Common troubleshooting issues for house electrical systems:
- Power Outage: If there is a power outage in your house, first check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If they are, then the issue may be with the power company. If not, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if any breakers have tripped or fuses have blown. If that’s the case, try resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse.
- Circuit Breaker Tripping: If a circuit breaker keeps tripping, it may be because the circuit is overloaded. Try unplugging some of the devices on that circuit and see if the breaker stops tripping. If it does, you may need to redistribute the devices on different circuits or add a new circuit.
- Outlet Not Working: If an outlet is not working, check to see if any circuit breakers have tripped or fuses have blown. If that’s not the issue, check if the outlet is GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. If it is, press the “test” and “reset” buttons on the GFCI outlet to reset it. If the outlet still doesn’t work, it may be a wiring issue and you should call an electrician.
- Lights Flickering: If your lights are flickering, it may be because of a loose connection in the circuit or because the circuit is overloaded. Check to see if the bulb is properly screwed in and if the fixture is securely attached to the ceiling or wall. If the issue persists, you may need to redistribute the devices on different circuits or add a new circuit.
- Electrical Shock: If you receive an electrical shock when touching an appliance, unplug it immediately and do not use it again until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician or an appliance repairman.