Solutions to Common Electrical Problems
Electrical issues can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your electrical panels are in need of upgrades, or due to a power surge. Regardless of the reason, it’s important you understand that even minor electrical issues need professional electrical contractors to perform proper repairs.
Flickering lights, damaged appliances, and high electricity bills are all signs of electrical issues on your home’s circuit. If your property is experiencing electrical issues, don’t hesitate to contact a certified electrician right away.
Let’s look at some common electrical problems and solutions homeowners should be aware of today.
1. No GFCIs
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a device that acts to prevent electric shocks. Your property can sometimes be fitted with faulty GFCIs or not have any at all. This device detects human contact with electricity, shutting down power immediately.
There’s a high chance of electrocution without this device. It’s a savior, especially when installed in offices and rooms with high traffic that also run entirely on electricity. Professional electrical contractors will install GFCI to your residential properties to ensure safety.
2. Dysfunctional Light Switches
If a home’s dimming or on/off light switches aren’t functioning as expected, there’s a chance the switches might have been overridden. Improper wiring and circuit faults can also cause switches to disfunction. The switch could also get damaged due to old age and rustiness.
3. Wires Sticking Out from Outlets
When you start noticing wires sticking out from outlets, this means that there’s an apparent problem that needs a timely solution. This problem is especially common in old houses where everything tends to be aged or rusty, including wires.
Having loose electrical wires sticking out from outlets can pose a significant threat to children and other family members. It is imperative that all wiring be up to code and secured for safety.
4. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
A tripping circuit breaker is another sign that you have a major electrical issue. Breakers usually help detect concerns in your current circuit. Here’s how these solutions got the name ‘circuit breakers.’ They break up circuits when there’s something wrong with the electric current flow of electricity.
Often, a homeowner only needs to locate the house’s main electrical panel and subsequently switch on the controls that a specific incident has tripped. If the problem persists, then you know it’s time to call a professional electrician.
5. Electrical Shocks
Almost everyone has encountered the undesirable impact of an electrical shock, even if it was just for a split second. It’s an unpleasant experience no one wants to experience twice.
Yet, there are many reasons why you may be more prone to electrical shocks in your home. Speaking from an electrician’s point of view, the main reasons for electric shocks are usually due to backstabbed wires, power leakage, fault on appliances, and more.
Professional electrical services address this issue by pinpointing the main cause/s of your faulty electrical system. The necessary repairs are then carried out, depending on the issue. It can be very risky if you decide to test for electrical shocks yourself, especially if you don’t know its root cause.
6. Lights are Too Bright or Too Dim
If you notice some light bulbs burn brighter while others seem to be dimmer, it may be due to two things:
- It could be that some bulbs consume different power wattage
- The main power panel is experiencing electrical problems
The best solution for this situation is first to check whether the bulbs have the same wattage or not. If they do and you’re still experiencing odd lighting issues, then it’s time you called in a professional to have it checked out.
7. High Electricity Bills
A sudden surge in your electric bills is another sign of electrical concerns to watch out for. While sometimes this concern may be due to someone having forgotten to turn off an electrical appliance after use, often, the issue may arise due to a major electrical problem.
Your electricity bills can go up due to several other reasons:
- Leakage in electrical systems
- Outdated electrical devices that consume more power
- You may not have a cost-effective power supplier
- You may have damaged wiring or circuits in your home
A simple diagnostic strategy for this talking point is to economize your electricity usage by reducing the number of electrical appliances in your system while keeping an eye on the billing. If the problem persists, you know it’s probably due to a deeper electrical issue in your home.
8. Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting entails situations when the lights go out and then come back on. As a standard procedure, the electrical wiring system is equipped with safety devices to ensure power is cut out immediately when it gets too hot. Such issues usually arise if you’re either using a high wattage bulb or when the ceiling’s insulation system is relatively close to the bulb.
Pinellas County Electric’s Electrical Solutions
As a professional electrical service provider, we advise that you avoid solving electrical issues through a DIY daredevil approach. You could easily put yourself and people around you in danger. Electrical problems and solutions are best handled by professional electricians.
Reach out to Pinellas County Electric to identify any electrical issues in your residential or commercial property. We will diagnose your electrical problems and safely fix any issues you may have. Call us at (727) 269-1982 today for a fast, no-cost consultation.
