How to Troubleshoot Common Electrical Problems in Your Home

Flickering lights or the occasional short circuit are one of the common electrical problems homeowners face. While it is compelling to find the root cause of the problem and address it by yourself. 

Randy’s Electric, recommends the residents of Minneapolis and the surrounding area to contact professional electricians before handling any electrical work. If you avail our electrical services, our highly qualified and friendly electricians are present to provide detailed demonstrations and recommendations to maintain safety preventative measures against electrical hazards. 

However, it is beneficial to be familiar with the quick and easy steps of troubleshooting electrical problems. The causes of electrical failure can be due to an interrupted electrical flow or tripped wire which is an easy fix and can be resolved manually. 

Essential Safety Tips

Before you step on the ladder to change the lightbulb or replace the circuit of an outlet, it is essential to know of the potential risks of troubleshooting electrical problems by yourself. 

Unplug All Electrical Appliances:

Before attempting to resolve the electrical problem, unplug all electrical appliances that you will come into contact with. This ensures that there is no flow of electricity, eliminating the possibility of an electric shock. 

Switch Off Circuit Breakers:

If the faulty appliance cannot be unplugged, switch off the circuit breakers that the device is connected to. This step is to ensure there is no potential risk of inducing an electrical shock. 

Wear Personal Protective Equipment:

A vital step before conducting any electrical experiments, it is vital to gear yourself with the necessary equipment. Administering protective gear such as rubber gloves, safety goggles and non conductive footwear is an optimal way to protect yourself from potential electrical hazards and ensure safety. 

No Distractions: 

It is a risk to safety if you mishandle active electric wires which can lead to electrocution. To ensure that you are fully concentrated on repairing electrical appliances, remove the presence of young children and pets. 

Tools and Equipment Needed for Troubleshooting

In order to play the part of an electrician, there are two vital components that an individual must gear themselves up with. Firstly, is the precise knowledge to diagnose the electrical situation at hand and secondly, is the suitable tools to efficiently troubleshoot the matter. 

Digital Multimeters:

Digital multimeters are electrical measuring tools that are used to test circuits, check the presence of live current and diagnose malfunctions. With its ability to measure electrical properties such as resistance, voltage and current these devices are an essential tool in troubleshooting electrical problems. 

Voltage Tester

A tool used by many electricians, a voltage tester is used to detect the presence of electricity in a circuit or device. There are two types of voltage testers that electricians use to deem the circuit or appliance is safe from possible hazardous electric shocks. 

Wire Cutter:

Another component of the tool belt that electricians particularly use is a wire cutter. An appliance used to effectively cut insulated wires at the desired length. 

Screwdriver Set:

An integral tool to effectively maneuver around electrical problems is a screwdriver set. As all electrical appliances use the practicality of screws to hold circuits and wires in place. Investing in a screwdriver set with a variety of screwdriver tips is essential in handling a range of electrical problems. 

Basic Components of an Electrical System

The basic components of an electrical system are the constituent ingredients of an electrical appliance. The primary parts consist of a voltage source, load and a conductive pathway for the constant flow of current. 

Additionally, there are extended components that are involved within an electrical system such as inductors, capacitors and resistors. The quality of and design of the electrical parts greatly contributes to the longevity and the durability of the electrical appliance.  

Voltage Source: 

An electrical component such as a battery or generator provides a voltage source for electricity to circulate through the electrical system. 

Load:

The load, an electrical appliance such as lights, motor or a resistor are the consumers of electric power within an electrical circuit. 

Conductive Pathway:

The path within an electrical circuit through which electricity flows in order to connect the electrical components to the power source is a conductive pathway. 

Inductor:

One of the passive electrical components, an inductor, is designed to oppose a charge and store energy within the magnetic field when electric current flows through a circuit.  

Resistor:

A resistor is a passive electrical component that is used for the regulation and maintaining a stable flow of electrical current within an electrical circuit. 

Capacitor:

An integral passive component of electrical circuits are capacitors which can store energy in the form of an active electric charge and release it back into the circuit. The two main basic functions of a capacitor are the charging and discharging of electric current. 

Common Electrical Problems and Troubleshoot in Homes

As a constant user of electricity, you are bound to run into some common electrical problems. While some electrical problems can be resolved with a light bulb replacement, there are others which require the expertise of a qualified electrician. 

Flickering Lights

Under normal circumstances, the electrical issue of flickering lights is a clear indication of an interrupted flow of electric current. While a fused bulb can be replaced with another electrical appliance, the root cause of flickering lights needs to be analyzed as it poses a series of electrical hazards, such as fires or sparks. 

The electrical cords must be analyzed in order to determine if the chords aren't frayed, which can cause loose or corroded connections. However, if you hear a buzzing sound that persists with flickering lights, it is a clear indication of an overloaded circuit. It is advised to contact a qualified electrician which provides services to replace flickering lights. 

Frayed Electrical Cords

The residential electrical problem of flickering lights is due to the occurrence of frayed cords which is a result of repetitive bending of the wires. While this electrical issue can be resolved with a replacement, it is advised not to use the wires as it poses a potential risk to safety. 

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to control the flow of electricity to the electrical outlets within residential areas. When a sufficient amount of electrical load is concentrated in a singular outlet, the circuit breaker trips to prevent the outlet from overheating.

To resolve the issue of a tripped circuit breaker, locate the circuit breaker and flip the switch which has been overused due to excessive flow of voltage. If the breaker does not switch back on, then it is advised to contact a qualified electrician who can troubleshoot the electrical fault. 

Faulty Appliances

A homeowner will occasionally be a victim of faulty appliances which can be a hindrance if not dealt with. This is due to a number of factors such as the quality of the components used which are unable to manage the electrical supply to the electric appliance. Another symptom of faulty appliances is poor electrical connection due to loose wiring. 

Overloaded Circuits

The reason for tripped circuits directly points to overloaded circuits. If multiple electrical appliances receive power from a singular electrical circuit, it can cause the circuit to overload. If heavy appliances are connected together, a large surge of power is accumulated at one point causing malfunctions in the electrical devices. 

It is recommended to avoid connecting multiple appliances which require large amounts of voltage to operate as it can increase the risk of electrical hazards. To prevent this, regularly check our circuits for signs of overloading and avoid plugging multiple electrical appliances in one electrical outlet. 

Burning Smell or Sparks

If your electrical appliances are eliminating sparks or burning smells from outlets, it is advised to shut off the power supply to such electrical outlets. Allow the devices to cool down and contact a qualified electrician to operate in a safe manner. 

Electrical Outlets Not Working

An impaired electrical outlet can result from loose wires or a short circuit causing the outlet to burn out which can be easily replaced with a new outlet. However, under the circumstances it is still not working. It is advised to check the residential power supplies connection to the outdoor power lines. 

Routine Maintenance Tips

It is recommended to treat our electrical appliances with care to ensure the longevity and durability of your electrical systems in your residential areas. Develop the habit of incorporating electrical inspections every 3 to 6 months to ensure the feasibility of your electrical appliances and your safety. 

Practice habits which ensure the durability of your appliances and handle them with care as improper use can lead to hazardous electrical risks. 

Light Your Life with Randy’s Electric:

To eliminate the possibility of electrical hazards, contact Randy's Electric in Minneapolis and St Paul, where our team of qualified electricians have undergone the necessary licensing requirements to treat your electrical appliances with care.