3 Common Electrical Problems in Homes

1. Power Surge

A power surge happens when the flow of electricity stops and starts again. This sudden rush of power can be caused by an appliance inside the home or something outside, such as a lightning strike. It can cause damage to any electrical device that is connected to the house. In particular, however, a power surge is dangerous for any device with a microprocessor.

Microprocessors can be affected by a small 10-volt fluctuation. 10-volts of electricity is about how much your hair dryer uses. Typically, if the surge is small, the effects are small. However, over time, even small surges could lead to electronic rust, which causes electrical parts to break down faster. While less common, a powerful surge could cause melting.

One way to prevent such problems is to unplug devices that aren't in use. You can also have older electrical wiring updated. These older systems may not be able to handle modern appliances like big refrigerators and computer equipment.

2. Circuit Overload

Your home's electrical system is only designed to handle so much electricity at once. For this reason, you may notice the circuit breaker trips whenever you try to use your hairdryer when someone is vacuuming. This is because using these two appliances at once, especially in the same room, can cause an overload.

The circuit breaker trips to prevent the system from becoming overloaded, which could lead to overheating. Overheating is particularly dangerous for electrical equipment because it can easily spark a fire. Some signs of circuit overload include outlets that are warm to the touch, outlets that buzz, and appliances that don't get enough power.

If the problem happens rarely, you probably just need to be more mindful about not using multiple appliances at once. However, if the problem continues to persist, you may need to have the entire system and electrical conduits upgraded. This is particularly common in older homes.

3. Light and Light Bulb Issues

There can be many reasons why you experience issues with light bulbs, but if different brands and different wattages still have issues, it may not be the light bulb's fault. In some newer homes, contractors may have added too much recessed lighting. This can make the room feel overly bright like a lobby.

In some cases, the problem with your light bulbs could be related to a short in the circuits or other electrical problems, such as frayed or incorrect wiring. If the wiring is causing too much power to go to the light, it can cause the light bulb to burn out more frequently than it should. Insulation near a light can also affect this. Insulation near recessed lighting may cause the light to overheat, which causes the bulb to fail.

Electrical problems may be common, but even a minor one could indicate a major problem. In some cases, you can easily fix the problem when you reduce how much energy you use at once. But if your home is older, it may simply not be powerful enough to support the electrical demands of modern life.

If you would like to know more, or if you want to schedule a consultation, contact us at Beckstoffer-Welsh Inc. Electrical and Communications Contractors. Our team is experienced at handling your electrical issues.