Harmless
Malfunctioning Light Switch
A faulty light switch is one of the most common and basic electric issues. You can even troubleshoot this issue yourself:
- Turn off your circuit breaker. The light will turn off when you have located the correct one.
- Take out the light switch and faceplate using a flathead screwdriver or a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Inspect the wires connecting to the screws for any electricity. If it is okay, you can remove the light switch and replace it.
Loosened Outlet Plug
Shut down the breaker and check the voltage at the outlet. If a voltage tester isn’t available, try plugging something in. Take off the cover plate, and attach outlet shims so that the outlet is at the same level as the wall.
Short Circuit
A short circuit can cause appliances to trip, such as hairdryers or toasters. If this happens, you should reset the breaker. If the circuit trips repeatedly when the suspect appliance is in use, it’s likely that the problem is with the appliance itself, and not the electrical system. A small appliance may be responsible if the circuit trips when it’s not in use.
Hazardous
Inoperable Outlets
An unusable outlet can be caused by a bad connection, possible arcing, or a trip breaker due to excessive heat. This could lead to melted wires or even burned-out outlets.
Dimming Or Flickering Light
A poor connection can lead to arcing. This could happen if lights dim or flicker. These are caused by loose or corroded connections that cause intermittent contact and result in sparks and overheating.
Outlets And Switches Warm To The Touch
Outlets and switches, unless they have a dimming feature, should not be heated to the touch. If heat is emanating from these components, it could indicate a bad connection, defective wiring, or an overload. Overloaded circuits can cause fire hazards.
GFCIs Keep Tripping
A GFCI is a vital safety device that protects against electrical shock. The GFCI is trying to protect you against an electric shock when it trips.
Bulbs Blowing Out
A loose connection may be causing frequent bulb blowouts. Does your recessed light stop working ever? Insulation near the recessed lights could cause excessive heat. They are therefore shut down to stop a fire.
If you are faced with an electrical problem that is beyond your ability to fix, it is time to call an electric company like Surrge. We recommend that you do this as it could be dangerous for homeowners to attempt to fix common electrical problems:
- Warm to the touch switches or outlets.
- GFCIs that keeps tripping.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- Outlets and controls that are not operable.
It’s best that you call a licensed electrician in Durham to fix any of these problems.