Common Electrical Problems And Its Solutions - Everyone Must Know

Posted Date: 11/02/2021
Category: Home Maintenance
Total View: 3325


Authored by: UrbanWale Blog Contributor, Nisha Singhania

Electricity in a home is more than a convenience - it is a necessity. When a homeowner encounters electrical issues, they are confronted with a complex web of wires, dangerous loads and the danger of being left in the dark (literally). It can be difficult to diagnose electrical issues in a home with wires running through the entire property, or even inconsistent electrical performance.

Electrical problems can be frightening. Not only do they damage equipment, but they also pose a threat to life and property. Problems like high electricity bills, twinkling lights, etc. indicate electrical problems. 

Let's take a look at common electrical problems and its solutions.

  • Poor circuit protection / no GFCI
Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is a device that detects a low voltage circuit and shuts down if there is a leakage current. It cuts the load from the mains when there is residual current in the circuit.

Solution: A residual current device is installed which provides protection against direct and indirect currents, electric shock and electric fires.

  • Grounding problems
No differential circuit breaker is installed. GFCI cuts the circuit if there is an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing currents. Without IF circuit breakers, there is a risk of overheating, impact, burning or electric fire of the power lines.

Solution: If you don't already have one, install a GFCI breaker.

  • Lack of grounded connection
These are connections that do not have a grounding system for reliability. Grounding provides a path for excessive current flow in the event of a short circuit.

Solution: Make sure all connections are grounded and that you have the correct grounding system.

  • Lighting problem
Light bulbs often burn out. If your bulbs go out too often, it could indicate electrical problems. The bulbs can burn out if:

1. Power is too much
2. high tension,
3. Poor air circulation,
4. The bulb is too tight
5. Bad wiring on the network or circuit
 
Solution: If you often encounter this problem, check if the bracket is loose. Consult a professional to determine the root cause of electrical exhaustion.

  • Flickering lights and light too bright or too dim
If you see the lights flickering, or if one is lighter or darker than the other, there are two possible reasons for this. They use different amounts of electricity or have technical issues in the main power panel.

Solution: If the lamp has different watts, there is no problem. However, if there is a problem with the power panel, you need to call a professional.

  • Electrical shock
Turning the device on and off may cause an electric shock. Even if the dents are minor, it indicates that the device has an electrical issue or wiring issues. Electric shock is a bad experience. Although they are usually very light, which is a constant shock, they are a reminder that lightning is dangerous when it can not be used.

Electric shocks usually occur when you turn a device on or off. The problem may be with the equipment or with the wiring. You can test this by plugging in another device and verifying that the results are reproducible, although you are only avoiding another electric shock. In most cases, it may be best to speak to an electrician.

Solution: You can plug in another device and see if you are having the same problem. If the results are reproducible, contact an electrician to correct the problem before anyone is injured.

  • Circuit overload
One of the main reasons for frequent tripping of circuit breakers is to overload the power boards. Most homes and apartments, even for newcomers, do not have enough electrical outlets to accommodate, for example, a complete home entertainment unit installation. If circuit breakers are being tripped repeatedly in your home, it may be due to circuit overload. 

Solution:

1. Never connect the power card in series.
2. Remove devices that are not in use (for example, phone chargers still use electricity when not connected).
3. Distribute your electricity needs. Do not overload a single circuit.
4. Be aware of how you connect devices around the house - what is used and what is not.

  • High electricity bill
For some reasons, you can have a really big electricity bill:

1. Damaged wires and circuits
2. Leakage in electrical systems
3. Electrical appliances are older and consume more electricity
 
Solution: When not in use, you can reduce the cost of utility bills by replacing the devices with low cost devices and not using them. Repairs damaged cable and identifies electrical devices that may cause voltage spikes.

  • Light switches do not work
A non-functioning switch is the result of poor workmanship or poor product quality. It can also cause malfunction in wiring, circuit or outlet.

Solution: Consult an electrician for this problem.

  • An open junction box
Junction boxes have multiple wires that are connected to each other and are designed to pull one section of wires away from another. This box also protects the wires from damage. An open junction box increases the risk of electric shock.

Solution: It is covered with screws provided by a professional.

  • Over-circuit panel
Your electrical panel is designed to accommodate many circuit breakers. These fit into the circuit breaker slot. A tandem circuit breaker looks like two switches, but it does not require two locations. So when people put a breaker together in one slot instead of two single pole breakers, they over-circuit the panel. An over-circuit panel is a fire hazard and causes damage.

Solution: Call an electrician to replace the panel with a larger load or to add a sub-panel.

  • Circuit breaker
Another electrical problem and its solution is circuit breaker. If too many energy-intensive objects are being fed from the same source, the likelihood that your circuit breakers will travel - this is a good sign, though - means that your home is safe.

Solution: Reduce the number of energy-intensive devices drawn from a single source. Or use the following settings. If this does not solve the problem, call the electrician to check the wiring and determine the reasons for the trip.

  • Aluminum wires
Aluminum is a metal and is more susceptible to oxidation when it conducts electricity. So when it comes in contact with other combustible materials such as wood, plastic etc., it can catch fire.

Solution: Use copper instead of aluminum. Copper is cheap and only ductile, but does not have the oxidizing properties of aluminum.


These are common electrical issues and its solution. You can prevent these electrical problems by taking small safety measures. Even then you come across any electrical emergency call Urbanwale anytime. We come to your doorstep and fix it immediately.

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