Common electrical problems in homes can cause safety hazards including fires so it’s good for homeowners, or renters, to know what to look for and what to do if they find a problem. Some of these issues are harmless and can be fixed by the layperson. Some of these issues, however, are more complex. For these kinds of problems, if you’re a homeowner, you will want to reach out to a licensed, insured electrician to fix your electrical problems. If you’re a renter, contact your landlord to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.
Common Electrical Problems in Homes
- Loose outlet covers are an example of a common electrical problem that can be easily fixed by a homeowner. As always, to be safe, turn off the electricity before you start any work. Then, you can replace the outlet cover and turn the electricity back on. Loose outlets (where the appliance plugs in) are more complex, however, and should be handled by a professional electrician.
- If your light bulbs are burning out too often, homeowners should check the wattage on the bulb and make sure it’s not too high for the socket. If not, you should contact an electrician as this can be a sign of bigger issues.
- A warm outlet is always worrisome and should be inspected and fixed by a licensed electrician immediately. Homeowners or renters should not attempt to fix these issues by themselves. The same can be said for homeowners who smell a burning electrical smell. Immediately contact an electrician for these issues.
- Other common and potentially dangerous but common electrical problems in homes include frequently tripping breakers. This issue could be the result of a circuit overload and a professional will need to inspect your breaker box.
- Flickering lights can also be an indication that there is a poor connection which could lead to arcing if not addressed. Poor connections, whether in a light fixture, or an outlet can cause fires and should be repaired immediately.
- Another sign of a common electrical problem in homes is if you plug in electronics (computers, televisions, etc.) or an appliance (mixers, hairdryers, etc.) and experience a shock. Any kind of electrical shock is an indication that there is a larger issue that should be handled by a licensed electrician.
How Should You Fix Electrical Issues?
When dealing with any of the issues listed above, it is wise to hire an electrician to troubleshoot the issue and repair it properly. House fires caused by electricity are common and can be prevented with the help of a licensed electrician, such as the team at Raceway Electric. If you need help, give us a call at 316-573-2100 or through our contact form on this website. We’d love to help!
