We have all experienced some type and level of electrical problem, whether we live in an apartment or in a house. While there are many larger problems that need to be handled by a professional, there are still many things you can check on your own!
We put together 6 easy steps to help you troubleshoot your electricity:
1. Is the device in question working?
Always start with making sure the light or electrical device is turned on to see if it’s working. By plugging the device into another outlet or power source, you can determine if the problem is the device or the outlet.
2. Gather information.
Check around to determine if the problem is in one area of the house or spread throughout the whole home, and also check to see if your neighbors have the same problem. Typically, whole home electrical outages are due to a problem your electric company is having.
3. Is it the breaker or fuse?
Your electrical problem may turn out to be a simple fix – such as a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Circuit breakers have a safety feature that cuts off the power preventing fire or electrical shock when a circuit becomes overloaded. If it’s the circuit that is faulty, turn it off and call the experts.
4. Locate the trigger.
If the circuit is down, see if you can find what causes the breaker to trip – look to see how many things are plugged into the circuit. It could be a hairdryer or something similar, if too many things are plugged in and used. Also, space heaters are notorious in overheating the receptacle, which over time leads to wiring problems.
5. Is the switch working?
It may be as simple as using an OHM meter (an electrical instrument that measures electrical resistance) to determine if your electrical problem is due to a deficient switch.
6. Are the lights flickering?
This is a possible sign that there are loose wires, so make sure the power is turned off and that all the connections are well made. A loose connection can cause shortages.
Finally, when in doubt, we can help! Electricity can be very dangerous to work with so do not hesitate to get professional help, and by all means stop troubleshooting when you feel uncomfortable. And, as always, be safe – any big projects should be handled by the professionals.
At Denny’s Electric Service, as a full service residential electrical contractor, we pride ourselves on being committed to delivering not only quality workmanship and superior service, but also making sure you and your loved ones are safe in your home.
If you’re one of many local residents who’s wondering: how can I find reliable and skilled electrical contractors or electrical companies near me – your answer is right here!
Contact Denny’s Electric Service today to receive quality residential electrical services: https://dennyselectricservice.com/
