Electricity is nothing to fool around with. It can injure or kill very easily. Still, not every electrical problem in the typical American home requires professional service. There are some minor problems homeowners can handle themselves. The key to knowing the difference is to learn how to troubleshoot.
Troubleshooting is the process of looking for clues that might indicate the cause of an electrical problem. Certain types of problems manifest themselves in well-defined symptoms. So if you know how to troubleshoot, you can often tell the difference between a DIY-suitable job and one requiring professional service.
Maintain a Safety-First Mindset
Safety is paramount. So before you begin any troubleshooting, commit to the safety-first mindset your parents taught you. According to Salt Lake City HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractor SameDay, the safety-first mindset dictates turning off the power before you start investigating.
Turning off the power means being familiar with your main electrical panel. Once known as a fuse box, it is a metal panel usually installed in a basement, utility room, or rear hallway. Inside are circuit breakers that protect your home’s electrical system from overloads. Each breaker should be labeled. Turn off the one that pertains to the area you plan to work in.
Troubleshooting Specific Problems
With the safety issue out of the way, let us talk about specific problems and how to troubleshoot them. Some of these will seem pretty obvious while others may not be.
1. Flickering Lights
Flickering lights could be a sign of either a minor or major issue. The first step is to check the affected light bulbs to make sure they are secure. If they are, replace them and then turn the lights on. You could be dealing with a defective bulb or two.
If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the switches that control the flickering lights. Call a professional if you don’t know what to do next. Otherwise, check the affected switches to make sure the wiring is still firmly in place. If you are still having trouble, it is time to make that phone call.
2. Troubleshooting Appliances
If an appliance will not turn on or its power supply seems inconsistent, the first thing to check is the cord. Make sure it is plugged in firmly at the wall outlet. Also check its entire length to ensure that no fraying or broken insulation is present. If you do find problems with the chord, you may be able to replace it.
3. Troubleshooting Faulty Switches
Loose switches are a hazard. With the power off, remove the cover plate of a wall switch, unscrew the switch from the electrical box, and check to make sure the wiring is still intact. For tabletop lamps and appliance switches, you have to actually remove the switch to check its wiring.
4. Trouble Shooting Faulty Outlets
An outlet that doesn’t seem to be providing power is problematic. Do not assume the outlet isn’t working. Instead, try testing it with a voltmeter or an appliance you know works. If testing reveals that the outlet truly is not providing power, you can remove the cover plate and check the wiring. If you see any burns or signs of discoloration, it is time to call an electrician.
Electricians can handle minor electrical problems with these. They can even handle the big stuff, though major jobs could require more work. If you’re comfortable troubleshooting minor problems on your own, go for it. You might be able to save money by not calling an electrician. But if you are not comfortable, don’t take risks. Call the electrician anyway.
