7 Common Electrical Problems

Addressing common electrical problems is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your home. Issues ranging from flickering lights and burning smells to frequent power surges and circuit breaker trips can indicate underlying electrical issues.

Faulty wiring, damaged power lines, and faulty appliances are often culprits, leading to high electricity bills and potential safety hazards like electrical shock. It’s important to not overload circuits with too many electrical devices or use improper light bulbs that exceed recommended wattage, as these can cause light bulbs to burn out quickly or lead to tripped circuit breakers.

Ensuring your electrical system, from light switches and dimmer switches to power points and surge protectors, is properly installed and maintained by a licensed electrician can prevent most common electrical problems.

Regular checks can diagnose electrical problems early, avoiding the risk of damaged wiring or the need for extensive electrical work. Being proactive about your home’s electrical service can help maintain a consistent power supply, safeguard against potential electrical issues, and keep your electric bill in check.

1. Frequent Electrical Surges

Electrical surges, often caused by lightning strikes, faulty appliances, or issues with the power company’s lines, can be a significant electrical problem.

These surges can damage electronic devices and reduce the lifespan of electrical appliances, leading to higher electricity bills.

• What causes electrical surges?: Surges can occur due to a variety of factors, including bad wiring, power surges from the power company, or even a faulty device in the home. Overloaded circuits and aluminium wiring can also contribute to this issue, causing tripped circuit breakers and potential fire hazards.
• How to prevent surges: To prevent frequent surges, ensure your electrical system has enough power points and is not overloaded, as too much power on a single circuit can cause issues. Using surge protectors can help safeguard your electronic devices. Regular inspections by a licensed electrician can identify and rectify poor connections or faulty outlets, reducing the risk of tripping circuit breakers and electrical fires. Upgrading any outdated wiring and ensuring that your home complies with current electrical codes can also mitigate the risk of surges.

2. Overloading Power Boards

Overloading power boards is a common electrical problem that can lead to tripped circuit breakers and even electrical fires. It occurs when too many devices draw power from a single outlet or circuit, exceeding its capacity.

• Recognising overload signs: Signs of an overloaded circuit include frequently tripped circuit breakers, warm outlets, and a burning smell from overworked wiring. Plugs falling out from outlets or lights dimming when other appliances are used can also indicate too much wattage on a single circuit.
• Preventing circuit overload: To avoid overloading, distribute electrical devices across different circuits, especially high-wattage appliances that can strain your electrical system. Using extension cords sparingly and ensuring they are not daisy-chained helps prevent excessive load on power points. Consulting with a professional electrician to assess and potentially upgrade your home’s electrical systems can prevent overloading. Licensed electricians can install additional outlets or circuits where necessary, ensuring your electrical system can handle the demand safely and comply with electrical codes.

3. Light Bulbs Burning Out Frequently

One of the most common electrical problems is light bulbs burning out more often than they should. This issue can be symptomatic of deeper electrical system flaws.

• Causes of bulb failure: Several factors contribute to frequent bulb failures, including using bulbs with higher wattage than recommended, which can lead to overheating and shortened lifespan. Poor connection in the light socket, faulty dimmer switches, or fluctuations in the home’s power supply can also cause bulbs to burn out prematurely. Overloaded circuits and tripped circuit breakers can lead to power surges, damaging sensitive light bulbs.
• Extending bulb life: To prevent frequent bulb burnouts, ensure you’re using the correct wattage for each fixture and check for secure connections in light sockets. Upgrading your home’s electrical wiring and using surge protectors can help stabilise the power supply. Regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical components, like junction boxes and cover plates, can prevent grounding issues and other electrical problems that lead to bulb failure. If issues persist, consult with a professional electrician to diagnose and resolve underlying electrical issues.

4. Faulty Wiring Issues

Faulty wiring is a critical electrical issue that can cause tripped circuit breakers, power surges, and even fires, leading to an increased electrical bill and potential safety hazards.

• Identifying faulty wiring: Signs of bad wiring include frequent bulb burnouts, mild shocks from outlets, and dimmer switches malfunctioning. If light bulbs burn out unusually quickly or circuit breakers trip regularly, it might indicate faulty or outdated aluminium wire. Other indicators are warm outlets, plugs falling out of outlets, or a buzzing sound from electrical systems.
• Solutions for wiring problems: Addressing wiring issues often requires replacing or repairing the compromised wires. Surge protectors can help manage power surges and protect your home’s electrical system. For homes with aluminium wiring or recurring electrical problems, a comprehensive review by a professional electrician is necessary to ensure all components meet current code standards and are safe for use. Upgrading outdated wiring and ensuring enough power points can prevent overloading and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

5. Tripped Circuit Breakers

Tripped circuit breakers are common indicators of electrical system issues, protecting your home by shutting off power when overload or faults are detected.

• Why breakers trip: Circuit breakers can trip due to overloaded circuits, where too many appliances or light bulbs draw more power than the system can handle. Faulty appliances, power surges, and issues with wiring or outlets, like a faulty outlet or dimmer switch, can also cause breakers to trip. Sometimes, the cause is as simple as a single high-wattage appliance, like a hot water system, consuming too much power.
• How to handle tripped breakers: To resolve tripping issues, first, identify and unplug the offending appliance or reduce the load on the circuit. Reset the tripped circuit breaker from the junction box. If tripping persists, it may indicate a more serious problem, such as a code violation or faulty electrical system component. In such cases, consulting with a professional to inspect and potentially upgrade your electrical system is advisable to ensure safety and prevent future trips. Installing surge protectors can also help manage unexpected power surges that may cause breakers to trip.

6. Electrical Shocks

Experiencing a mild shock when touching appliances or power points is a sign of electrical system issues, often pointing to grounding problems or faulty wiring.

• Causes of electrical shocks: Common causes include faulty appliances, where the internal wiring or components have degraded, and dimmer switches or light bulbs that are not properly grounded. Additionally, a power surge can damage the electrical system, leading to shock risks. Loose connections at power points or other outlets can also result in unexpected shocks.
• Preventing electrical shocks: To mitigate the risk of electrical shocks, ensure that all electrical installations, like surge protectors and circuit breakers, are correctly installed and functioning. Regularly inspecting appliances for wear and damage and replacing any faulty items can prevent shocks. Securely fastening plugs in outlets and using power points safely can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing a shock. If shocks occur frequently, it’s crucial to have a professional electrician inspect your electrical system to identify and rectify the underlying issues, ensuring your home’s safety and potentially lowering your electricity bill.

7. Deteriorating Electrical Wiring

Deteriorating electrical wiring is a significant hazard that can lead to increased electricity bills, faulty appliances, and safety risks like fires.

• Signs of wiring deterioration: Symptoms of ageing wiring include frequent tripping of circuit breakers, light bulbs burning out rapidly, and plugs falling out of sockets, indicating loose or worn connections. An increase in the electricity bill may also suggest that deteriorating wiring is causing inefficiency in the electrical system.
• Maintaining and upgrading wiring: Regular inspections can identify old or damaged wires that need replacement. If appliances frequently malfunction or light bulbs have a shortened lifespan, this could indicate an issue with the wiring. Upgrading the electrical system and ensuring that all connections are secure can prevent the problems associated with deteriorating wiring. It’s crucial to have a professional assess and repair any outdated or faulty wiring to ensure the electrical system’s safety and efficiency.

Safeguarding Your Electrical System

Addressing common electrical problems is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient home environment.

From tripped circuit breakers and frequent bulb burnouts to the more serious issues of faulty wiring and electrical shocks, each problem requires timely intervention. Regular inspections and maintenance by licensed electricians can prevent these issues and ensure that the electrical system functions properly.

Taking proactive steps to manage and upgrade your home’s electrical infrastructure can protect against hazards, reduce electricity bills, and provide peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.