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7 DIY Home Electric Problem Solves

May 12, 2020

Modern civilization runs on the back of electrical power supply that reaches every industry, home, and office through the network of power grids Everyday life of modern humans in every part of the world revolves around the use of electrical power. The disruption of power, even for a short duration, can send your schedules into disharmony and can massively impact daily lives.

There are several reasons for an electrical issue to occur in your home, and they can happen when you least expect it. This is especially true with older homes with primitive electrical connections. Older wiring systems in homes cannot support the use of certain modern appliances. These circuits may not be efficient and can cause strain on the circuit when you land more load than their maximum capacity.

Basic knowledge of electricity and their workings is essential before you attempt to perform any repair work in your home. Proper identification of the fault in the electrical system of your home can save you time and money when trying the repair work. Always switch off the power source before initiating the repair work of electrical in your home. This article brings to you the seven basic electrical problems you can solve at home.

Over-lamping

Over-lamping is the condition in which the wattage requirement of a bulb exceeds the maximum rating of the electrical circuit in your home. This means that the power circuit in your home cannot handle the excess power that your bulb draws in for operating it. This can lead to overheating of the socket and melting or burning the socket if the socket has the same power rating as to your bulb.

You can detect it by the excess warmth on the socket, light switch, or the fixture and checking for the electrical ratings of the components to confirm over-lamping.

The easiest and cheapest way to fix the issue is by replacing your light bulb with a bulb having lower wattage ratings. You can also try switching to a more energy-efficient light source such as CFL or LED bulbs. The other alternative is to replace your socket and fixture to accommodate the higher power ratings of the bulb you want to use.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are one of the most common electrical problems that you can find in a home, where the light turns dimmer and brighter on its own. The lights can flicker even when the switches are in off position, and it indicates poor electrical wiring. You can trace the section with the poor wiring by checking the line, which has flickering lights in them. If all the lights are flickering, this can be because of the connection in the Weatherhead or the panel.

Bad wiring is the most apparent cause of flickering, and you can fix it by replacing the section with damage. Replacing an old fluorescent ballast can also resolve the flickering. Another reason can be faulty switches, which you can fix by replacing the switches.

Tripping Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it might be because of a faulty current circuit. The function of circuit breakers is to detect any anomalies in the electrical circuit and stop the flow of current to prevent further damage.

You need to find the switches in the off position in your electrical box that houses the main electrical controls of your home. All you need to do to fix the issue is to flip the switches to the ‘On’ position. You need to contact your electrician if the problem persists.

Repairing Extension Cord

Extension cords are not cheap, and it is more economical to conduct extension cord repair than buying a new one. You can quickly repair a cord that has damage near the plug or if the cord is cut. You need to peel off the insulation jacket by cutting it along the length and gently peeling the jacket back. Strip the wires using a wire gauge and twist them tightly. After this, you can reconnect into the plug on the respective screws according to the color of the wire.

High Electricity Bills

The reasons for high electricity bills can be many, such as using old electrical appliances that consume more power, leakage in the electrical system, damages in wiring, or circuit. You can reduce your electricity bills by using modern devices that are more economical in power usage and by repairing or replacing the wiring and electrical systems in your house.

Electrical Shocks

Electric shocks are painful, and they can be dangerous to your health. Electric shocks mostly occur when you touch a metallic part of an electrical appliance or when you turn it on or off. The standard medium that causes shocks is the wiring or the electrical device. You can fix the issue by checking if the grounding wire is in the proper position and by repairing or replacing the wiring in your device if the wiring in your home is perfect.

Power Surge

The most common causes of power surges are lightning striking on the power lines or shoddy wiring. It is essential to provide proper earthing connections in your home to prevent damage to your wiring system and electrical appliances. You will need to remove cheap power boards and devices from your circuit as they may cause surges. If wiring is at fault, you will need to find and replace the faulty sections.

Conclusion

There are plenty of common electrical problems that frequently occur in our home, and you can easily fix these issues with the help of necessary tools. Always switch off the main power supply of your home before attempting any repair on electricals or wiring in your home.

You need to inspect and maintain the electrical system in your home regularly to keep it in good working condition. Safety is paramount when you want to repair your electrical issues at your home. It is advisable to get the help of a professional electrician to solve the electrical problems in your home if you do not have basic electrical knowledge. By following all the safety guidelines, you can fix the common small issues in your homes and minimize the cost of further repairs.