3 most common electrical faults you may encounter - prevent, diagnose & fix
Loose wiring is one of the most common electrical problems in the home. This can be caused by the natural expansion and contraction of wires over time, as well as physical wear and tear. When wires become loose, it can cause issues with electrical outlets and switches, and even pose a safety hazard. To fix loose wiring, you’ll need to turn off the power source, use a voltage tester to identify the issue, and then replace the loose wire with a new one.
Overloaded outlets are another common electrical problem. This can occur when too many appliances or devices are plugged into the same outlet, causing the wiring to overheat. When this happens, the outlet may become hot or warm to the touch, and may even smoke. In this case, you’ll need to unplug all appliances and devices from the overloaded outlet, and then replace the outlet with a new one.
Faulty circuit breakers are a less common but still important electrical problem to address. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your electrical system from overload. When a breaker fails, it may not trip during an overload, which can cause damage to the wiring and even start a fire. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the faulty breaker with a new one, and inspect the rest of your electrical system for any other potential issues.