I've lived in my home for over 10 years now, and in that time I've seen my fair share of strange electrical issues pop up. As a DIYer, I like to try and tackle these problems myself before calling in the professionals. Over time, through trial and error, I've learned how to diagnose and fix some of the weirdest electrical gremlins in my house. Let me share with you some of my hard-won DIY electrical secrets so you can save money on electrician fees!
Identifying the Source of the Problem
The first step in any electrical troubleshooting project is to try and identify the source of the problem. Here are some common weird electrical issues in homes and what might be causing them:
Lights Flickering
Flickering lights are often caused by a loose connection somewhere along the circuit. Check light switches and outlets to see if you spot any loose wires. Also inspect the light fixtures themselves and make sure wires are secured properly.
Outlets Not Working
When outlets suddenly stop working, it usually means there is an open neutral somewhere. Start by checking connections at the outlet itself. Look for any burnt wires or loose connections. Also check upstream outlets and fixtures on the same circuit to isolate the problem.
Lights Dimming Periodically
If you notice lights dimming for short intervals, there could be too high of an electrical load on the circuit. Try moving devices like air conditioners to different circuits to balance the load. If that doesn't work, you may need a licensed electrician to assess your electrical panel.
Buzzing from Electrical Boxes
Buzzing or humming from your electrical panels or junction boxes often signals an overloaded neutral line. You may need to upgrade your service panel or redistribute appliances across circuits. Safest to have an electrician handle upgrades.
Strange Smells from Outlets
Unusual smells coming from outlets - like burned plastic or ozone - indicate overheating wires. Shut off power immediately and inspect for melted wires or scorched connections. Replace any damaged wiring before it becomes a fire hazard.
Checking Connections and Wires
Once you've identified the problematic circuit or outlet, carefully inspect all connections and wiring. Here's what to look for:
- Loose wire connections - Tighten any loose screws or push-in connectors
- Corroded wires - Clean off corrosion and trim back damaged wire insulation
- Burnt/melted wires - The wire is damaged and needs to be replaced
- Discolored outlets - Can indicate overheating, so outlet needs to be replaced
- Holes in wire insulation - Exposes copper and risks shorts, so replace wire
Use a non-contact voltage tester to safely check for live power before touching any wires. Turn off the circuit at the breaker when making any repairs.
Testing Components
You may need to isolate the issue further by testing individual electrical components like switches, outlets and light fixtures. Here's how:
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Test outlets - Plug in a voltage tester or multimeter to see if power is flowing properly. Check between hot and neutral, and hot and ground.
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Test switches - Use a multimeter to check for continuity when switch is on vs off. If no change, the switch needs replacement.
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Test lights - Check bulbs first, then remove fixture covers to inspect wires, sockets and ballasts for damage.
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Check breakers - Use a multimeter to test for 120v at the breaker. No voltage means a faulty breaker that needs replacement.
When to Call an Electrician
While many electrical issues can be DIY'd, some problems are best left to the pros:
- Upgrading electrical service panels or installing new circuits
- Investigating tripped GFCI outlets that won't reset
- Diagnosing buzzing/humming from electrical panels
- Knob and tube wiring in old homes
- Finding the source of random power outages
- Any situation where you don't feel 100% safe
Electricity can be dangerous, so it's ok to seek professional assistance when needed. But hopefully these troubleshooting tips will empower you to solve many of the weird electrical gremlins in your home yourself! Stay safe and good luck with your DIY electrical repairs.