Home electrical problems can be extremely dangerous if not addressed properly. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of common issues that can put your safety at risk. In this article, I will share with you some of the most hazardous electrical problems I have faced in my own home, as well as tips and tricks most electricians don't readily share with homeowners.
Frequent Tripped Circuit Breakers
One of the most common and frustrating electrical issues in any home is circuit breakers that trip frequently. This usually indicates that you have an overloaded circuit. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot tripped circuit breakers:
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Check what appliances and devices are on the problem circuit. If there are too many high wattage appliances like space heaters, microwaves etc. on one circuit, overload can occur. Try distributing load by moving devices to other circuits.
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Inspect all connections. Loose wire connections can cause shorts leading to tripped breakers. Check that all wires are securely attached to outlets and devices.
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Test voltage. Use a multimeter to check voltage on the circuit. Significantly low or high voltage could be tripping the breaker.
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Inspect for damage. Examine the breaker carefully for any signs of damage or corrosion. Faulty/old breakers may need replacement.
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Call an electrician if the issue persists after trying the above steps. Frequent tripping indicates a serious underlying problem that needs professional assessment.
Odd Electrical Smells
Smelling something burning or unusual odors from outlets can mean dangerous electrical fires brewing within walls. Do not ignore such smells:
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Immediately shut off power from the main breaker if you smell burning plastic/wood.
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Unplug all devices on problem circuits and stop using those outlets.
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A distinctive "fishy" smell could mean electrical arcing or short circuit - have an expert inspect as soon as possible.
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Musty or "metallic" smells may indicate excess moisture or corrosion in wires. Call an electrician promptly.
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Never try to diagnose the source of odd electrical smells yourself - I learned this lesson after getting shocked trying to investigate a burning smell coming from a wall outlet.
Frequent Blown Fuses
Like tripped breakers, having fuses blow regularly most likely indicates an overload on the circuit. Troubleshoot by:
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Reducing the number of appliances running simultaneously on the problematic circuit.
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Checking for damage/age of wiring - any degraded insulation can lead to short circuits blowing fuses.
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Examining fuse types - a higher rated fuse may be needed for high current devices like air conditioners.
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Inspecting fuse connectors - loose/compromised connections can overload circuits.
However, frequent blown fuses may also suggest a more serious problem like a short circuit. So consider consulting an electrician for any major fuse issues.
Lights Dimming/Flickering
Lights that pulsate or dim spontaneously can be a sign of:
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Overloaded circuits - too many devices drawing power on one circuit causes voltage drops.
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Loose connections - check that wires and connectors are secure.
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Faulty wiring - degraded or damaged wires can affect voltage flow.
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Old fixtures - aging light fixtures may need to be replaced.
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Voltage spikes- heavy appliances turning on/off can briefly disrupt voltage. Surge protectors can help regulate this.
Sudden, significant dimming/flickering could indicate an imminent electrical failure. Have an expert inspect your electrical panel and wiring immediately.
Buzzing Sounds from Outlets/Switches
Odd buzzing noises from outlets or switches typically arise from:
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Loose wiring - current vibrating through unsecured connections causes buzzing.
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Arcing/shorts - buzzing indicates dangerous sparks within wires.
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Bad breaker - vibrating from excess current can create buzzing.
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Ground fault - buzzing may signal electricity leaking to ground.
Loud, frequent buzzing suggests serious safety hazards behind walls. Consulting an electrician promptly can help detect and fix such problems before they lead to fires or electrocution. Do not ignore strange electrical noises.
Hot Outlets
Outlets that are unusually warm to the touch can be caused by:
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High resistance on the circuit creating excess heat.
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Loose wiring allowing current leakage.
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Overloaded/damaged wires overheating.
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Short circuit leading to dangerous arching.
Unplug devices from hot outlets immediately. Heat accumulation can lead to outlet meltdown, sparks and electrical fires. This is an urgent issue needing professional diagnosis and wiring repairs.
Learning to recognize dangerous electrical problems as a homeowner means acting more promptly to avoid catastrophes like fires or shock hazards. While some fixes seem DIY-friendly, issues like frayed wiring, short circuits and flickering lights require hiring licensed electricians, even if it costs more. Your family's safety is paramount. Stay alert and do not hesitate to call experts when detecting any questionable electrical problems in your home.