Most people know how to change a light bulb, or install a new power socket, or deal with other minor electrical wiring issues, but there are always risks in dealing with electricity and it’s not advisable for people to try and fix electrical problems on their own. In 2008, studies found that there was an average of 53 deaths by electrocution per year over ten years from electrical appliances alone. Injuries and deaths of other kinds total around 300-400 every year. If you are experiencing problems with your electricity, it might be a good idea to consult an electrician rather than put yourself at risk.
Below are a few common electrical problems
1. Light Bulbs Burn Out Too Frequently
There are many reasons why your light bulbs might be going out faster than they should. It could be that the voltage from the socket is too high for the bulb, or there could be insulation too close to the light causing it to overheat. Bad wiring on either the circuit or the main is also possible. The exact problem can be difficult to diagnose without professional training, so if you find yourself running through light bulbs like it’s the end of the world, it might be best to consult an electrician to help you figure out what’s causing it.
2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping
Circuit breakers are designed to prevent short circuits. If you find your circuit breaker tripping a lot, it’s most likely that you’re overloading the circuit. Big appliances like microwave ovens and complicated entertainment systems with multiple components use a lot of power and it might be necessary to turn a few items off before using the bigger appliances to make sure the breaker doesn’t trip. If that doesn’t help, it may be necessary to have a new circuit installed to handle the bigger devices. Check with your local electrician to see what can be done to help.
3. Power Switches and Outlets are Not Working Properly
If your power switches and outlets are not working, it’s usually a sign of worn out switch or outlet. If you’ve moved into a new home, be sure to check the circuit breakers to be sure everything is in working order before you assume there’s a bigger problem. If that doesn’t help, you may need to contact a professional to diagnose the problem.
4. Switches and Fixtures are Warm
This is a serious safety concern and should be addressed immediately. Overheating causes fires, so don’t delay if you find your electronics are getting warm. Be careful not to overload outlets and avoid daisy-chaining electrical devices. If your power systems are still overheating, get in touch with a professional as soon as you can to avoid electrical fires.
5. High Electricity Bill
This is a problem you can usually fix yourself with a little bit of work. The key to keeping a low power bill is to use less electricity. This can be accomplished by turning off devices that you aren’t using. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, turn off the TV when you’re not watching it, and so on. Even some devices you might not think about could be bulking up your bill. Chargers for phones and computers can sometimes be draining electricity while plugged in even when they’re not actually charging your devices, so consider unplugging the chargers until you need them.
Give Us A Call
While you might think you can solve your home’s electrical problems, there are a lot of dangers involved in even the very simple fix-it jobs. Don’t take unnecessary risks with electricity; consult an electrician before you try to do any home repairs to avoid becoming a statistic.
For all your electrical needs, call Kendrick Electric. We work hard in the Cache County area to meet all your electrical repair needs, so if you live anywhere near us, get in touch and we’ll help fix it up, good as new, as soon as possible. That way, you can spend more time enjoying your home life and less time fussing over tripped switches and burnt out bulbs.