Common Problems & Solutions:
Electrical
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on common electrical problems and do-it-yourself solutions. Here, you’ll find valuable insights into the most frequent electrical issues homeowners face, along with practical solutions to tackle them safely and effectively. From troubleshooting flickering lights to fixing faulty outlets, our step-by-step how-tos empower you to take charge of your home’s electrical needs. Explore our resources to enhance your understanding and confidence in handling repairs.
Warm Outlets or Switches
Electrical systems naturally heat up during operation due to the flow of current through wires, causing the copper or aluminum to warm. A slight rise in temperature is normal and shouldn't cause alarm. However, if components become excessively hot or emit unusual odors, it may suggest issues within the electrical installation, such as faulty wiring or connections. It's important that electrical equipment remains cool to the touch; if you notice overheating, strange smells, or discoloration, it's advisable to contact a professional right away to assess the situation, as these electrical issues can lead to burns, electrical shock, fires, or property damage.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights can be a significant concern for Homeowners, I can relate, as flickering lights can signal electrical problems that pose risks like fire or electric shock. However, it's worth noting that flickering lights can often be resolved quickly and affordably, depending on the cause. Various problems can lead to flickering, primarily stemming from an power supply to the bulb. If you're curious to learn more, we can send an electrician to assess your flickering lights and feel free reach out with any questions!
Tripped Circuit Breaker & Overloaded Circuits
Tripped circuit breaker is a common and frustrating issue many homeowners encounter their electrical systems. Often, I receive calls from customers who are upset, believing they need to replace their breaker because it won’t reset. However, the real culprit is usually an electrical fault on the circuit that the breaker safeguards.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect our home wiring, and when they sense a problem—whether with the wiring itself something connected to the circuit—they automatically shut off the power to prevent potential damage, fires, or electric shocks. Various types of circuit breakers serve different and protections, each tripping for distinct faults, meaning there are multiple reasons a switch might trip.
​​Light switches take a real beating in our homes, especially in high-traffic areas. With the push to save energy and cut down on electricity bills, many of us are more diligent about turning lights off we leave a room and back on when we come back. While saving energy is crucial for everyone, it can lead to increased wear and tear on our electrical systems, particularly light switches. These switches have a limited lifespan due to their moving parts, which can wear out over time, making them feel 'spongy' or even causing the switch cover to detach, exposing live components.
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​Loose wire connections at the terminals on the back of switches can lead to issues such as flickering lights, overheating, and potential short circuits in the box. In the photo below, the metal light switch is missing its earth connection, which is crucial for safety in electrical systems. essential to ensure that the earth or ground is properly connected when dealing with metal components.
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​A light switch can be a simple task, but it can also lead to confusion depending on how your home's wiring is set up. Many homeowners expect to find just a couple of wires, but sometimes they encounter tangle of cables at the back of the switch. While replacing a broken light switch can be quick and manageable for someone with the right knowledge, it's always best to hire a qualified electrician. They have the expertise and tools to handle any that may arise during the process.
Faulty Switches & Outlets
If an outlet seems to be dead, proceed with caution! It might still be live but malfunctioning. In such cases, it's wise to call an electrician, as seemingly inactive outlets can be deceiving. The risks of electric shock, burns, or injury are not worth taking any chances.
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Loose wiring can cause an outlet to appear-functional while still being live and potentially hazardous. If a neutral wire is loose, the circuit may not operate properly, but the outlets can still be energized, giving a false impression of being dead. Additionally, loose wiring result in burnt-out outlets that need replacement for safety reasons, as heat can damage cables and melt insulation. Sometimes, homeowners choose to disconnect outlets instead of undergoing disruptive repairs, which can be frustrating if you’ve just moved into a property and found these issues left behind by previous owners.
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Buzzing Noises
Buzzing sounds from electrical systems can understandably raise concerns about safety among homeowners. It's important to note that in some cases, these noises are perfectly normal, while in others, they may signal underlying issues. For instance, a doorbell transformer typically emits a soft buzzing when in use, as it converts one voltage to another. This process isn't entirely efficient, resulting in energy loss manifested as sound and heat, which also explains why a doorbell transformer can feel warm during it's regular operation.
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Home appliance transformers also generate heat while converting one voltage to another. Dimmer switches may produce a faint buzzing sound when they're in use. However, if the buzzing becomes louder, it could suggest a mismatch between the switch, the electrical load, and the connected lamps. Additionally these sounds might be audible at the electrical panel through the circuit breaker that powers the lighting. It's important to have any unusual noises checked by a professional to that everything is functioning properly and that there are no compatibility issues with the equipment.
Aluminum Wiring
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, rising copper prices prompted home builders to use-strand aluminum wire for electrical services. Laboratory tests indicated that aluminum could effectively replace copper, making a cost-effective choice. However, the downside is that aluminum oxidizes much faster than when exposed, which can generate heat and pose a fire risk. While this wasn't a concern in controlled lab settings, in real-world home environments, aluminum wiring—particularly in branch circuits—became a fire hazard.
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This is why aluminum is no longer used for residential branch-circuit wiring. The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that homes with wiring can be up to 55 times more likely to experience fire damage. There are several solutions for dealing with existing aluminum wiring, including using specialized connectors or completely rewiring the home. If you think your home may have aluminum wiring, it's a good idea to consult a licensed electrician to explore your rewiring options.
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