Do you know what home electrical problems you might run into? Do you know how to fix them? In this article, we go over the most common electrical problems and what you can do to repair them.
1- Light Bulbs Dying Too Soon: The most common problem with a light bulb is burning out sooner than it should. In most cases, this happens when you screw a light bulb in too tight. It can press the brass tab connector down too low and cause it to stay that way. That means the bulb can't get the power it needs. It's a good idea to avoid screwing your bulbs in too tight and to replace the brass tab if it fails.
2- Breakers Tripping: Sometimes a circuit breaker will trip when you use high-powered appliances. That's because your system is protecting itself from overloading. It cuts the power to prevent wires from melting. You can address the issue by decreasing the power running through that circuit. Most high-wattage appliances have a low-wattage setting. Using the lower setting can reduce the number of breakers trips.
3- Dead Outlets: Sometimes an outlet will die without warning. That could mean the mechanical connectors in the outlet have failed and may not grip the plug right. In that case, replacing the outlet could be enough to fix your problem. If that doesn't solve the issue, then the problem may be somewhere in the wiring. If that's the case, it's a good idea to call an electrician.
4- Failing Wall Switches: A dimming switch often feels warm to the touch, which is normal. If a non-dimming switch gets warm, then there may be a problem. It could mean there's heat building up in the wiring, which may cause some wires to melt. That can be a significant fire hazard. If heat is coming from a standard switch, it's important to have an electrician inspect the wiring.
