630-980-6074 or 847-605-0300
Solving the Most Common Home Electrical Problems
Electrical problems around the home can have many causes. Here are some of the most common problems you may encounter.
Lights That Blink/Flicker Or Turn Off And On
If a recessed can light goes off than works again a short time later it is probably activating its built-in safety "cutout" system that is designed to keep the fixture from overheating and starting electrical fires. Check the style or wattage of the bulb and reduce wattage as necessary.
Another cause of flickering lights is a poor connection along the circuit. If the flickering occurs throughout much of the home, a bad main wire connection could be the cause.
If some lights get extra bright while others run dim, light bulbs and appliances burning out, it is usually from a bad main neutral connection.
Electrical Outlets Not Working?
A tripped Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) is the most common cause of an outlet going dead. Most outlets have a built in reset switch to restore power.
If a set of outlets or lights simply goes dead and you have tried to reset any breakers or GFCI units, you probably have a poor connection along a circuit. Your electrician can find and fix the "open" circuit.
Also, remember that some outlets have half their inputs energized by a wall switch.
If a set of outlets or lights simply goes dead and you have tried to reset any breakers or GFCI units, you probably have a poor connection along a circuit. Your electrician can find and fix the "open" circuit.
Also, remember that some outlets have half their inputs energized by a wall switch.
Circuit Breaker Tripping?
A circuit breaker will often trip when a high wattage device like a microwave or hair dryer is used. If these "overloads" can't be avoided by limiting the use of other devices on the circuit, a new circuit may be required.
Hot Dimmer Switches?
It is normal for wall switches (particularly dimmer switches) to get slightly warm when running hundreds of watts of bulbs. If the dimmer switch is hot to the touch, you may have to upgrade your dimmer to 1000 watts (most are rated for 600 watts). If a receptacle feels warm, you should have an electrician inspect the outlet.
