Thomas Edison patented the electric light bulb in 1879, and since then, scientists and inventors have been working non-stop to create new electricity-based inventions. These new inventions have made our lives easier, and we’ll struggle to go about our daily lives without some of these creations. Dealing with electrical problems is the tradeoff for having access to these creations.
Owning a home comes with the responsibility of troubleshooting electrical problems that pop up. Fixing these home electrical issues can be quite tricky, so knowing where to start looking can be a big help.
So, keep reading to find out more about six common electrical problems and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
1. Lights Switch Not Working Properly
If your light switches are unreliable or only work, sometimes you need to run some tests.
The first thing you need to do is check if the lightbulb isn’t the actual issue. You simply need to test the lightbulb in a different light fixture. If the problem persists, it’s the lightbulb and not the switch; if there’s no problem, then you need to take a closer look at the light switch.
You need to make sure there are no missing or defective parts and check that the light switch has been installed properly. If you have an older light switch, it might simply be time to replace it.
2. Frequent Electrical Surges
If you notice frequent power surges, you need to act quickly. You can identify a power surge by the power turning off for a moment before coming back on. Power surges also won’t happen in one single location.
Power surges can severely damage all your electronic devices if you aren’t protecting them with a surge protector. The only time power surges should be expected is during lightning storms.
The only way to fix this issue is to call a professional electrician to come for an inspection. The electrician will take a look at your grid and the wiring of your home to find the issue. Once they’ve found it, they will be able to fix the problem for you.
3. Bulbs Burning Out Too Quickly
When buying your lightbulbs, you’ll see that they are rated for a certain number of hours that they should work. If you notice your brand-new lightbulbs keep burning out way too quickly, you may have a problem on your hands.
All lightbulbs have a certain wattage, and the bulb wattage needs to match that of your socket. You can find your socket wattage printed on a label near the socket that indicates the max wattage. If you’re using the right wattage bulbs and it’s still burning out too quickly, then you most likely have an issue with the socket itself.
It isn’t recommended to try fixing a faulty socket yourself. In this case, it’s best to reach out to a professional electrician for home repairs. They will be able to fix the issue without getting injured.
4. Wires Sticking Out From Outlets
If you notice wires poking out from your outlets, you need to fix them immediately. Loose electrical wires are a threat to pets, children, and unaware adults. It’s more likely to see outlets with wires sticking out of them in older homes since the wiring isn’t as new.
To fix this, you will first need to make sure that your electricity is off; you don’t want to accidentally electrocute yourself! Remove the screws keeping the outlet in place, and gently remove the outlet from the wall casing. Next, you’ll need to reconnect the wiring in the outlet.
You need to carefully loosen the terminals and make sure all the wires are pushed in all the way before retightening. The wires need a firm connection in the terminal, but they can’t be wound too tightly; otherwise, the wires will break. Then you simply need to replace the socket and screw it firmly in place.
If doing all this still doesn’t fix your problems, then you might need to call an electrician to come and take a look.
5. Plug Falls Out of Wall Outlets
This is a common problem in older homes. If a plug keeps falling out of the wall outlet, it means that the contacts in the outlet aren’t holding the plug as snuggly as they should.
It’s very easy to determine if this is the problem, simply plug an electronic device in and see if the plug is loose or falls out. If it does fall out, try the device in another outlet. If the plug doesn’t fall out of the second outlet, then the first outlet has faulty contacts.
To fix this, you simply need to replace the outlet with a new one. It is incredibly easy to install and doesn’t cost much money.
6. Light Bulbs Are Way Too Hot
This phenomenon is called overlamping. This can potentially be quite dangerous as the heat of the light bulbs can cause wiring issues in the fixture. This could lead to sparks and even fires starting.
The easiest way to spot overlamping is to take a look at the base of the light bulb. If you can see black streaks or soot, then you’re overlamping.
Overlamping usually occurs when our light bulb has a higher wattage than your socket allows. Simply switch out your lightbulbs to fix this issue.
Fix Your Electrical Problems Today
Knowing how to spot electrical problems and how to fix them can save you time and frustration in the long run. Dealing with electrical problems in a timely fashion is important. While it’s always a good idea to have an electrician come and take a look if you’re not confident in your skills, there are some DIY electrical fixes you can implement.
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