5 Most Common Electrical Problems

Robert Lombardo • December 18, 2023

A guide to identifying and solving electrical issues.

At Higher Point General Contracting, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge about common electrical issues. By understanding these problems, you can better manage your home's electrical system and ensure its safety and efficiency. Here are the five most common electrical problems we encounter and how to handle them:

1. Frequent Electrical Surges

Electrical surges can occur for a variety of reasons, including damaged power lines, faulty appliances, or bad electrical wiring in your house. While an electrical surge only lasts a microsecond, frequent surges can damage the electrical components connected to your home, degrading their life expectancy significantly.

To address this issue, try removing any cheaply made devices or powerboards from the outlet to see if this prevents the surges. If not, it might be time to consult with a professional as the issue could lie in your home's wiring.

2. Overloaded Circuits

Overloading happens when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, exceeding its capacity. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip, shutting off all the power to that particular circuit.

The best solution here is to distribute your electrical devices across different circuits. Avoid using multi-plug adaptors on a single wall socket, as they can quickly lead to overloads.

3. Sags and Dips in Power

Like surges, sags and dips in your electrical supply can often be attributed to devices connected to your power grid that are faulty or made with substandard materials, and draw a lot of power when they're turned on.

The first step in troubleshooting this issue is identifying and unplugging the offending device. If you're unable to identify the problematic device, or if the sags and dips continue, it might be time to call in a professional.

4. Light Switches Not Working Properly

If you've moved into a house and find light switches that don’t seem to activate anything at all, this might be a sign of poor workmanship or faulty wiring. In some cases, it could also mean the switches have been superseded and fixtures removed.

In such a situation, we recommend consulting with an experienced electrician who can identify whether it's a wiring issue, or if the switch or outlet needs replacing.

5. Circuit Breaker Tripping Frequently

High wattage items like microwaves and hairdryers can trip circuit breakers, particularly when other power-consuming items are used on the same source. A circuit breaker is designed to protect you and your home, so when it trips, it's a sign that it's doing its job.

Look at what you were using when it tripped. If it was a hair dryer, try using the low setting. Alternatively, limit the electrical usage on a single circuit while high watt devices are in use.

In conclusion, while some minor electrical problems can be solved with a little know-how, others signal more serious issues that require professional help. At Higher Point General Contracting, we're always ready to assist with your electrical needs. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help dealing with your home's electrical issues.

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