Wiring problems are quite common in households that lead to more than 51,000 house fires every year! It’s mainly because many homeowners prefer DIY wiring repair. DIY wiring repair increases the risk of accidents and you may even end up losing your life.
It’s best to get in touch with a professional electrician as soon as you notice any electrical wiring problem. Here are the most common wiring problems you may face:
1. Electrical Surge
You may have noticed lights flickering for a microsecond at home. It’s referred to as an electrical surge and is caused due to voltage fluctuation.
However, these brief surges can tamper with electrical equipment and may damage them. It’s best to get an electric surge protector to prevent potential damage.
2. Electric Shocks
When turning on light bulbs or any electrical equipment, you may experience a slight electric shock. It indicates you need to get in touch with an electrician to resolve the issue.
The chances of getting electrical shocks are relatively high in old homes. It’s because the circuits are too old to support modern electrical equipment. You may need to replace wiring or an electrical panel to prevent serious accidents.
3. Tripping Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch that protects the electrical circuit from high voltage or short circuits. It interrupts the flow of current so as to protect electrical equipment from potential threats. You need to manually reset it once it trips.
However, if the circuit breaker trips too often, it indicates an underlying problem. You may be using more devices that are able to support it. This problem can normally be resolved by reducing the electrical load it is supporting.
4. Dim Lights
If any bulbs appear dimmer than others, it may indicate you need to replace it. However, it can also be an indication of a wiring problem. Instead of trying to detect and resolve the problem on your own, it’s best to get in touch with a professional electrician to do the task for you.
5. Over-Wired Panels
Many people use an extension cord to connect multiple electrical machines with a single electrical panel. But it’ll stop working if you overload the panel and connect more devices than it can support. Not only is it a harmful practice, it may also reduce the value of your property when you intend to sell it.
6. Light Bulbs Burn Too Often
If light bulbs burn too often and you need to replace them quite often, it’ll affect your budget and may increase the risk of fire accidents. This problem can arise due to a number of reasons such as high voltage, improper wiring, and too much wattage on the dimmer switch.
7. Flickering Lights When It’s Windy Outside
When it’s windy outside, lights may flicker and lead to a short circuit. It happens when electrical wires aren’t secured properly.
Wiring problems may arise if you use low-quality material or when you overload the electrical panel. It’s in your best interest to acquire the services of a professional electrician and they will resolve the issue in a safe way.