Let's take a look at some of the most common electrical problems and solutions that homeowners should be aware of today, without the need for GFCI. Lights that are too bright or too dim are just some of the issues that can arise. We'll discuss 10 of the most common electrical problems and their solutions. GFCI power outlets are designed to detect a fault in 4 milliseconds and activate your internal circuit breaker, which could save your life.
In the past, copper wiring was not always used for electrical wiring, and aluminum wiring was sometimes used instead. If a device is not designed for aluminum wiring, it can cause rusting at the connection point. If you're having an electrical problem that needs to be solved, read on to learn about some common electrical problems you might face and the best solutions for each of them. Some wiring problems are just minor inconveniences, while others can be serious fire or electrocution hazards.
If you're buying a home (especially one that's over 50 years old) or if you've never had your wiring inspected, it's a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to thoroughly check your home. To help you assess the state of your own electrical system, we asked Gallant to identify the 10 most common wiring problems it detects, the hazards they pose and the solutions it recommends. Current codes require receptacles to be less than 4 feet from the entrance and, thereafter, every 12 feet. GFCIs must also be less than 4 feet away from any sink and on all outlets in garages, basements and outdoors.
As Raleigh electricians, safety is our top priority. We believe it's essential to educate homeowners about the dangers of electrical problems. Electrical problems cause an estimated 51,000 fires each year, so it's important to know how to handle these issues. In our 15 years in business, we've seen a lot of electrical problems in people's homes.
We thought it would be a good idea to gather some of the most common electrical problems into a single list. One of the most common electrical problems is using light bulbs with wattage that is higher than what is printed on the light socket. To avoid this issue, make sure that the wattage printed on the bulb is equal to or less than the maximum wattage printed on the light socket. If you're not sure or your house is older, use light bulbs of 60 watts or less.
If you're using light bulbs left and right, you'll need to call an electrician to evaluate the problem; you could be dangerously close to an electrical fire in your home. Excess electricity passing through a circuit can overheat the electrical wiring in the house and cause a fire or electrocution. Always call a licensed electrician to handle these issues, as they are often more complicated than other electrical problems. If a circuit breaker goes off periodically, it could indicate a more serious electrical problem.
Loose outlets and overloaded adapters are some of the most common electrical problems, leading to a poor connection and, possibly, electrical fires. Some electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, consume so much energy that they can cause frequent trips or short circuits. Here are some frustrating but harmless electrical problems to consider, plus how to fix them:
- Loose outlets: Make sure all outlets are securely fastened into place by tightening any loose screws with a screwdriver.
- Overloaded adapters: Don't plug too many devices into one outlet at once; this can overload the circuit and cause an outage or even an electrical fire.
- Too many lights: Make sure that all lights are turned off when not in use; this will help reduce energy consumption and prevent overheating of wires.
- Faulty wiring: If you suspect faulty wiring in your home, call an electrician immediately; this could be dangerous and lead to an electrical fire if not addressed quickly.
- Aluminum wiring: If your home has aluminum wiring instead of copper wiring, make sure all devices are designed for aluminum wiring; otherwise rusting can occur at connection points.
- Power outlet modifications: If power is sent to the electrical outlet and you are going to modify it, you are at considerable risk of suffering an electrical shock. One way to reduce potential damage caused by this common electrical problem is to tape the cables together.
