5 Common Electrical Problems at Home
There is no doubt that virtually all devices in most Vancouver homes, such as washing machines, and TVs, use electrical energy in order to function. Simply put, it is hard to imagine a world without electric power! As you interact with electricity every day, it is likely that you will face one or more home electrical problems, such as breaker tripping and light flickering, every now and then.
For example, note that running into issues or problems with your circuit breaker, such as breaker tripping, is quite common. And nothing can ruin your pleasant day quite like frequent circuit breaker trips, a smelly outlet, or a mysteriously dark bulb.
As a result, rather than watching your favorite movie or TV show or reading a book, you may spend your entire evening poking around your circuit breaker box with the smartphone flashlight, attempting to diagnose and fix an electrical problem without receiving a nasty and terrible shock…literally.
Also, did you know that modern homes in Vancouver are designed with several outlet locations, usually more than one on each wall? Note that this often helps you avoid the "octopus," a very dangerous condition that can arise when too many plugs are connected with one or more power bars.
It is worth noting that your first line of defense against home electrical problems is to know and understand the type of problem you are facing. These are some of the most common home electrical problems.
1. Your Circuit Breaker Trips Regularly
Did you know that the overloading of the power boards is one of the most common causes of this problem? Keep in mind that most homes and apartments lack sufficient power points in order to cater to the energy requirements of many power-hungry electrical devices and appliances, like dryers and electric ovens.
The electrical panel in your Vancouver home controls the electrical flow throughout your house. Note that flipping the breakers will shut off or turn on the electricity in various areas of the home.
And when a part of your house, for example, your kitchen, is using more electric power than the circuit can handle, the breaker controlling that room will “trip.” You can fix this problem by heading out to the breaker box in order to see which circuit has tripped. You will find one switch to the right or sometimes slightly in the middle. Just turn this switch to the right and then back to the left—that is all you need to do!
However, it is best to hire an electrician in Vancouver to stay safe. Kato Electrical specializes in circuit breaker replacement, so you can immediately call our team if your circuit box is:
Frequently tripping
Sparking
Not labeled or miswired
2. A Strange Smell is Coming from the Outlets
Did you know that this is often a serious electrical problem that should be immediately addressed with a qualified and trained electrician in Vancouver? A smell or odor of burning plastic or rubber from any of the electrical outlets in your home should never be ignored. The burning smell can lead to the outbreak of a dangerous electrical fire in your Vancouver home.
This is why if you detect a strange or faint odor from your switch, it is best to stop using that outlet immediately. Our electricians are thoroughly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable and have plenty of expertise in troubleshooting home electrical problems.
Call on our company to replace receptacles and switches, upgrade your electric panel or diagnose flickering lights.
3. Burnt out Bulbs
There is no doubt that all light bulbs in your home will eventually burn out. However, there is a separate and more serious issue if these bulbs burn out too quickly. There are many different reasons why you may have to change your light bulbs frequently.
For example, your light bulbs may burn out quite often because of a more dangerous reason than mere overuse. It might be because the wattage in your home is excessively high, or your insulation is very close to the light.
It is important to make sure that your bulb has the proper wattage and is of decent quality. It should also be screwed incorrectly. You should check your lightbulb holder. Is the holder hanging loose? If yes, that is likely your culprit. And you can replace or tighten the bulb holder.
If the issue is not with your bulb holder, it is time to call Kato Electrical. The odds are that there is a more severe issue requiring professional assistance. You should reach out to our electricians to help identify the cause of frequent light bulb burnouts in your Vancouver home.
4. Flickering Lights
Although flickering lights are not usually a cause for alarm, you should make sure that it isn’t part of a more significant problem at your home. Did you know that flickering lights tend to result from grid issues, like a downed line or electrical problems further along in the system?
However, note that when the lights in your home continuously flicker after you have changed the bulbs, there might be a faulty fixture or poor wiring connection. Both these issues require the attention and expertise of a trained Vancouver electrician, not just to diagnose the issue, but also to handle all the repair work safely.
While there are many other reasons, note that loose wiring is usually the most serious reason behind flickering lights and the primary cause of house fires!
So, if you notice that your lights are flickering, carry out a preliminary investigation. If you cannot identify the cause, it is best to call our electricians immediately.
5. Warm Switches or Non-Functional Outlets
In these cases, first, try to carefully diagnose the problem. For example, you can plug other electronic devices into the outlet and then check other outlets in your room for power. Note that there could be an issue with the device. However, loss of power in multiple outlets usually denotes a serious electrical issue.
It is worth noting that a dead outlet can often be an unwelcome surprise if you are using outlets that you have not used before. In many cases, the solution may be as straightforward and quick as flipping on an old or unused switch that controls the outlet in question.
However, keep in mind that your outlet may have faulty wiring that has been rammed into a connector, which can cause a loose connection. If you suspect an electric wiring problem, you should work with a trained and professional electrician in Vancouver.
These are some common electrical issues and problems you are likely to face at your home. Keep in mind that dealing with electricity isn’t like cleaning your doors or windows. Electrical problems can be hazardous and quite dangerous.
So, if you do not have the relevant expertise, tools, and knowledge, it is best to seek the assistance and guidance of our highly qualified electricians. Kato Electrical has a team of electricians that can attend to your home 24-hours a day.
Do You Need to Call a Vancouver Electrician?
Not all problems and issues are simple to solve for a DIY homeowner in Vancouver. There are many common household issues and problems that are better left to the professionals. If you are concerned about the above electric issues, schedule an appointment with an electrician in Vancouver. It is best to work with an experienced and professional Vancouver electrician to have your breaker or outlets installed or repaired safely.
Work with our trained electricians or learn more about electrical issues and repairs before attempting to fix these issues:
Hot Outlets
Note that an outlet or even an outlet cover that heats up is usually hiding a serious electric issue. It is often caused by a low-gauge wire or an electrical surge.
Loose Outlets
Remember that a wobbly outlet is usually a sign of poor installation. In most cases, your outlet might need a new box, meaning removing and rewiring the outlet.
Popping Sounds
Note that popping sounds and sparks are also some signs of improper wiring in your home. Whether it is an electrical surge or an untimely electrical short, note that both are bad news.
Why Work with Kato Electrical
If you work with our company, you will be 100% positive that the technician will fix these issues safely correctly, which will help avoid problems and issues in the future.
Even if you are comfortable with DIY projects, keep in mind that electricity is dangerous when you begin to look for problems outside low-voltage systems. You should leave these jobs to a trained and experienced electrician in Vancouver. Homeowners with issues, such as tripping breakers and flickering lights, must have them inspected thoroughly by a licensed and experienced electrician in Vancouver.
Whether you’re experiencing a simple electric problem or a complicated issue, Kato Electrical’s team of experienced electricians is ready to help.