Electrical problems around the house can be the hardest ones to fix on your own. Most wires are difficult to access and cutting or even touching the wrong one can lead to catastrophe. With a little basic knowledge you may be able to save yourself the time and trouble of calling a professional or filing a home warranty claim. Here are a few quick troubleshooting tips any homeowner can try before calling in the professionals:
Know Your Breakers and Fuses
The first thing you should check if lights or appliances suddenly cease to function properly is your breaker or fuse box. This was designed as a safe way for you to interact with the power coming into your home. Be sure each switch in your breaker box is labeled clearly to indicate which section of the home it controls. If you have a fuse box, these can also be labeled to help avoid confusion when devices fail. Learn to identify a blown fuse, and always keep a stash of spares close at hand. Most electrical problems can be easily controlled using your fuse box or breakers.
Check your Bulbs
Flickering lights can be an indicator of deeper electrical issues which should not be ignored. Before you call a professional, see if the problem goes away when you tighten or replace the bulbs in question. It also helps to be sure that your bulbs are the correct wattage for each fixture. Most light sockets are labeled clearly with volt and wattage requirements, and you may be surprised at the variety in your home.
Use a Non-contact Voltage Tester
Voltage testers detect electrical current in switches and outlets. They are very useful tools to keep if you have frequent electrical anomalies in your home. They can be purchased at any hardware store and are safe and easy to use. Voltage testers are great for determining the root of simple electrical problems. For instance, let’s say you have a failed appliance. Use the voltage tester on the outlet the appliance was plugged into. If the tester detects a current leaving the outlet, the problem is likely to be with your appliance. If the tester does not indicate a current, you can bet you have a wiring problem and should call a pro.
Most common electrical issues are covered by your home warranty. Allowing yourself or other inexperienced persons to mess with serious electrical problems before calling a professional can be counted as negligence in some cases. This may lead to rejection of your home warranty claim. It is highly recommended that you call a professional immediately when you experience electrical problems in your home.
Author: Stan Mason is an independent handyman from Middle Georgia. He has a keen sense for being able to diagnose and fix problems quickly and efficiently. Be sure to check out his blog for more information and updates.
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