Common Household Electrical Problems

If you live in an older home, chances are you've experienced your share of electrical problems. flickering lights, outlets that don't work, and circuit breakers that trip are all common issues. While some electrical problems can wait for a professional electrician to solve, there are many that you can fix yourself. Keep reading for a list of 5 common electrical problems and how to solve them.

5 Household Electrical Problems and How to Solve Them

Households can experience a variety of electrical problems. Here are five of the most common and we tell you the solution as under:

Problem # 1. Loose outlets

Over time, the screws that hold outlets in place can become loose. This can cause the outlet to spark or the circuit breaker to trip. To fix a loose outlet, tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten them, as this can strip the screws or damage the outlet itself.

Problem # 2. Flickering lights

Flickering lights are often caused by loose lightbulb sockets. To tighten a lightbulb socket, first, remove the lightbulb. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the retaining screw. Once the socket is tight, screw in a new lightbulb and turn it on to see if the flickering has stopped.

Problem # 3. Dead outlets

If an outlet is completely dead—meaning neither it nor any of the outlets on the same circuit will turn on—the problem is likely a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. To reset a tripped breaker, locate your home's breaker box and switch the breaker back into the "on" position. If you have a fuse box instead of a breaker box, locate the blown fuse and replace it with a new one with the same amperage rating.

A professional electrician in North Vancouver can help you solve your electrical problems.

Problem # 4. sparking outlets

If you see sparks coming from an outlet, there could be a severe issue with the wiring behind it. Do not attempt to fix this problem yourself; instead, call a professional electrician right away and explain what you saw. They will be able to determine whether the outlet needs to be replaced or if another problem with your home's electrical system needs to be addressed.

Problem # 5. Frequently tripped circuit breakers

If certain circuit breakers trip frequently, it could be due to faulty wiring or overloading from appliances. have an electrician inspect your home's wiring to ensure everything is up to code. If they determine that everything is fine, try unplugging some appliances or moving them to another circuit. This should help reduce the number of times your circuit breakers trip.

To sum up, while some electrical problems require professional help, there are many that you can fix yourself with just a few tools and some knowledge of how your home's electrical system works. The next time you experience flickering lights, dead outlets, or other common electrical issues, try following the tips in this blog post. You may be surprised at how easy it is to solve them yourself!

Whenever you need an emergency electrician in Vancouver, you can ask PR Electric to help you.