Electrical issues can be a source of frustration and potential danger if left unaddressed. From flickering lights to tripped circuit breakers, understanding common electrical problems and how to troubleshoot them can help maintain a safe and functional home.

Need some guidance? Here are some pointers to help you identify and troubleshoot some of the most common electrical problems.

Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights can occur intermittently, which may be a sign of loose or outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty light fixtures and bulbs. The first step is to check the light bulbs to ensure they are securely screwed in and not defective. If the issue persists, try replacing the fixture to see if that resolves the problem.

Flickering across multiple lights when using an appliance, like a microwave or vacuum, could indicate an overloaded circuit. In this case, redistributing the load or upgrading the circuit with the help of a licensed electrician is advisable.

Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your circuit breakers trip frequently, cutting off power to certain areas of your home may indicate overloaded circuits, short circuits, or faulty appliances. The first step is to identify the cause: if the breaker trips when a specific appliance is in use, that appliance might be drawing too much power or faulty.

Unplug the appliance to see if the breaker stops tripping. To avoid overloading the circuit, refrain from using too many high-wattage devices simultaneously, especially on the same circuit. If the breaker continues to trip without a clear reason, wiring issues might be at play, and you should contact a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the wiring.

Dead Outlets

When one or more electrical outlets stop working, the problem could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a tripped GFCI outlet, or faulty outlet wiring. Begin by checking the breaker panel to see if any breakers have tripped and reset them if necessary.

If the outlet is near water sources like kitchens or bathrooms, it might be a GFCI outlet. Press the "reset" button on the outlet to restore power. If neither of these solutions works, the outlet itself might be faulty. In that case, it's best to call a pro to safely replace the outlet.

Burning Smell or Discolored Outlets

A burning smell near switches, the breaker panel, or outlets, including those that appear discolored or charred, is a serious warning sign. These issues often result from overheating due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged outlets.

If you detect a burning smell, immediately turn off the power to the affected area using the breaker panel. Do not use the affected outlet until a professional has inspected it. Burning smells or discolored outlets suggest a significant electrical hazard that requires urgent attention.

Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Buzzing or humming noises coming from outlets, switches, or the breaker panel could indicate loose connections, faulty wiring, or circuit overload. If the noise originates from a specific outlet or switch, turn off the power to that area and check for loose connections. 

Tighten any loose screws if you feel comfortable doing so. If the noise is coming from the breaker panel, this may indicate a faulty breaker or wiring issue. Do not attempt to fix this yourself. It's important to contact a licensed electrician for help.

Frequent Bulb Burnouts

If light bulbs burn out frequently in the same fixture, it may be due to using high-wattage bulbs, poor wiring on the circuit, or a faulty fixture. First, make sure you're using bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the fixture. If the problem persists, inspect the fixture for visible damage or loose connections.

If this doesn't solve the issue, there could be an underlying wiring problem. An electrician can assess the situation and make the necessary repairs to prevent future bulb burnouts.

Electric Shocks

Experiencing mild shocks when touching appliances, outlets, or switches can be alarming and may indicate faulty wiring, grounding issues, or defective appliances. If you receive a shock from an appliance, unplug it immediately and have it inspected or replaced. If the shock occurs when using an outlet or switch, avoid using it until a professional has inspected the wiring. 

When to Call a Professional

The team at Thomas Edison Electric serves customers across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and more. Our licensed electricians are equipped to handle all types of electrical problems, from minor repairs to complex troubleshooting.

Contact us today for prompt, professional electrical services and ensure the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system.