3 Most Common Electrical Problems in Homes
Electrical problems can be frustrating and even dangerous whether your home is old or new. Here are 3 of the most common electrical issues that homeowners experience.
A common problem is an appliance or other device tripping the circuit breaker, usually due to overloading it or using too much power. It could also be a ground fault that needs to be fixed by a licensed electrician.
Flickering Lights
A flickering light may seem harmless but could indicate a bigger electrical issue. If your lights are flickering, it’s best to call an electrician immediately.
If your lights only flicker occasionally, it could be a simple issue like an old bulb. Changing the bulb type or switching to a dimmer switch can easily fix this.
Flickering lights that occur constantly could mean your home can’t handle the electricity demands of your large appliances or HVAC system. This is a common concern among older homes, which can’t support the power to operate multiple large appliances simultaneously.
If you live in a neighborhood that shares a transformer, your flickering lights could be caused by your neighbors’ heavy electrical usage. Alternatively, downed trees or other damage to the power lines can cause lights to flicker.
Buzzing Sounds
The buzzing noise you hear when a circuit breaker trips are often the result of defective wiring or a loose switch. Call a licensed electrician for a proper diagnosis if you need to figure out the problem.
It may also be caused by an outlet tripping its circuit breaker for a reason. This can be due to circuit overload, improper use of an appliance or even a power leak.
A mains hum is another low-frequency sound your home’s electrical system can produce. It’s not as loud as a buzzing sound, but it can be unpleasant.
And it’s most likely a symptom of tinnitus, an ear condition that causes ringing, clicking, hissing, or rattling in the ears. It’s not uncommon and can range in severity from being a nuisance to a sign of a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately. It can also be associated with a condition known as Meniere’s disease, which causes swelling in the part of the inner ear that can cause hearing loss.
Dead Outlets
Dead outlets are one of the most common electrical problems in homes. While this can be frustrating and annoying, there are some things you can do to get the outlet fixed.
First, you need to determine if the problem is with your device or appliance. If this is the case, plug a different device into the outlet and see if it works.
If this doesn’t work, it’s time to get a professional electrician to help. A dead outlet may indicate a bigger issue in your home.
Another possibility is that the wires or connections inside the outlet are damaged, burned out, or corrupted. This common electrical problem can cause serious injury if you don’t address it immediately.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
When your circuit breaker trips, it shuts off electricity to that particular circuit and leaves the room or house without power. This happens when too much current is flowing through a circuit.
An overloaded electrical circuit is the most common reason for a circuit breaker to trip. This is a situation where you simultaneously use too many appliances or lamps.
If you have an overloaded circuit, try unplugging some of the things that are connected to it. Then, flip the circuit breaker back on and see if it will still trip.
If it does, you have a more serious problem and should seek professional help. This dangerous situation could put your home and its contents at risk.