10 Common Electrical Problems Homeowners Should Never Ignore
As a homeowner, it’s easy to take electricity for granted. You flip a switch or plug in an appliance and expect everything to work perfectly. However, the truth is that there are several common electrical problems that homeowners should be aware of. Ignoring these issues can lead to serious safety hazards, from electrical shocks to house fires.
In this post, we’ll discuss ten common electrical problems that homeowners should always pay attention to and what steps they can take to address them.
Overloaded circuits
An overloaded circuit occurs when too much electrical current flows through the wires. This can happen if you have too many appliances or electronics plugged into a single circuit or use devices that draw a lot of power, such as space heaters or hair dryers. An overloaded circuit can cause the circuit breaker to trip, but if it doesn’t, it can lead to overheating and a potential fire hazard.
Be mindful of how many devices you use on a single circuit to prevent an overloaded circuit. Consider spreading out high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms. If you notice that the circuit breaker is frequently tripping, it might be time to have an electrician come out and assess the situation.
Electrical surges
An electrical surge occurs when there’s a sudden increase in electrical current. This can happen when lightning strikes, but it can also be caused by electrical devices turning on and off. Electrical surges can damage electronics and appliances and even start fires.
Consider installing surge protectors on your electronic devices and appliances to prevent electrical surges. These devices absorb excess electrical current and prevent it from damaging your electronics.
Damaged wiring
Damaged wiring is a serious fire hazard. Wires can become damaged over time due to wear and tear rodent activity, or physical damage. Signs of damaged wiring include frayed or exposed wires, burning smells, and flickering lights.
If you suspect that you have damaged wiring, it’s important to call a licensed electrician from www.proelectricianbrisbane.com or any other company immediately. They can assess the situation and repair or replace any damaged wires.
Electrical shocks
Electrical shocks occur when you come into contact with an electrical current. They can be mild or severe and cause serious injury or even death. Electrical shocks can occur if you touch a live wire, an appliance or device is damaged, or your home’s wiring is faulty.
To prevent electrical shocks, always turn off the power to any devices or appliances before attempting to repair or replace them. If you notice a tingling sensation or a shock when touching an appliance or device, stop using it immediately and call a licensed electrician.
Tripped circuit breakers
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical fires by shutting off the power to a circuit if it becomes overloaded. Overloaded circuits, faulty breakers, or wiring issues could cause your circuit breaker to trip frequently.
Spread high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms to prevent tripped circuit breakers. If your circuit breaker is frequently tripping, calling a licensed electrician to assess the situation is important.
Flickering lights
Flickering lights can indicate damaged wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a faulty switch. While it might be tempting to ignore flickering lights, they can be a sign of a serious electrical issue.
To prevent flickering lights, replace any damaged bulbs or switches. If the problem persists, calling a licensed electrician to assess the situation is important.
Outlets not working
If an outlet in your home stops working, it could be a sign of a larger issue. Outlets can stop working due to damaged wiring, a tripped circuit, or a faulty outlet. It’s important to address this issue promptly, as a malfunctioning outlet can pose a serious safety hazard.
To prevent outlets from not working:
- Be mindful of how many devices you’re using on a single circuit.
- If you notice an outlet has stopped working, try resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the outlet.
- If the problem persists, call a licensed electrician to assess the situation.
Warm outlets or switches
Warm outlets or switches can indicate an overloaded circuit or damaged wiring. If you notice that an outlet or switch is warm to the touch, addressing the issue promptly is important, as it can pose a serious safety hazard.
Spread high-powered devices across different circuits or rooms to prevent warm outlets or switches. When an outlet or switch feels warm to the touch, turn off the circuit and call a licensed electrician to fix the problem.
Burning smells
Burning smells can indicate damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances. If you notice a burning smell in your home, addressing the issue promptly is important, as it can pose a serious safety hazard.
Be mindful of how many devices you use on a single circuit to prevent burning smells. The moment you notice a burning smell, shut off the power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician.
Old electrical panels
If your home has an older electrical panel, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, safer model. Older electrical panels can be a fire hazard, as they’re not equipped to handle the electrical demands of modern homes.
Consider replacing an older electrical panel with a newer, safer model to prevent issues. This can help prevent electrical fires and other safety hazards.
In conclusion, homeowners should always pay attention to several common electrical problems. From overloaded circuits to damaged wiring, these issues can pose serious safety hazards if left unaddressed. You can keep your home and family safe from electrical hazards by being mindful of these issues and working with a licensed electrician.