Your safety is the most important thing when it comes to household electricals. High bills, flickering lights and damage to appliances are all signs of an electrical problem in your home. You can identify the problem and determine the best solution.
FREQUENT ELECTRICAL SURGES
Lightning strikes, power line damage, faulty appliances, and poor wiring can all cause electrical surges. Although an actual surge lasts only a few seconds, repeated surges can cause damage to electrical components in your home and reduce their lifespan.
If you are experiencing frequent electrical surges, it is likely that your electrical device or wiring is the problem. To see if the surges are prevented, remove any powerboards or devices that were made cheaply. If this fails, you might need to call a professional electrician.
SAGS AND DIPS IN POWER
As with electrical surges, sags or dips in electricity supply can often be attributed to devices that are defective or made from substandard materials and draw a lot when they turn on.
LIGHT SWITCHES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY
Poor workmanship and sub-standard products can often cause dimmers to not adjust the light correctly.
You might find that switches don’t work after you move into a new home. This could indicate that the fixtures have been removed or that the outlets, circuits, or wiring are defective. If you have problems with switches in your home, consult an electrician.
Looking for electrical safety tips to help your home?
CIRCUIT BREAKING TRIPPING FREQUENTLY
Circuit breakers can be tripped by high-wattage appliances like hairdryers and microwaves, especially if other power-consuming items are connected to the same source. Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home and you. If it trips, it is a sign that it has done its job.
Take a look at the item you were using when it tripped. Try using the lowest setting if it was a hairdryer. Alternatively, reduce the electrical use on one circuit while high-wattage devices are being used.
CIRCUIT OVERLOAD
Overloaded power boards are one of the leading causes of circuit breaker trips. Many homes and apartments don’t have enough power points, even older ones. Circuit overload could cause frequent trips in circuit breakers within your home. This can be prevented by:
- Never daisy-chain power board.
- Take out any devices, not in use. For example, chargers for phones still draw power when they aren’t connected.
- You should spread your electrical requirements around. Do not overload a single circuit.
- Pay attention to how devices are connected around your home. What’s being used and what’s not?
LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT / DIM
Two possible causes may be at play if some lights in the house are too bright and others are dim.
- Different types of light with different wattages: Make sure all globes match.
- Bad main neutral connection: This can cause serious problems in your home and should be addressed by a professional.
ELECTRICAL SHOCKS
An electric shock can be very unpleasant. They are milder than a static shock and remind us that electricity can be dangerous if it is not being used.
When you switch a device on or offline, electrical shocks are common. It could be the appliance itself or the wiring. However, you could try plugging in another device to see if it works. This will only give you an indication of the problem. It is better to consult an electrician in most cases.
HIGH ELECTRICAL BILL
You can reduce the cost of your electric bill by:
- Change to a cheaper provider
- Recognizing electrical devices that could be causing power surges
- Repairing hot water system leaks
- When not in use, unplug appliances and chargers
- Repairing damaged wiring and circuits
LIGHT BULBS BURNING OUT WAY TO OFTEN
There are many reasons why your lights might be going out too often.
- Too much Wattage
- Insulation is too close the light
- Bad wiring in the circuit
- Bad wiring in the mains
- Too much Wattage per switch on a dimmer is a problem
- Flickering is a sign of a bad connection.
Non-professionals may have difficulty identifying the problem. It might be worthwhile to contact an electrician if you are burning out light bulbs like a madman.
THE RECESSED LIGHT ‘GOES OUT’ AND COMES BACK ON
Recessed lighting, such as downlights, are equipped with safety devices to cut off power when the light gets too hot. Either the bulb is not being used at the right Wattage, or the insulation in the ceiling is too close.
Examine for excess heat
Every so often, check overhead lights:
- Are they generating excessive heat?
- How many watts is the circuit rated at?
- Are they properly insulated?
Overheated lighting can cause fire danger, so make sure to test it regularly.
WHAT TO DO IF PROBLEMS PERSIST?
You should contact an electrician if you have ongoing electrical problems around your home. It is important to ensure safety around your home. For safety and security, get in touch with a professional like your local OnElectrical Contractors in Brisbane Northside to diagnose any electrical problems at your home.
Electrical Contractors in SE Queensland
Electrical contractors in Queensland offer a comprehensive range of services across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. From Electrical Safety and Compliance to Electrical Wiring for New Homes, they cater to various needs, ensuring that all properties are safely and efficiently powered.
Residential Electrical Services
- Electrical Installations
- Lighting, power points, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and appliances.
- Home Automation
- Smart home systems, lighting control, security systems, and Home Theatre Installation & Setup.
- Switchboard Upgrades
- Replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards featuring safety switches.
- Rewiring
- Full or partial rewiring of homes, especially older properties.
- Electrical Inspections
- Safety checks, compliance inspections, and pre-purchase inspections.
- Surge Protection
- Installation of surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices.
- Smoke Alarm Installation, Testing & Inspections
- Compliance with Queensland legislation requiring interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Outdoor Lighting
- Garden lighting, pool lighting, and security lighting.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions
- LED lighting upgrades, solar panel installations, and energy audits.
- Fault Finding and Repairs
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
- Renovations and Extensions
- Electrical work for home renovations and extensions.
Commercial Electrical Services
- Commercial Lighting
- Installation of interior and exterior lighting, including LED lighting and emergency lighting.
- Data and Communications
- Cabling for internet, phone systems, and data networks.
- Electrical Fit-outs
- Electrical work for new offices, retail spaces, and other commercial properties.
- Power Distribution
- Installation and maintenance of electrical panels, transformers, and power distribution systems.
- Security Systems Wiring Installation
- CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Regular maintenance and testing of electrical systems.
- Energy Management Systems
- Installation and monitoring of systems to reduce energy consumption.
- Testing and Tagging
- Compliance testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
- UPS Systems
- Installation and maintenance of uninterruptible power supply systems.
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical wiring for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Industrial Electrical Services
- Industrial Automation
- PLC programming, automation systems, and control panel installations.
- High Voltage Installations
- Installation and maintenance of high voltage systems and equipment.
- Machine Installations
- Electrical wiring and setup of industrial machinery.
- Electrical Maintenance
- Preventive and reactive maintenance for industrial electrical systems.
- Power Factor Correction
- Installation of equipment to improve power factor and reduce energy costs.
- Electrical Upgrades
- Upgrading electrical systems and infrastructure in industrial facilities.
- Instrumentation and Control
- Installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems.
- Emergency Power Systems
- Installation and maintenance of backup generators and other solutions.
- Hazardous Area Electrical Work
- Electrical work in hazardous environments, including explosive atmospheres.
- Electrical Design and Engineering
- Custom electrical system design and engineering services.
Additional Services Across Sectors
- Electrical Cost for New Home Construction
- Electrical Contractors For Building Sites
- Electrical Wiring Services
- Electrical Repair & Fault Finding Services
- Electrical Contractors For Real Estate & Property Managers
- Electrical Preventative Maintenance For Commercial & Industrial Machinery
- Three-Phase Power Upgrades & Installation
- Hot Water System Installation & Repairs Services
- Emergency & Exit Light Testing Electrical Services
- Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Electrical Services
- Exhaust Fans & Bathroom Heating Installation Services
- Air Conditioning Services
- Electrical Appliance Installation
- Electrical Renovations & Extensions
- Electrical Safety Test Inspection
- Test and Tag Services
- Lighting Installation
- Power Point Installation, Upgrades & Replacement
- Switchboard Upgrade & Replacement
- Commercial Electrician
- Industrial Electrician
- Residential Electrician
- Home Automation Installations & Repairs
These services ensure that all properties, from homes to large industrial complexes, receive the highest level of electrical safety, efficiency, and innovation.