems quickly is important to having an efficient—and safe—home. By staying on top of potential problems, you can take action before minor inconveniences become major concerns. If you want your electrical system to be safe and efficient, we recommend working with a trusted electrician to perform electrical troubleshooting and improve your wiring, devices, and appliances. We just so happen to have the electrical expertise to get the job done, so give us a call!

Now that your mind is at ease, you can go finish your movie night without interruption.