Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
There are many ways your electrical systems can go awry. In this short guide, we will cover some of the most common problems and explain their solutions. Because electricity is dangerous, it’s best to have professionals fix electrical issues. Appliances can sometimes malfunction and cause your electricity to stop working or develop other issues. The wiring in your home can also be the cause of electrical problems. When your electricity malfunctions, it can also cause higher energy bills. If you notice a sharp increase in your electric bill, it may be a sign that something may not be working properly.
Safety First: Always Call a Professional
Electricians go through years of extensive training to learn how to handle electricity more safely. This is why it is important to call in the professionals when you notice anything strange happening with your electrical appliances or outlets. Electricity can cause electric shock or electrocution as well as fires. If you observe sparks or hear crackling noises, it’s wise to reach out to one of our trusted electricians to inspect the situation. You and your family can feel safe knowing that you and your loved ones are in good hands with our licensed electricians.
Identifying the Issue
These are the steps that electricians take to diagnose and repair problems:
- Gather information
- Understand the problem
- Identify parameters
- Repair component(s)
- Verify the repair work
- Implement root cause analysis
The first thing that our electricians will do once they arrive is try to identify the problem. In order to do that, they use the information you give them as well as conduct their own inspection. It is important to keep your owner’s manual for all of your electrical appliances as it can help your electrician determine the issue in a faulty appliance. These documents contain helpful information such as wiring diagrams and possible issues and how to troubleshoot them. To determine where the issue lies, you must check each component of the electrical fixture or appliance.
Once our electrician determines what the problem is, they will be able to make the necessary repairs. And if it is beyond repair, our electricians can also help you replace anything if necessary. Sometimes, it will require an additional appointment if larger components are needed. Our electricians will verify that everything is working properly and determine if there are any other issues that need addressing once they fix the problem. Here are some of the most common electrical issues that homeowners run into:
Circuit Breaker Issues
Your circuit breaker controls the electricity in your home. When it is malfunctioning, it can cause all sorts of problems. Sometimes, your circuit breaker may not have been wired correctly during installation. If two hot wires touch each other, it can cause your circuit breaker to shut off. One of our expert electricians can find and fix these wires, which can be located anywhere in your home. If you leave faulty wiring unfixed, it can cause fires and other damage. If your circuit breaker is producing a loud humming or buzzing sound, it is time to call our electricians to check it out. When the breaker is overloaded and fails to shut off, it can cause this noise. If you see sparks or feel lots of heat coming from your circuit breaker, it may mean there is a connection problem, either a wire needs tightening or replacing.
Flickering Lights
If your lights are flickering, there may be several reasons, some of which can be easily fixed. Make sure the plug is firmly inserted into the outlet, that the bulb is the correct type, and that the bulb is tight. If these things do not fix the problem, it could be a more serious electrical issue that requires professional help. If left untreated, it may cause electrical shock or fires. Some things that can cause your lights to flicker include faulty light switches, overloaded circuits, loose electrical connections, and voltage fluctuation. If your lights are constantly dimming and getting brighter it may be because of voltage fluctuations, which can cause damage if not repaired.
Dead Outlets
There are several reasons why an outlet stops working. It could be because your circuit breaker tripped. A blown fuse can also cause an outlet to stop working. When you live in an older home and have old wiring it can become loose or degraded, which can cause an outlet to not work. When a plug does not fit tightly into the socket it could mean you need to replace the outlet. If you see sparks coming out of your outlet, it is also a good idea to have a trained electrician come check it out.
Overloaded Circuits
An overloaded circuit will switch itself off to prevent further harm or damage. When you have multiple electrical appliances plugged in and running at the same time, it may cause your electrical circuit breaker to shut off. When the circuit goes over a certain number of amps, it’s designed to shut off. It’s good to avoid plugging multiple items into the same outlet to prevent this from happening. When one appliance is malfunctioning and trying to pull too much electricity, it can also overload a circuit. Unplugging the appliance can help determine if it is the cause or if it is something in your home’s wiring.
Tripped GFCI Outlets
You can find a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet in wet places like your kitchen and bathroom as well as outside. These shut off when an electrical current is “leaking.” You can test this by using the two buttons on the GFCI outlet. If you hit the “test” button and the ‘retest’ button doesn’t pop out, you know it is time to call in the experts to get it looked at.
Degraded insulation around wires and cables can be the cause of a GFCI outlet not working. This insulation is designed to keep the electrical current in the conductor. When it degrades, it can cause electricity to “leak” out. Electricity looks for the path of least resistance to ground, and that can sometimes be through you if you get in the way. That is why it is important to stay away from faulty outlets and appliances and call a licensed electrician to take care of any electrical problems.
Call the Professionals in Kirkland
At Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning, there is no electrical problem too big or small. Our licensed electricians are here to serve you in Kirkland and surrounding areas. We offer residential services for all of your electrical and HVAC needs. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide installation, repair, and maintenance to keep your home and business comfortable and safe.
Besides offering all of your electrical needs, we also supply your heating and cooling needs. We can also help improve your indoor air quality with air purifiers. Whatever service you require, Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning can provide expert services for you!
Contact Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning today for more information about our electric and HVAC services in Kirkland!