We all have that one odd electrical problem in our home that we've been ignoring for way too long. You know, the light that flickers when you turn on the garage door opener or the outlet in the bathroom that stopped working mysteriously years ago. Electrical issues like these can often seem daunting to tackle as a DIYer, but putting them off indefinitely usually just leads to more headaches down the road. Here's a guide to finally facing your electrical demons and learning how to fix that one weird electrical issue yourself.
Identifying the Exact Issue
The first step is always to clearly identify the specific electrical problem you want to address.
Make a List of All the Electrical Oddities in Your Home
Sit down and make a list of anything electrical that isn't functioning quite right. Flickering lights, outlets not working, appliances tripping breakers, etc. Get as comprehensive a list as you can.
Narrow it Down to the Most Annoying Issue
Review your list and choose the one electrical problem that bugs you the most or that you most want to have fixed. Avoid taking on too many issues at once.
Observe When/Where the Issue Happens
Pay attention over the next few days to precisely when and where the electrical problem occurs. Write down the specifics. Verifying the details will help you troubleshoot later.
Consider Calling an Electrician if Unsure
Some electrical issues can be dangerous to DIY. If you're completely bewildered about the problem or uncertain of your skills, consider calling a professional electrician. Safety first!
Troubleshooting the Electrical Issue
Once you've identified the specific electrical problem to tackle, the next step is troublshooting it through a logical process of elimination.
Check the Breaker Box for Tripped Circuits
The cause of an electrical issue is often a simple tripped breaker. Check your breaker box for any flipped switches and reset them. See if that resolves your electrical problem before proceeding.
Verify the Affected Outlets are Getting Power
Use a multimeter or voltage tester to check if the outlet is actually getting power. No power means there's a wiring issue upstream. Power means the issue is with the outlet itself.
Inspect all Switches/Fixtures on the Circuit
If multiple lights or outlets are affected, methodically test each fixture and switch connected on the same circuit as the problem outlet/light. The issue is likely in one of those.
Check for Loose Wires and Faulty Connections
Remove the cover plate and visually inspect the wiring in the outlet box for any loose wire connections, damaged wires, or signs of overheating. This is a common cause of flickering lights.
Consider Hiring an Electrician if Unsure
Some nuanced electrical issues require advanced multimeter testing and troubleshooting expertise. If you've worked through all the basic checks and are still stumped, it may be wise to hire an electrician rather than blindly taking apart complex wiring.
Repairing the Faulty Electrical Component
Once you've tracked down the specific electrical device or connection causing the problem through troubleshooting, it's time to repair or replace it.
Replace Outlets and Switches that are Damaged
If you have an outlet or light switch that is arcing, melted, cracked, etc it should be replaced. Turn off the circuit breaker, verify power is off with a voltage tester, then remove and replace the faulty device.
Rewire Loose or Damaged Connections
Loose wire connections can cause flickering and intermittent issues. Turn off power, disconnect and properly rewire the loose connection according to electrical code using wire nuts.
Update Outlets and Switches to GFCI Where Needed
If replacing an outlet near water, upgrade it to a GFCI outlet for safety. This often requires rewiring the outlet and switching it to a GFCI breaker. Consult a guide to see if GFCI is needed in your situation.
Call an Electrician for Complex Repairs
Some repairs like full rewiring, replacing damaged conduit, upgrades to mast panels, etc. typically require the expertise of a licensed electrician. Know your limits and when to call the pros.
Preventing Electrical Issues in the Future
After finally fixing that annoying electrical problem, take some steps to help prevent similar issues going forward.
Address Any Exposed/Damaged Wiring
Critically inspect the rest of your home's electrical system for any damaged wire insulation, exposed wires, loose connections etc. and repair them before they cause bigger problems.
Upgrade Overloaded Circuits with added Circuits/Subpanels
If you're frequently tripping breakers, you may need to upgrade your electric panel and run dedicated circuits to high-draw appliances like large A/C units. Prevent overloads.
Install Surge Protectors
Use surge protector power strips for delicate electronics and appliances. Surges from storms can damage wiring and electronics over time. Surge protectors help absorb spikes.
Consider a Whole House Surge Protector
For even more protection, have an electrician install a whole house surge protector. This protects from surges at your main panel that could damage systems throughout your home. An investment in preventing electrical issues home-wide.
Hopefully this gives you a game plan to finally tackle that one weird electrical problem you've been putting off. With proper troubleshooting and safety precautions, you can totally handle this DIY. And you'll gain confidence to address future electrical issues as soon as they pop up, rather than letting them linger. Now get to it! You've got this.