When you experience an electrical problem like a flickering light - you may be nearly convinced to put on your handy-person hat and try and fix the problem yourself. Infrequently that is ok - perhaps it's a very simple fix. Nevertheless a lot of electric Problems that appear straightforward are not. So when do you call an electrician?
Let's commence with something pretty easy - a circuit breaker tripping. Usually this happens when you put too many working appliances on the same line. You turn on the microwave and the entire kitchen goes down, for example. The smart way to avoid overloading your system is by portioning out high energy users on different lines, or not running other appliances when you switch on the microwave. This solution nonetheless , is sometimes brief. Continually blowing a fuse indicates you really need another circuit that may balance out your electrical load (and also be safer too).
So what about lights that flicker? Twinkling lights are fine for Yule but for everyday lighting it's very frustrating. The very first thing to do is try replacing the light bulb. If it flickers now, or straight after being placed in the outlet, then there's something else at work. If the bulb is in a lamp, try plugging it in elsewhere and see if the flickering continues. If not, then there's a problem with your connection and this kind of repair should be handled by an approved electrician.
A 3rd problem some owners report is that several appliances die near the same time while the overall lightness/dimness of bulbs throughout the house is inconsistent. This is definitely territory for a pro as it has got to do with your most important connection. Such a situation damages appliances until it's rectified.
Dead outlets can also be a cause for hiring an electrician. Often an outwardly dead outlet has a switch controller - so definitely explore that chance first. Faulty switches and outlets can also be due to loose wires. If you know how to turn off the electricity and reconnect the loose wires - ok, but otherwise get help. Mind you, infrequently a complete group of outlets or switches die at the very same time. This suggests a horrid connection that requires a professional eye to find and repair[**].
Honestly, if you have got an electric problem try all the obvious things first (like making sure the appliance is essentially plugged in). Try appliances in alternative outlets to work out if the appliance or the outlet is the guilty party. Make notes of your findings as these will help whomever you hire resolve your problem faster, thus saving money.
Let's commence with something pretty easy - a circuit breaker tripping. Usually this happens when you put too many working appliances on the same line. You turn on the microwave and the entire kitchen goes down, for example. The smart way to avoid overloading your system is by portioning out high energy users on different lines, or not running other appliances when you switch on the microwave. This solution nonetheless , is sometimes brief. Continually blowing a fuse indicates you really need another circuit that may balance out your electrical load (and also be safer too).
So what about lights that flicker? Twinkling lights are fine for Yule but for everyday lighting it's very frustrating. The very first thing to do is try replacing the light bulb. If it flickers now, or straight after being placed in the outlet, then there's something else at work. If the bulb is in a lamp, try plugging it in elsewhere and see if the flickering continues. If not, then there's a problem with your connection and this kind of repair should be handled by an approved electrician.
A 3rd problem some owners report is that several appliances die near the same time while the overall lightness/dimness of bulbs throughout the house is inconsistent. This is definitely territory for a pro as it has got to do with your most important connection. Such a situation damages appliances until it's rectified.
Dead outlets can also be a cause for hiring an electrician. Often an outwardly dead outlet has a switch controller - so definitely explore that chance first. Faulty switches and outlets can also be due to loose wires. If you know how to turn off the electricity and reconnect the loose wires - ok, but otherwise get help. Mind you, infrequently a complete group of outlets or switches die at the very same time. This suggests a horrid connection that requires a professional eye to find and repair[**].
Honestly, if you have got an electric problem try all the obvious things first (like making sure the appliance is essentially plugged in). Try appliances in alternative outlets to work out if the appliance or the outlet is the guilty party. Make notes of your findings as these will help whomever you hire resolve your problem faster, thus saving money.
About the Author:
Bonner Johnson is the owner of Bonner Electric, a residential electrician in Brevard County with information and pictures of work on his website.
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