How To Safely Diagnose And Fix Common Electrical Issues

Electrical issues are something almost everyone faces at some point, whether it’s on their commercial or residential property. These problems are frustrating and can be dangerous if left unresolved. Today, in this blog, we’ll walk you through how to safely diagnose and fix some of the most common electrical issues while ensuring you stay safe.

But if you need professional assistance, whether on your commercial or residential property, Inspire Electrics is just one call away. As a leading electrician in Glasgow, we are committed to safely resolving all major and minor electrical problems. Call us on 07377 519 529  or email us at info@inspireelectrics.com for more information.

The Most Common Electrical Issues

Before attempting any fixes, you must understand the issues you might encounter. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered electrical issues:

1. Flickering Lights

One of the most common electrical problems is flickering or dimming lights. This can be due to faulty light bulbs, issues with the circuit, or wiring problems.

2. Tripped Circuit Breakers

When the power supply to a circuit is overloaded, the breaker trips to prevent electrical hazards. While tripped circuit breakers are common, frequent tripping could indicate a deeper electrical fault or inadequate capacity, requiring a professional inspection.

3. Power Surges

Power surges are sudden increases in voltage and can result in damaged electronics or appliances. These often occur due to lightning, but electrical faults in the wiring can also contribute to frequent surges in your system.

4. Non-Responsive Outlets

A non-working outlet could indicate a common electrical fault, such as a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Outlets that no longer work can also be caused by internal wiring issues or physical damage to the outlet.

5. Overheating Outlets Or Appliances

If an outlet or appliance feels unusually hot to the touch, it may be due to poor wiring or a common electrical wiring problem. Overheating is dangerous and should be addressed immediately.

Also Read: Signs To Rewire Your House

DIY Steps To Diagnose And Fix Common Electrical Issues

Step 1. Prioritise Safety First

Before troubleshooting or fixing electrical problems, ensure your safety is your top priority. Electrical faults can be dangerous, so follow all safety protocols.

• Turn off the power: Always locate the corresponding breaker panel and turn off the power to the affected circuit. You can do this by switching off the breaker that powers the circuit you’re working on.

• Test the circuit: Even after turning off the power, use a circuit tester or voltage detector to ensure no current is flowing. Never assume that the power is off just because the breaker is tripped.
• Wear protective gear: Insulated gloves, safety glasses, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn, especially if handling exposed wires or working in damp environments.

Step 2. Identify The Symptoms Of The Problem

To diagnose electrical issues effectively, it’s essential first to identify the symptoms of the problem.

• Flickering lights
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Burning smells, sparks, or buzzing sounds
• Hot outlets or switches
• Dead outlets or appliances

Understanding what’s wrong will help direct your troubleshooting efforts and lead you to a quicker fix.

Step 3. Basic Troubleshooting For Electrical Faults

Once you have identified the symptoms of an electrical fault, the next step is to perform some basic troubleshooting:

• Visual Inspection: Look for any visible damage to wires, outlets, switches, or circuit breakers. Signs of wear, burning, or melting may indicate overheating or other serious issues that need fixing.
• Check the breakers or fuses: If a circuit isn’t working, check if the breaker has tripped or if a fuse has blown. If the breaker has tripped, switch it back to the “on” position, but investigate further if it continues to trip.
• Tighten loose connections: If you spot any loose connections at outlets or switches, carefully tighten the screws. Loose connections can lead to sparks and increase the risk of fire.

Step 4. Advanced Diagnosis With Electrical Tools

When dealing with more complex electrical faults or if the issue isn’t easily identifiable, using electrical tools such as a multimeter can help you diagnose electrical issues more precisely.

• Voltage test: A multimeter can help you check if the voltage at a specific outlet or switch is correct. If no voltage is detected, you may have an issue with the circuit or the wiring that powers it.
• Check continuity: Using the multimeter, you can test for continuity in the wires. If there’s no continuity, there’s a break in the circuit, and the wire needs to be replaced or repaired.

Step 5. Fix Electrical Problems

Once you have correctly diagnosed the issue, it’s time to address it. The complexity of the fix will depend on the nature of the electrical fault.

• Tightening loose connections: If loose or exposed wires are the problem, you can try tightening the screws at the outlet or switch. However, ensure the power is off, and the wires are properly secured before re-energising the circuit.
• Replacing damaged components: If you’ve identified a faulty outlet, switch, or fixture, you must replace the damaged part. Always ensure you’re replacing it with a component matching the required specifications.
• Outlets and switches: Ensure replacement outlets or switches are rated to handle your circuit’s correct voltage and current.
• Wiring: If wires are damaged or frayed, they must be replaced. You should strip the damaged section of the wire and rewire it carefully, ensuring all connections are properly insulated and secured.

Also Read: Safety Tips For Rewiring House

• Check grounding: Grounding electrical devices is essential for safety. Attach a grounding wire to prevent electric shocks or other hazards if any appliances or outlets are not grounded. Proper grounding ensures that electrical currents are safely diverted away in case of a fault.
• Fix tripped breakers or fuses: If a circuit breaker has tripped, you may need to reset it. However, if the breaker continues to trip, it could indicate an overload or short circuit. You should consult a licensed electrician to inspect and address the underlying issue in such cases.

When To Call Professionals To Diagnose And Fix Electrical Issues

While many minor electrical issues can be resolved independently, some require a professional electrical inspection and testing for safety and efficiency.

• If you encounter complex wiring issues or need rewiring or electrical panel work, it’s crucial to call a licensed electrician.
• Signs of electrical shock or sparks indicate serious hazards that must be addressed immediately.
• Similarly, if you’re uncertain about the issue or the repair process, it’s best to seek expert help.
• Older electrical systems may not meet modern standards, and overloaded circuits, flickering lights, or frequent power surges signal deeper problems that need professional inspection and repair.

For these complex issues, a skilled electrician can safely diagnose and resolve the fault.

At Inspire Electrics, we can help you address common electrical issues promptly and safely. Our team of NICEIC-approved electricians has the experience and knowledge to handle everything from basic electrical repairs to more complex diagnostics and installations. Serving Glasgow and surrounding areas, we provide professional services for both residential and commercial electrical maintenance.

Contact us today on 07377 519 529  or email us at info@inspireelectrics.com for a consultation and let us help keep your property safe and your electrical systems running smoothly!