A power outage can be inconvenient for any homeowner. If the power blacks out in a section or your home, the initial move is to determine the root of the issue. When your neighbours have electricity in their homes, it’s apparent that the problem is in your home’s electrical system.
Minor electrical problems are likely to happen in any home. Even with updated electrical components and wiring, it can sometimes result in short circuits. Luckily, most of these issues can be readily identified and resolved with basic knowledge of your home’s electrical system and the right tools.
The difficulty of troubleshooting and fixing electrical problems will vary depending on the age of the wiring and the severity of the issue. There are ways to troubleshoot some common electrical problems. However, the solution would depend on the cause of the electrical issue – whether it’s an overloaded circuit, short circuit, or power surge.
Either way, this article will guide you on what to do in case an electrical issue occurs.
- Make Safety The Priority
Before troubleshooting any electrical problems, following the safety procedures and utilising the appropriate tools carefully is crucial. If you’re unfamiliar with anything electrical-related or uncomfortable handling wiring or panels, it may be best to call a professional. If you find it perplexing to determine why the lights are flickering, there’s a high chance for the electrical wiring to be frayed.
Before starting a task involving electrical wires, always switch off the power from the main breaker panel to lower the chances of electrical shocks. Consider it as a safety measure while fixing the problem. You can later turn the power back to check if you can repair the issue. Additionally, ensure you wear rubber gloves with a good level of insulation together with goggles while working on any electrical circuit or wiring.
- Prepare The Basic Tools
Once you pinpoint the issue’s root, you should prepare the necessary tools. You might need specific tools, depending on the problem at hand.
There are some basic tools typically used for minor electrical repairs. For instance, a voltage tester is a must-have since it allows you to check the wiring for an electrical current before working. To use it, glide the voltage tester’s tip over the wiring you’ll be working on, and it’ll caution you if a current is present. Moreover, a flathead and Phillips head screwdriver will come in handy in various repair jobs, such as replacing a light fixture or outlet.
It would be best if you also had a supply of several key replacement parts such as light switches, outlets, or receptacles.
- Inspect The Main Electrical Panel
If an overloaded circuit may be the reason for the power outage in your home, your initial task is to check the main panel.
The circuit breakers or fuses in an electrical panel turn off the electrical circuit after detecting excessive current flowing through the wiring. It also turns off the circuit if there’s a failure in the electrical system. Once a circuit overloads, the circuit breaker should trip, or a fuse blows, turning off the entire circuit.
You need to inspect the main panel serving the circuit. Determine if any of the circuit breakers has flicked off. Then, check closely since it might only be midway between on and off. Make sure to switch off or unplug everything from the troublesome circuit. Then reset the breaker, switch it off, and turn it back on again.
In case the circuit blows right after resetting the breaker, call an electrician since a faulty device or burned wire might require a replacement. When the circuit remains as is, switch the lights on and plug in your appliances to determine which initiates an overload or short circuit.
- Be Familiar With The Indications Of Electrical Surges
Electrical surges can happen if a high-powered appliance such as the refrigerator or air conditioner switches on or off or lightning strikes. Remember that these appliances require a lot of energy every time they turn on and off.
Some indications that a device or appliance is experiencing an electrical surge include non-functional lights, a device or appliance that fails to power on, doesn’t work or has a burning odour. The sudden need for power can disrupt the steady voltage flow in the electrical system. Remember that the damage from small surges accumulates over time, reducing the functional life span of any device.
Final Thoughts
Electrical troubles are likely to happen now and then. As a homeowner, you must be familiar with how to troubleshoot some of the minor electrical issues. Regardless of the electrical problem you’re facing, knowing these basic measures will give you a head start in dealing with the issue in the best way possible.
