The Role of Electrical Troubleshooting in Keeping Your Home Safe

For a certified electrician, this process will involve using specialized testing equipment like voltage meters, insulation testers, or circuit analyzers. For a homeowner, however, electrical troubleshooting means staying alert to changes, listening for warning signs, and performing basic checks. Both the electrician's work and the homeowner's work is invaluable!

Your troubleshooting might begin with a observation like:

• Certain outlets or lights losing power when you use a particular appliance.
• Your circuit breakers tripping more and more frequently.
• The smell of burning rubber or plastic coming from the walls, outlets, or switches.

These are all indicators that something in your electrical system needs attention - and possibly immediate electrical repair. In any case, keep your senses on alert for anything unusual.

Why Electrical Troubleshooting Is Important for Home Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions are responsible for thousands of home fires in the U.S. every year. Many of these incidents start small - due to issues that could have been detected and fixed early.

For instance, a circuit breaker that keeps tripping isn’t just annoying - it’s your electrical system’s way of warning you that a circuit is overloaded, an appliance is faulty, and/or there’s damaged wiring behind the walls. Forcing the circuit breaker back on could eventually lead to overheating or even an electrical fire.

This is part of why electrical inspections are required by lenders, and recommended to all homeowners. A comprehensive inspection can uncover trouble in things that you may think is normal.

Three Fundamental Troubleshooting Tips for Homeowners

If you want to take a hands-on and proactive approach to your home’s safety, then consider these three electrical troubleshooting steps we think every homeowner should know:

• Start with the Obvious: Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Make sure the device or bulb itself isn’t faulty by testing it in another outlet, for example. Then, move on to your circuit breaker panel. A tripped breaker is one of the most common causes of power loss in a particular area of the home. To reset it, flip it completely into the OFF position then back ON. If it trips off again, then call an electrician.
• Use Your Senses: Keep an eye out for flickering lights, scorch marks near outlets, or wall plates that feel warm. Listen for buzzing or crackling noises, and never ignore the smell of burning plastic or rubber.
• Know When to Call For Help: Anything that involves exposed wires, burning smells, frequent power surges, or breaker panels requires a professional’s expertise.

It's always better to be safe than sorry - especially when the situation involves high-voltage electricity. Plus, why risk your safety and property when Mr. Electric offers upfront price quotes and emergency electrical repair? Call or message us at any time to speak with a member of our team.