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Common Electrical Faults In Your Home

Light switches don’t work

If you move into a new property and a switch doesn’t do anything at all, it may have been disconnected. Alternatively, it could be down to a problem with the outlet, circuit or wiring. This will need the attention of an electrician. Dimmer switches that don’t work properly may be victims of poor workmanship or simply substandard.

Lights are too bright or too dim

There are two likely explanations. You may be inadvertently using different types of lights, with different wattages. Check to make sure they all match. Alternatively, it may be down to a bad main neutral connection. This latter problem needs the attention of a professional.

Repeated electrical surges

These can be caused by damaged power lines, faulty appliances, bad wiring or even lightning strikes. The surge may be short-lived but repeated surges can damage electrical components. Recurring surges are most likely down to an electrical device in your home, or the domestic wiring. If disconnecting cheap appliances or power boards doesn’t end the problem, it’s time to call in an electrician.

Dips in power

These can also be caused by faulty or substandard devices. This time, using too much power when activated.

The circuit breaker keeps tripping

Circuit breakers can be tripped by high-demand items such as hair-dryers and microwaves, especially if other items are used on the same source. Take note of what appliances you had on when the circuit tripped. In future, try putting them on a lower setting. Alternatively, don’t connect multiple high-power devices to one circuit.

Electrical shocks

Thankfully, most electric shocks are relatively mild but, even then, they are a warning sign. They mostly happen when a device is being switched on or off and may be down to either the appliance or the wiring. If you receive any kind of electric shock, no matter how mild, you should definitely call in an expert.

Light bulbs burning out repeatedly

There are various possible causes for this. Your wattage may be too high. Insulation may be too near to the light. There may be bad wiring in the circuit or mains. A dimmer switch may have too much wattage on one switch. Flickering could suggest a poor connection. Again, this may require the attention of an electrician.

Recessed lights turn off then come back on again

Recessed lighting is designed to cut out when it gets too hot. This is likely to be caused by either too much wattage on the bulb or the insulation in the ceiling being too near the bulb. If cut-outs do happen, check for excessive heat, as this can be a fire hazard.

Should I Call a Domestic Electrician for a Tripping Fuse Box?

9 times out of 10, a tripping fuse board is doing its job correctly – protecting you from potentially dangerous electrical faults in your home. Our fully insured expert electricians can inspect your electrics and advise you on what’s causing the fuse board to trip, whether it’s inadequate wiring or a faulty appliance.

What to do when RCDs trips?

First thing to do reset it by turning RCD back on, you may find it trips straight back off again. In this case turn all MCBs (fuses) off, then try to reset RCD by turning it on. If the RCD stays on then one by one turn MCBs on. If there is a fault on one of the circuits, RCD will trips out by one of the MCBs (fuses). In that case leave faulty fuse off then contact an Electrician.

If RCD won’t switch on even when all MCBs (fuses) are off, then go around the house and unplug all plugs from sockets and turn off all switches (light and …) Don’t worry about things you can’t get to them or no access to unplug. Then go back to RCD and turn it on, if it stays on then turn MCBs (fuses) on one by one then go back and plug in, all plugs one by one till one of them trips RCD off. Then you know what is the fault. If you find fault is in lighting circuit by turning light switch on and that trips RCD of then contact electrician.

Faulty Electrical Appliance

Do you find that the problem is triggered every time you plug in or switch on a particular appliance? If so, this is the likely cause. Replacing a kettle or iron may be the solution.

If you are unsure about the cause, head back to the fuse box and see which other switches are off. Go to the room affected and switch off all electrical items at the socket. Put the fuse box switches back to the on position. Now work around the room, switching on the items that you wish to use. Do any cut the electricity supply?

Overloaded Plug Sockets

Can you see that one plug socket is powering too many items? An extension lead charging multiple active devices from one socket could cause a surge of electricity. Spreading the load could resolve the issue.

If you are short on plug sockets, a domestic electrician can install additional ones at convenient points around your home.

Faulty Wiring

If you have a reoccurring issue and the main circuit breaker is the only switch that goes off, it usually suggests an earth fault in the fuse box wiring. This is the point when you need to call out a domestic electrician.

Ask your local electrician to undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This will cover a test of the circuits to diagnose the issue. They will check that the fuse box is safe to use, look at the general wear and tear and ensure that your circuits meet the IET wiring regulations. Minor issues can usually be resolved during that visit and they will provide you with a copy of the report.

If it no longer complies with current standards, your domestic electrician will need to replace the fuse box. This is non-negotiable, as the priority is your safety.

Call on your local Domestic Electrician in Staffordshire

Does your property have fire protection? GET PROTECTED!!!! Contact 01782 216911 for information or for a quotation.

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