Keeping Current With Electricians

Posted on: 2 March 2023

Electricity is a ubiquitous part of modern life and while you may not imagine living without it, you should not overlook the dangers it can pose to your home and family. Here are some common electrical problems that you may experience in your home, their potential causes, and how to address them. 

Tripping Breakers

All the electrical circuits throughout your home have a maximum amperage rating that should not be exceeded. If exceeded, the breakers connected to those circuits will trip to stop the flow of current. This serves as a safety feature that helps to prevent electrical fires and other hazards that overloaded circuits pose.

That said, circuit breakers can trip due to other factors, such as short circuits, ground faults, faulty electrical appliances, faulty breakers, and more. To diagnose this, you may need to rule out the potential causes of the problem, one by one. 

If you have too many things plugged into the same circuit, turning off the non-essential appliances and devices can help to fix the problem. If the breaker continues to trip repeatedly, even after you have unplugged everything, it's best to consult a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Power Surges

Power surges are a common occurrence during thunderstorms, power outages, and electrical malfunctions. When a power surge occurs, the electrical current flowing through the circuit can spike significantly, causing computers, televisions, radios, household appliances, and other connected electronic devices to malfunction or fail completely.

If you experience frequent power surges in your home, it's best to install surge protection throughout your home. This way, you can protect your expensive electronic devices from the damage that the excess electrical current can cause.

Faulty Outlets

Over time, the electrical outlets that supply power to your electronic devices can become faulty and cause damage that shortens the life span of the electrical equipment. Several factors, including loose wiring, frayed wiring, general wear, physical damage, and ground faults could be to blame. To diagnose and fix the issue, you need to unplug all devices and inspect the outlets for damage, excess wear, or bad wiring connections. 

Electrical issues can be difficult to diagnose and fix without the proper tools, training, and experience. To take the guesswork out of the task, it's best to seek assistance from a licensed residential electrician. These fully trained, well-equipped, and highly experienced professionals can address any electrical issue safely, quickly, and effectively.

Contact a local electrician to learn more.