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Generally, we don’t give much thought to electricity. Sure, we charge our phones, flip on lights, and cook or reheat food, but the only time we think about it is when the electricity doesn’t work. Here are the most common electrical issues and what to do about them when they happen.
From frequently tripping circuit breakers to flickering lights during storms, we will cover a range of electrical issues and explain what action you need to take. We also look at the risks associated with these common electrical issues.
What Are the Most Common Electrical Problems at Home?
For the most part, we take our electrical system for granted. We plug things in and expect them to work. But sometimes, they don’t. We can ignore certain issues for a while, but others might need immediate service. Here are the most common electrical problems and what you can do about them.
1. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
Does one of your circuit breakers trip all the time? From using too many kitchen appliances to having too many power strips in your home office, there are a number of reasons that your circuit breakers trip all the time.
Circuit breakers control how much power is sent to a certain area of your home. If you use too much power, the breaker will trip to prevent overloading the outlets and wiring.
If your breakers trip once in a while, it probably isn’t an issue. However, it is a sign that your electrical system is underpowered if they trip constantly.
An electrician will assess your electrical panel and offer a number of solutions to keep you safe without needing to constantly flip your breakers.
2. Your Lights Flicker or You Lose Power Altogether During Storms
Flights flickering or losing power during a storm are extremely common. Whether the result of lightning strikes or high winds, they are usually a sign that power is briefly interrupted. This is most common in areas with above-ground power lines, but it can happen almost anywhere during extreme storms.
In most cases, this is not a cause for concern. But if it happens during mild storms or even light rain, you should have an electrician inspect the issue just to be safe.
It could be a sign of an issue with the electrical service head. This is where the power comes into your home from the utility company. While rare, it could mean there is an issue with your electrical connection.
Remember that the power coming into your home is extremely dangerous. Do not try to investigate this issue on your own. Always call a licensed electrician to inspect the issue.
3. Plugs Fall Out of the Outlet
Every plug and outlet is slightly different, so some plugs might always fall out or feel loose in the outlet. However, it can also be a sign that the outlet is old. Over time, plugging and unplugging cords slowly wear out the outlet.
If you have a plug that always falls out of an outlet, test several other plugs. If they all fall out, it could be a sign the outlet is getting old. But if it is just one plug, it might not be a serious issue.
You can bend plugs to form a tighter fit and keep them from slipping out of the outlet. But if most plugs fall out, call an electrician to replace the outlet.
While the risk of fire is low, a loose outlet could spark or shock you when plugging or unplugging the cord. That said, it could cause a fire if the outlet is near curtains, furniture, or any other material that could catch fire if there are sparks.
4. Outlets or Switches Stop Working
The most common reason your switches or outlets stop working is that the circuit breaker tripped. You might be able to fix the issue by checking your breaker box or electrical panel. However, it could be a sign of a larger issue if the breaker isn’t tripped.
Aside from issues related to overloaded circuits, the major problems are loose connections or faulty outlets or switches. However, this could be a sign of more dangerous issues. Always call an electrician to assess the situation.
5. Outlets or Switches Spark or Smoke
Smoking or sparking outlets or switches are fire hazards, so shut off the breaker and call an electrician immediately. The most common issues are faulty equipment, loose wires, or improper installation.
If you recently had service, call the electrician that did the work. Otherwise, call a qualified electrician near you to inspect the issue. They will locate the problem and make the necessary repairs to keep your home safe.
6. Lights Flicker When On or When You Turn Them On
Flickering lights are using a sign of old or loose light bulbs. But it could be a sign of faulty switches or poor electrical connections.
Start by replacing the bulb and see if that fixes the issue. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, call an electrician for service.
They will test the fixture, switch, and wiring for other electrical issues. If needed, they can replace the switch or upgrade the wiring to keep the lights on.
7. Unusually High Electric Bills
Did your electric bill skyrocket, seemingly without a cause? It could be a sign of an electrical issue. From inefficient appliances to air leaks in the home that cause HVAC systems to run more often, suddenly high electrical bills are a reason for concern.
Although rare, they are also a sign of phantom loads. This happens when electrical devices consume power, even when turned off. Conducting an energy audit or talking with a qualified electrician can help identify the cause and reduce energy consumption.
8. Electrical Surges
Although rare, electrical surges are caused by lightning strikes, utility grid issues, or other electrical problems. They can damage outlets, switches, and even your electronics. Personal injury is rare, but surges can damage or even destroy electrical appliances in your home.
If you think you had an electrical surge, call a licensed electrician to assess the damage and make repairs. While they cannot fix personal electronics, they can repair or replace outlets, switches, and other electrical fixtures.
They can also inspect your electrical system and add power surge protection to prevent future issues. This includes anything from individual surge protectors in specific rooms to whole-house surge protection.
9. Issues with GFCI or AFCI Outlets or Breakers
GFCI and AFCI outlets or breakers are special electric devices designed for specific use in your home. GFCI outlets protect against electrical shocks in areas with water, like kitchens and bathrooms.
AFCI outlets and breakers prevent electrical fires caused by arc faults. Arc faults are common in older wiring where the insulation around the wires has deteriorated. As a result, the wires can spark or arc. Although uncommon, this can lead to shocks or even fires.
These types of outlets and breakers are meant to keep you safe. Malfunctions are rare, but they can lead to significant safety risks. If your GFCI or AFCI outlets or breakers trip frequently, call a qualified electrician for immediate service.
10. You Get an Electrical Shock When You Flip a Switch or Plug Something In
No electrical switch or outlet should shock you during normal use. Getting a mild shock when touching appliances or outlets is absolutely a sign of an electrical issue. Always call an electrician for immediate service if you get a shock from any outlet, switch, or electrical appliance.
11. Faulty Wiring
Extremely rare, but faulty wiring is a serious safety hazard. Common signs include sparks, flickering lights, burning smells, and hot or discolored outlets. If you have electrical issues you cannot explain, call an electrician immediately. It is important you have the issue inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician to prevent potential fires or electric shocks.
Have you had any of the issues above? Are you worried about faulty outlets, breaker trips, or other home electrical issues, Best Pick Reports can help. We connect homeowners like you with prescreened and vetted local electricians. No matter your issue, they can assess the situation and recommend an effective repair or replacement to keep you safe.