An increasingly common cause for electrical repairs is outdated electrical equipment and often long-since designed to use modern electric equipment. At times the trouble can be fairly obvious, multiple outlets and extension cords dependent upon a single electrical outlet. Or maybe you have been shocked by an electrical surge and are left with damaged clothing, electronics, or a waterbed heater. However, there are many other potential problems that may arise from electrical faults and electrical repairs, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. Here are some of the most common electrical problems and their causes:
If you have ever tried to turn an outlet off, then you are probably familiar with this common problem: one wants to turn off an electrical appliance, but doesn’t want to risk potentially harmful shock or even death by doing so without first unplugging the appliance. What often happens in these circumstances is that people try to turn the power off from the circuit breaker, and instead place the circuit breakers closer to the outlet. In effect, they’re trying to reach the outlet using extension cords. The issue here is that sometimes these extension cords are actually getting in the way of the flow of electricity, causing a short and often resulting in a burnt-out fuse. If you’ve ever suffered from a burnt-out fuse, then you know how dangerous this can be, and having a backup solution can be critical in cases like this where an emergency needs to be addressed immediately.
It may not be as obvious as the previous example, but the same type of mistake can occur when wiring is being done or updated. A bad wiring job that leaves open or broken connections can be a problem that can’t be remedied without buying a new set of wires, and will likely result in electrical repairs that run the gamut from minor to major. Blown fuses are one possibility, and in many cases you’ll simply need to replace a blown fuse. However, other electrical problems may need more drastic and costly measures.
The problem with blown fuses is that the electricity runs through the circuit at too high a voltage. As the air is forced into the wire, it expands but doesn’t fill the gap that’s left between the two conductors. This results in what is called a “fuse bounce”, and the electricity is interrupted before it can complete its journey down the wire. Some common electrical problems that exhibit this symptom include power surges, intermittent power problems and flickering lights. If any of these symptoms occur when you’re electrical repairs are ongoing or about to begin, then you should be concerned and have them checked out by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Another sign of an electrical problem is a constant, high level of electricity running through your wiring. When this occurs, most electricians will say that it’s indicative of a “service failure”. The truth is that this indicator is actually very common in certain types of electrical systems. For example, when your home has a security system installed, the wiring is often the cause of this indicator.
Flickering light indicators can also be caused by improper installation or bad wiring. In the case of the security system, improper connections may allow electricity to flow from one outlet to another without proper wiring. This could potentially cause safety issues. You should never try to fix lighting or electrics on your own, even if you think you’re doing it right. For example, many older homes may have “extang” style outlets which offer two sets of outlet ports and are usually longer than traditional outlets. In either case, you should use qualified electricians for electrical repairs, as there is simply no room for error when it comes to the wiring involved in this process.
Last but not least, you should always pay close attention to electricity flowing through your home while you’re performing electrical repairs. There are times when we perform electrical repairs, but something gets cut or damaged somehow. If the surge that created the issue wasn’t enough to put a damper on the lighting, you’ll find that electricians have to inspect your entire electrical system. This can be a very costly mistake!
No matter what kind of electrical repairs you’re performing, always contact a professional electrician beforehand. They have the experience and training needed to safely make the necessary repairs. They also have the knowledge needed to prevent future problems and injuries. Hiring a professional electrician can help ensure your safety and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.
