10 Common Electrical Problems & Solutions

Electrical problems aren't something to be ignored. Electrical faults around the home can lead to serious injuries and, in the worst scenario, cause a fire.

Let's look at 10 common electrical problems, their possible causes and what can happen if the problem is ignored. If you're experiencing any of these common electrical issues, contact Easther Electrical to have your power problems sorted out immediately. We're here to help!

The 10 Most Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve Them!

From power points not working to high electricity bills, here are some common electrical problems that Easther Electrical sees daily and the solutions you can try at home before calling the experts.

1. Flickering Lights

Problem: Flickering lights can be as simple as having a loose bulb. However, if your lights are flickering, it can also indicate a deeper problem such as loose wiring or that your switchboard needs upgrading.

Solution: Turn off the power just to be safe, use a ladder to reach your bulb, and test that it fits tightly.

When to call a professional: If several light bulbs are flickering or the problem continues after you've checked the bulb is firmly in the socket, it's time to call a professional to get to the root of the problem.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

Problem: If a circuit breaker trips, it's usually a sign that the power demands on that circuit are too great.

Solution: Ease the load on the circuit by removing some electrical appliances in that part of your house.

When to call a professional: If the problem continues, you may require a system upgrade so that your switchboard and circuits don't overload and can handle the electrical demands of a modern home.

3. Outlets Not Working

Problem: An outlet not working could be as simple as a tripped safety switch, or it may indicate that the power point has reached the end of its lifespan.

Solution: Try your appliance in another outlet to check that the problem is with the outlet and not the appliance itself. With the appliance unplugged from the outlet, go to your switchboard to reset any tripped safety switches. Always check the condition of the power point before you attempt to use it. In particular, look for signs of damage or moisture.

When to call a professional: If resetting your safety switch hasn't worked, it's time to call an electrician to check the outlet. If it needs to be replaced, this work should only be conducted by a qualified professional.

4. Overheating Outlets

Problem: An outlet that feels hot to the touch after use may have water damage, corroded or faulty wiring.

Solution: Find the circuit breaker that controls that outlet and flick the switch off. Don't use the power point or switch until you've had it looked at by a professional.

When to call a professional: Never use an outlet that's becoming hot with use as it could cause an electric shock. Call a professional to check the problem as soon as possible.

5. Electrical Shocks

Problem: If an outlet, switch or appliance is giving you a small zap or tingling sensation when you touch it, it's an indication of a serious problem that you shouldn't ignore. It may be caused by faulty wiring or moisture, particularly in bathrooms.

Solution: If someone has suffered a serious electrical shock, call 000 immediately. Turn the power off at your switchboard and leave it off until you have had the problem seen by an electrician.

When to call a professional: Electrical shocks can indicate a fault in an electrical installation or damage to wiring that can lead to a more dangerous situation. Call an electrician as soon as possible.
Here are some more tips on staying safe around electricity.

6. Dead Switches

Problem: A light switch can stop working for several reasons including circuit overload, a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse or loose or damaged wiring.

Solution: Check your fuse box for blown fuses or your switchboard to see if your surge protection has tripped. If neither of these things has occurred, it's likely your problem lies with the switch itself.

When to call a professional: Only qualified professionals should check and replace light switches. Leave the switch in the off position and call an electrician to investigate.

7. Inconsistent Power Supply

Problem: Voltage fluctuations that cause power outages, bulb burnouts and appliance malfunctions can be due to loose connections, faulty wiring or even varied electrical supply from your distributor.

Solution: Surge protectors and voltage stabilisers can help protect your electrical system, but these must be installed by a professional.

When to call a professional: A professional can determine the true cause of the problem by checking wiring, giving you tips on the use of high-powered appliances, installing voltage stabilisers or upgrading your electrical system. Call them as soon as you notice a problem to ensure a consistent power supply and protect your appliances.

8. High Electricity Bills

Problem: Whether you've seen a sudden surge in your power bills or they've been creeping up for some time, this is a problem that an electrician can help you fix.

Solution: An electrical audit could potentially help you save thousands of dollars on your power bills.

When to call a professional: Whether it's installing energy-efficient lighting or performing maintenance to help your heating and cooling work more effectively, a professional electrical audit is the best place to start to lower the cost of your electricity bill.

9. Wiring Issues

Problem: Signs of wiring issues include dimming lights, sparking or buzzing from outlets and switches and frequently tripped circuit breakers.

Solution: Troubleshooting this problem is best left to a professional who can test all aspects of your electrical system.

When to call a professional: If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should call an electrician as soon as possible. The majority of house fires in NSW are caused by electrical faults, so don't delay action.

10. Appliance Malfunctions

Problem: A tripped circuit breaker is normally the first sign that something is wrong with an appliance.

Solution: Flicking your safety switch on without addressing the problem with the appliance can cause a power surge and damage your electrical system. Unplug all appliances from that circuit and plug them back in one at a time until you identify the appliance that's causing the problem.

When to call a professional: If, after turning off and unplugging all appliances, you still have a problem with your circuit breaker, it's likely you have a problem with a switch or electrical wiring.

Need an Electrical Solution Fast? We Can Help!

Some electrical problems are easy to fix, but others require the help of a trusted, reliable electrician to give your home or business a thorough inspection and find the true cause of the problem.

The Easther Electrical team are local, licensed and experienced, and we're always here to help. Whether you require an emergency repair or a comprehensive audit of the electrics at your Wollongong home or business, we can take care of all of your electrical needs. Call us on (02) 4256 5899 to see how we can help you today.