Homeowners' electrical problems

 Flickering lights

Flickering lights can often indicate mains problems, such as a power surge, an interrupted line or something happening outside your home. If you notice that this is also happening to your neighbours, it is safe to assume that it is a problem with the local power grid.

Sometimes, however, power surges occur when certain electrical appliances require more power than the house can supply. If the property is older, flickering lights may simply indicate outdated wiring.

If you think the problem has to do with your home and not the power grid, contact a professional who can help you diagnose the problem once and for all.

Circuit breakers tripping

If the power goes off in the kitchen every time you use the microwave or if the socket goes out every time you dry your hair, the problem may be with the circuit breaker. This problem is particularly common in older houses.

The wiring in these houses was not designed for the high-powered appliances we use today. Therefore, electrical problems, especially with modern, more powerful appliances, are common in everyday life.

Subpanels can be added to the current fuse box to provide more power, but if this is not enough, the entire circuit box may need to be replaced.

GFCI sockets do not reset

Residual current circuit interrupter (GFCI) sockets are mandatory in some areas of the house. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious safety hazards in your home.

GFCIs are designed to cut off the outlet's power supply at the slightest current imbalance. So, if you are drying your hair and water splashes, the power will cut out at that socket.

If you find that your GFCI is not working properly, it is definitely worth calling in a professional to examine the problem. It could be a loose or faulty connection in the socket or the power source itself.

Hot or loose sockets

Loose sockets are a particularly serious problem if you have pets or curious children. This problem, however, can be solved at home with the help of shims and a screwdriver.

To begin with, make sure that the switch is turned off. Then, simply unscrew the cover plate so that the socket itself is exposed. Continue adding shims to the socket until the socket itself is firm again, then put the cover plate back on, and you're done.

Call the Emergency Electrician in Preston. We are available around the clock.