Top 6 Common Electrical Problems

Electrical systems in homes are complex systems composed of many interconnected components. The wiring in walls, the circuit breakers, outlets, and electrical fixtures are enough to concern homeowners, but older homes could also have outdated wiring and materials. These are all common electrical problems  from flickering lights to a full-blown housefire, faulty components, electrical wiring, and old materials can cause problems.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most common electrical problems that occur in homes.

When troubleshooting electrical problems, always exercise extreme caution. It is always advisable to hired licensed electrician to rewire switches, outlets, circuit breakers, junction boxes, and mounted electrical fixtures.

Outlets that are loose.

A receptacle or outlet’s contacts wear down over time, which makes it easier for plugs or cords to slip out. Not only is this a nuisance, but it is also quite dangerous. When a contact is loose, electricity can jump from one point to another, causing an arc. As dust, wood, and other in-wall debris can catch fire from an arc, arcing is a significant fire hazard.

Over-Lamping.

The term “over-lamping” describes fitting a light fixture with a bulb with a higher wattage than its intended power. People often underestimate the danger of this. Hot bulbs can damage sockets and adjacent wiring in fixtures. As a result, arcing can occur, which in turn can cause a fire.

Absence of GFCIs.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet can detect minor changes in electrical current in an outlet. When human contact or water exposure occurs, the device can shut down the power. It is simply safer to use GFCI outlets than conventional outlets.

Coverless Junction Boxes.

High-voltage electrical wiring is connected through junction boxes. Despite the use of plastic clips and electrical tape, these splices pose a risk of electrocution.

Switches that are faulty.

There are a number of reasons why on/off and dimmable switches may fail. Possibly there is loose wiring, arcing, or the plastic pieces are worn out. Whatever the case may be, it is best to repair the switch to avoid a dangerous situation.

Panels that are over-wired.

Over-wiring occurs when a panel is wired to more circuits than it can handle. It can cause problems with your circuit breaker, or a problem with your fuse box in older homes.

If you are experiencing any electrical problems in your homes then visit Blessed Electric today for an expert to come out and help with any service needed!

Electrical Wiring Problems: Signs and Symptoms

Have Electrical Wiring problems? After you read this they could be solved in a Jiffy!

1. Flickering or Dimming lights. 

The light fixture itself is rarely the cause of dimming or flickering since it draws so little power.
More likely, the problem lies with energy hogs like major appliances and space heaters.
Dimming may be caused by a washing machine drawing current to heat water. Make sure
lighting is moved to a different circuit, or dedicated lines are installed for major appliances, by
consulting an electrician.

2. Strange Odors. 

When a new appliance is powered up for the first time, it may produce an off-odor. However, if
you detect an unusual odor emanating from an outlet, please turn it off and unplug any devices
connected to it. Consult a qualified DFW electrician before using it again. Call an Dallas electrician right
away if you smell something strange coming from your fuse box or breaker panel.

3. Sparking.

It’s never good to see this. Depending on where it comes from, you’ll have to handle it
differently. Get an Arlington electrician in if your breaker panel, fuse box, electrical wiring or outlet is sparking. It’s possible
that a sparking appliance is caused by a damaged fixture, so call an appliance repair person. It’s
usually possible for him to test the appliance and the outlet too.

4. Outlets or Switch plates that are hot. 

You may feel a switch plate warm, but if it’s unbearably hot, unplug it and try it in another outlet. There may be a problem with the wiring if the outlet becomes hot even when there is nothing plugged into it. Until your system
can be repaired, contact an DFW electrician, who may suggest flipping the breaker or removing the
fuse for that outlet.

5. Frequent Blowing of Fuses or Tripping of Breakers. 

A circuit breaker or fuse is designed to fail if it is overloaded in order to protect the circuit from
damage. Vacuum cleaners or hair dryers that trip breaker regardless of where they’re plugged in
are likely to be the culprit. However, if you repeatedly blow the same fuse while using a single
outlet, the circuit may be overloaded. Get in touch with a pro to discuss upgrading the circuit or
adding another line.

6. A Buzzing Sound. 

In general, electricity flows smoothly and quietly between connections. However, loose prongs,
outlets, or fraying wire can result in a buzzing sound when the current jumps. The sound you
hear could be coming from an outlet, so stop using it and call an Fort Worth electrician if you are certain it is
coming from there.