Electricity is a necessity in every home. However, having a professional install and troubleshoot your issues is important due to the serious risks associated with electrical problems. This is because home electrical systems are complex and it can be a serious risk navigating complex wire systems, hazardous charges, and even the risk of it all going out. Despite the complex nature of home electrical systems, problems with the system are generally similar. Below you will find the most common electrical issues at home and when it’s time to call a professional electrician.
Common Electrical Issues At Home
While the following issues are common, that doesn’t mean they are simple. Know when to call a professional to protect the safety of yourself and your home.
Circuit Breaker Problems
A circuit breaker is the first defense against damage when it comes to electrical overloads or short circuits. The role of the circuit breaker is to interrupt the current flow when an issue is detected. It is designed to tell you when there is an issue. Sometimes circuit breakers trip periodically when there is an issue, but this should not happen all of the time. In fact, a circuit breaker that repeatedly trips is often an indication of a larger issue.
Monitor how often your circuit trips. If it happens when you are using a lot of appliances or there is a storm outside, it may be doing its job correctly. However, if there is no indication why the circuit continues to trip, it’s time to call a professional. A licensed electrician can diagnose the issue and inspect your home. It could be a number of issues, including bad wiring, ground faults, or something more serious. It’s better to be safe so contact a residential electrician in Pico Rivera right away.
Surges, Dips, or Sags
A surge occurs when there is a spike in charge within power lines. This increases the current to your home’s outlets and often results in the rapid on-off of appliances. Repeated surges can damage your electronics and dramatically reduce their lifespan. Some surges can’t remain prevented, for example, lightning strikes, electric company mistakes, or even damage power lines. These cannot be prevented, but surge protectors can help defend your appliances against surge-related damage. If your appliances surge regularly, it’s time to contact an electrician for electrical services in Pico Rivera so they can inspect the problem.
Surges, sags, and dips are in the same family of electrical problems despite having different defining factors. Sags and dips create brownouts, which are sporadic drops in eclectic voltage. This results in the lights dimming and then regaining their brightness. This can occur due to your appliances being plugged into a faulty outlet or if too much power is being drawn from an outdated panel. Similar to surges, repeated sags and dips should be examined by a trained professional.
Scarce or Dead Outlets
Too few electrical outlets can be a sign of a larger issue in your home. This can overload the outlets you do have and rapidly trip your circuits. It can also lead you to use too many extension cords, which can be dangerous and increase your risk for surges. While you can use a heavy-duty extension cord to make up for the lack of available outlets, this is a short-term solution. Schedule an appointment with a qualified electrician so they can install new outlets.
Unlike scarce outlets, dead outlets need to be replaced immediately as they can be highly dangerous. A dead outlet means that it either burned out or is the result of faulty wiring. Forcing a dead outlet to work can result in a fire and can cause severe damage to your home. Contact an electrician right away if you have a dead outlet.