Electrical problems can range from a small defective plug, all the way to a life-threatening issue with a fuse. If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home or business, it is really important you get to the root of the problem, so you can remedy the situation as soon as possible.
There are a number of potential causes of electrical problems, and the best way to determine the cause is to consult with a qualified electrician. If you have noticed a dip in the performance of your electricity, you may have a case of loose or damaged electrical wiring, faulty electrical outlets, or an overloaded circuit.
Whether you are at home or in a commercial building, these issues can be caused by a number of different factors. To uncover the causes of electrical problems in your home or business, it is important to start with a thorough inspection. An experienced professional should always be consulted to determine the cause of any problem and provide an appropriate solution.
Flickering Lights
A common yet incredibly annoying electrical issue is flickering lights. Few things are more jarring than spending an evening under lights which routinely flick on and off.
If you haven’t replaced your bulb in quite a while, this could simply be signalling that the bulb is ready to blow and needs replacing. The light bulb may need to be screwed a little tighter also as the connection may not be being made. If you have changed or tightened your bulb and the problem persists, there may be a more serious problem at play.
If you have had recent electrical work or have some simple wear and tear, you may have a loose electrical connection. A loose connection is very dangerous and volatile as they have the potential to start fires.
Overloaded Circuit
If you have been going about your day, switched on an appliance like a kettle or toaster which has then turned off all of the electricity in your home, you are familiar with an overloaded circuit.
To prevent an overload of power, the circuit breaker stops all flow of electricity to prevent a fire or accident from happening. If this happens once or twice in a blue moon, this could be because too many appliances are plugged into one circuit, or you are using two high-power appliances at the same time.
If an overloaded circuit happens often, chances are the problem lies with the wiring of your electricity and not with you. You could have a faulty fuse box or breaker, two issues which require the immediate help of an experienced electrician.
Damaged and Discoloured Sockets
Have you ever gone to remove a plug from a socket and noticed it is hot to the touch or even received a small shock from it? This is a very clear signal that something is not quite right with your outlet. Whilst this is quite common, it should not be taken lightly, as this is one of the ways a devastating house fire can begin.
If your plug sparks when entered into the socket repeatedly, this suggests a problem with the switch or wiring within the socket. You will most likely see a sparking plug paired with a discoloured, blackened or yellow socket, as the heat from the electricity begins to discolour the plastic covering.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs, consider using a different plug socket for a while and getting the defective one checked out by a professional. Definitely avoid using any electric-intensive or heat-related appliances with this plug, like hair straighteners, hair dryers or curlers.
When dealing with electrical problems, it’s important to understand that not all issues will have simple solutions. Issues may require costly repairs or replacements and could result in disruption of service or even a complete loss of power. In these cases, it is best to contact a professional electrician who can assess the issue thoroughly and determine the most effective course of action. Taking shortcuts when dealing with electrical repairs could put your safety, as well as the safety of those around you, at risk. With the help of an experienced electrician, you can be sure that your home or business remains safe and functioning properly.
