4 of the Most Common Household Electrical Issues

Common electrical issues not only cause inconvenience but also put your entire family at risk. That’s why it’s essential to identify and address issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs or safety hazards. However, with wires running through the entirety of your property, it can be challenging to diagnose the problem yourself. 

To help get you started, here are four common household electrical issues you need to look out for: 

1. Circuit Breaker Problems

When your circuit breaker trips, it means that it’s protecting an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short-circuiting. But when it occurs repeatedly, it’s time for you to inspect for more serious problems. It might be caused by power surges, a blown fuse, or loose wiring. Call a licensed electrician to ensure your safety instead of attempting to fix the issue yourself. 

2. Scarce or Dead Outlets

Are you starting to run out of outlets to plug into without using extension cords at home? Dead outlets usually mean faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker. Forcing them to work could spark a fire, potentially damaging your home and putting your loved ones at risk. 

In addition, scarce outlets can lead to a dependence on the ones that work or extension cords. This may result in frequent surges that will cause more electrical problems in the future. Call a professional to fix this issue so you can have more outlets to use for your appliances safely. 

3. Electrical Dips, Sags, and Surges

A surge happens when there is a spike in your electrical system’s current. Although it only lasts a fraction of a second, repeated occurrences can damage and reduce the lifespan of your devices and appliances. You can use surge protectors to safeguard your electronics against damage. However, if the repeated surges persist, look for an electrician to inspect and fix the problem. 

Meanwhile, sags and dips are irregular drops in electrical voltage that cause brown-outs, wherein lights dim and regain their brightness in a short amount of time. This occurrence happens quickly and can sometimes be mistaken for blinking. If left unaddressed, sags and dips can damage your electronics. Before the issue gets worse, contact a trusted professional to have your system checked. 

4. Exposed Wires

Inexperienced electricians could have left your electrical wires out in the open after addressing your problem, but this shouldn’t be the case. Exposed cables are fire hazards, so it’s wise to have them taken care of as soon as possible. Hire a reputable contractor to cover, splice, or attach the right frame and prevent the wires from catching fire. 

Hire a Reliable Electrical Contractor Today

If you are experiencing any of these four common electrical issues in your home, then you need reliable and high-quality residential electrical services from a licensed electrician in La Crosse, WI. Turn to us at Kish & Sons Electric. We can diagnose and repair electrical problems quickly and safely. Contact us today to request a quote.