Understanding common electrical problems and knowing when to DIY versus when to call a professional can save you time, money, and potentially prevent dangerous situations.
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
Possible Causes:
- Overloaded circuit
- Short circuit
- Ground fault
- Faulty breaker
DIY Solutions:
- Unplug devices from the affected circuit
- Reset the breaker
- Plug devices back in one at a time to identify the culprit
- Redistribute high-wattage appliances to different circuits
Call a Professional If:
- The breaker trips immediately after resetting
- You smell burning or see scorch marks
- The breaker feels hot
- Multiple circuits are affected
Flickering Lights
Possible Causes:
- Loose bulb
- Faulty light switch
- Loose wiring connections
- Voltage fluctuations
- Overloaded circuit
DIY Solutions:
- Tighten the bulb (when cool)
- Try a different bulb
- Check if the problem occurs when large appliances turn on
- Test the switch for looseness
Call a Professional If:
- Multiple lights flicker simultaneously
- Flickering is accompanied by buzzing sounds
- The problem persists after trying new bulbs
- You notice warm switches or outlets
Dead Outlets
Possible Causes:
- Tripped GFCI outlet
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Loose wire connections
- Faulty outlet
DIY Solutions:
- Check if the circuit breaker has tripped
- Look for a GFCI outlet in the same room or nearby and press the reset button
- Test the outlet with a different device
- Check if the outlet is controlled by a wall switch
Call a Professional If:
- The outlet shows signs of burning or melting
- You feel warmth coming from the outlet
- Multiple outlets are dead
- The GFCI won't reset
Light Switches Not Working
Possible Causes:
- Burned out bulb
- Tripped breaker
- Faulty switch
- Loose wiring
DIY Solutions:
- Replace the bulb
- Check the circuit breaker
- Test if the switch feels loose or makes unusual sounds
Call a Professional If:
- The switch is hot to the touch
- You hear crackling or buzzing
- The switch sparks when used
- Multiple switches are affected
High Electricity Bills
Possible Causes:
- Inefficient appliances
- Phantom power draw
- Poor insulation
- Electrical leaks
DIY Solutions:
- Unplug devices when not in use
- Use power strips to eliminate phantom draw
- Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models
- Install LED bulbs throughout your home
- Use a power monitor to identify energy hogs
Call a Professional If:
- Bills spike suddenly without explanation
- You suspect electrical leaks
- Your meter seems to run fast
- You need an energy audit
Buzzing Sounds
Possible Causes:
- Loose wiring
- Faulty dimmer switch
- Overloaded circuit
- Electrical arcing
DIY Solutions:
- Identify the source of the sound
- If it's a dimmer, try replacing the bulb with a dimmable LED
- Reduce the load on the circuit
Call a Professional Immediately If:
- The buzzing comes from the electrical panel
- It's accompanied by burning smells
- You see sparks or smoke
- The sound is loud or persistent
Warm Outlets or Switches
Why This Happens:
Slight warmth in dimmer switches is normal, but hot outlets or switches indicate serious problems like:
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose connections
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged outlets
What to Do:
- Stop using the outlet or switch immediately
- Turn off the circuit breaker for that area
- Call a professional electrician right away
Never ignore warm electrical components—they're a fire hazard.
Essential Electrical Safety Tools
Every homeowner should have:
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Circuit breaker finder
- Flashlight
- Electrical tape
- Outlet tester
When to Always Call a Professional
- Any work involving the electrical panel
- Installing new circuits or outlets
- Replacing ceiling fans or fixtures
- Outdoor electrical work
- Anything involving the main service line
- When you're unsure or uncomfortable
Conclusion
While some electrical issues have simple solutions, many require professional expertise. When in doubt, it's always safer to call a qualified electrician than risk injury or property damage.
WikiVolt offers 24/7 emergency electrical services. If you're experiencing any electrical problems, don't hesitate to contact us for fast, professional assistance.