Having electrical issues in your home can be incredibly frustrating. From flickering lights to tripping breakers, these problems not only disrupt your daily routine but can also be safety hazards. Fortunately, there are some clever hacks and troubleshooting tips that can help you diagnose and resolve many common electrical faults on your own, without calling an expensive electrician.
Identifying the Source of the Problem
The first step in any electrical repair is to correctly identify the source of the issue. Here are some tips on how to pinpoint specific problem areas:
Check Breaker Box for Tripped Circuits
If you have an outlet or entire room that loses power, your first move should be to check the breaker box. Flip each switch off and then back on to reset any tripped breakers. A tripped breaker indicates an overloaded circuit and flipping it will restore power.
Inspect All Outlets and Switches
- Carefully examine every outlet and light switch on the affected circuit.
- Look for signs of loose, damaged, or burnt connections. Use a flashlight to peer into the recessed outlet holes.
- Test outlets with a circuit tester to check for proper wiring.
*Faulty outlets or switches need to be replaced.
Look For Damage to Electrical Cords
Inspect cords on appliances and lamps that are malfunctioning. Fraying, exposed wires, and cracks indicate a damaged cord that should be replaced. Never use tape or other makeshift repairs on broken cords.
Check For Loose Light Fixtures
Flickering lights are often caused by a loose light fixture. Take down the fixture and ensure all wire connections are tight and secure.
Simple Fixes for Annoying Electrical Glitches
Once you've identified the root of the electrical problem, there are some easy DIY fixes you can implement without any special skills or tools:
Clean Out Outlet Holes
- Use a vacuum hose and pipe cleaner to gently clean out dirt and debris from each outlet hole.
- Buildup of dust and crumbs in outlets can cause connectivity issues.
- Be sure to unplug appliances before cleaning outlets.
Tighten Loose Lightbulb Bases
For flickering bulbs, remove the bulb and tighten the base in the socket before reinserting the bulb. Often the bulb just needs to make tighter contact.
Use Deoxit Spray in Outlets
- Deoxit spray (about $15 online) contains cleaning agents that remove corrosion and improve conductivity.
- Simply spray a small amount into affected outlets or light switches and the enhanced connection can fix flickering issues.
Replace Old Appliance and Extension Cords
One cause of tripped breakers and faulty outlets is frayed or outdated cords. Swap out any cords that feel hot, melt, or have exposed wires.
Add Power Strips with Surge Protection
- Plugging too many devices into one outlet can overload a circuit.
- Add a power strip with built-in surge protection to protect your devices.
- Only plug in what is absolutely necessary to prevent overloading.
When to Call an Electrician
While many electrical issues can be addressed with DIY troubleshooting, some problems require professional help:
Signs of a Short Circuit
If you see sparks, melting insulation, or outlets that shock you, immediately turn off power at the breaker and call an electrician to inspect for dangerous short circuits.
Whole House/All Outlets Lose Power
If you lose power beyond just one circuit, the issue may be with your main service panel and is best handled by a professional.
GFCI Outlet Won't Reset
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) measure abnormal current flows. If a GFCI trips and won't reset, the wiring needs inspection by an expert.
New Wiring is Required
Any repairs requiring new wiring or conduit installation must be completed to code standards by a licensed electrician using proper materials.
Unsure of Exact Problem Source
If you can't pinpoint the root of the electrical problem after troubleshooting, an electrician can use testing equipment and professional expertise to correctly diagnose the issue.
Fixing electrical problems seems intimidating but typically just requires careful troubleshooting to identify the source, and simple fixes like cleaning, tightening, or replacing worn elements. Knowing when to call a pro for major issues is also key. With this advice, you can take control of annoying electrical glitches in your home.