Electrical troubleshooting and maintenance are necessary to keep your home or business up and running. Something as routine as replacing a light fixture can be hazardous if done incorrectly. It\’s important to understand what elements you\’re responsible for and what an electrical contractor should handle.
Signs of Problems in Electrical Troubleshooting
Most people turn on the light switch every morning, expecting it to work. Electricity is one of those things that\’s easy to take for granted.
Imagine you notice a lamp flickering in an office during your morning inspection. At first, it might just seem like a minor annoyance. You may try unplugging the lamp and plugging it into a different outlet. Or, maybe you replace the bulb. After a few more attempts at DIY fixes and a few hours later, you might start to realize that the flickering light is a sign of a bigger problem lurking behind the wall. If electrical troubleshooting is leaving you unsure of what to do next, it\’s time to call an electrician.
Recognizing the signs of potential issues in your electrical system can help avoid unexpected outages or even fires. The following are a few of the common problems you may notice around your property.
Buzzing
If you hear buzzing coming from your fixtures, outlets, or walls, that\’s a sign that something is wrong. Some causes might be frayed wiring or lose prongs. It\’s best to leave the electrical troubleshooting to a professional to identify the source and fully resolve the problem.
Dimming and Flickering Lights
Lights draw electricity to run. If they\’re dimming and flickering like a 1970s disco, they\’re probably not getting a stable amount of energy. Sometimes high-energy users like AC units, laundry machines, and even vacuums can cause lights to dim or flicker. Although a brief dim may be normal, it\’s best to talk to an electrician to see if there\’s a bigger issue brewing within your wires.
Hot Outlets
If your wall outlet feels hot, it may be wired incorrectly. The first step to electrical troubleshooting is to carefully unplug anything from the outlet. Next, contact an electrician to explain the situation and see if it\’s an issue with the item you had plugged in or with the wiring.
Sparking
If you notice sparks coming from your wall socket, contact an electrician immediately. This is definitely a cause for concern and should be looked at with urgency.
Tripped Breakers and Blown Fuses
Tripped breakers and blown fuses are annoying. However, they\’re designed to protect your electrical system from overloading. If one particular item, such as a crockpot, is always resetting the outlet it could be an issue with the appliance. If using one particular outlet always trips the breaker, it could be an issue with the wiring. An electrician will be able to determine how to fix the overloaded circuit.
Find a Reliable Electrical Troubleshooting Partner
Each year hundreds of homes and commercial buildings experience fires due to electrical malfunction or failure. Watching for signs electrical problems, regular maintenance, and having a reliable electrician are the keys to keeping everyone safe.
For help with electrical troubleshooting and maintenance, contact the professionals at Turn It On Electric today.
