5 Common Electrical Problems

Electricity plays such a pivotal role in our daily lives at home. Therefore, it pays to be aware of the common electrical problems you might encounter that can have significant safety, efficiency and functionality consequences.

From flickering or dimming lights to overloaded circuits and issues with outdated wiring, knowledge and information goes a long way toward preserving the safety and efficiency of your home. For example, you might think that some electrical issues, like circuit breakers tripping or power surges, are just merely inconvenient. In fact, they can actually pose serious fire and safety risks if you don’t address them in a timely manner.

Let’s explore some of the most common electrical problems that Australian homeowners face so you can provide a comfortable, functional and secure living environment for you and your family.

1. Dips in Power

Do you often notice flickering or dimming lights, or perhaps the occasional split-second power outage in your home? These are classic signs of power sags, a fairly common electrical issue in homes across Australia.

High demand on your electrical system, especially when certain appliances kick in, can cause these dips in your electrical supply. Common offenders on this front include air conditioners or large fridges that use large quantities of power when they start up. This sudden demand leads to these dips as the appliances can momentarily strain your electrical system.

It’s important to figure out which appliances or occurrences are behind these power dips. Sometimes, it could be something out of your control, like a lightning strike. Other times, simply adjusting how and when you use certain appliances can make a big difference.

Of course, if the issue continues, we suggest organising a thorough electrical inspection by a licensed electrical contractor. They’ll be able to check your electrical wires and power supply to provide you with a lasting fix.

2. High Electricity Bills

High electricity bills have certainly been a growing issue for most homeowners across the country. While we certainly have no sway with what retailers charge (these days it’s generally between 25 and 45 cents per kWh), we can suggest ways to reduce your consumption.

• Repairing damaged wiring: Faulty wiring leads to an increase in electricity consumption. Naturally, this drives up your bills.
• Fixing hot water system leaks: Leaks in an electric hot water system can cause it to overwork. It means you use more electricity than necessary.
• Identifying and replacing power surge-causing devices: Appliances causing frequent electrical surges can significantly inflate your power usage.
• Switching to a more cost-effective provider: Shop around! Compare providers to find a better deal on your electricity rates.
• Unplugging appliances and devices when you’re not using them: Standby power can account for a substantial part of your bill.

Of course, you can also get in touch with Metropolitan Electrical Contractors. We might find an underlying electrical problem that has directly led to your higher electricity bills.

3. Electrical Shocks and Hazards

Remember back in primary school days when you’d shuffle along the carpet in your shoes and touch your best mate’s arm to give them a little electric shock? Well that was child’s play, literally, compared to the electrical shocks you can experience in and around your home.

Electric shocks usually occur when you turn an appliance or device on or off at the wall, and generally point to a problem either with the device itself or your home’s wiring. They’re a sign that something might be amiss with your home’s electrical system, potentially due to damaged power lines, faulty appliances or loose or poor wiring.

Should you or a family member get an unexpected surprise with one of these shocks, we advise first testing the device – if safe to do so – with another power source. If it happens again, you’ll need to call a licensed electrician. Don’t overlook these shocks as they can escalate into serious electrical hazards.

4. Circuit Overloads and Tripped Circuit Breakers

Another of the most common electrical issues is tripping circuit breakers caused by the overloading of power boards. To prevent this, you can:

• Avoid connecting multiple power boards to each other: This practice can lead to overloading which will trip the circuit breakers in your electrical panel.
• Remove devices from power boards after use: Unplugging appliances when you’re not using them reduces the electrical load on your circuits and lowers the risk of a tripped circuit breaker.
• Distribute power usage across different circuits: Avoid using the same circuit for your electrical devices and appliances. Spreading them out can prevent overwhelming any single circuit.
• Stay aware of what is and isn’t in use: Being mindful of your power consumption habits can go a long way in preventing an overloaded circuit.

By following these simple steps, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential hazards associated with overloaded electrical circuits.

5. Faulty Light Switches and Power Points

Faulty light switches and power points are a common annoyance for many homeowners. It’s a problem that most often stems from substandard workmanship or products.

If you come across either of these, do not ignore them. While a faulty light switch or power point might seem like a minor hassle in the grand scheme of things, it could indicate a more significant electrical fault within your home’s electrical wiring.

The best course of action is to contact a licensed electrician who can safely diagnose and remedy the problem. They can identify whether it’s a simple issue or something that requires more extensive repairs.

BONUS: Electrical Fires

Electrical fires can be a significant hazard. Numerous electrical faults can cause them, including faulty wiring systems, overloaded power boards, damaged extension cords or defective electrical appliances. Fires like these can start in an instant and spread quickly, putting both your home and safety at risk. To avoid this, make sure a qualified electrician regularly checks your electrical systems. It’s also important not to overload sockets and power strips, and to replace any old or faulty appliances to keep things safe.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Common Electrical Problems

The best way to avoid these common electrical faults and problems around your home is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. And the best way to prevent them is with regular electrical system maintenance.

Among the most effective preventative maintenance measures to put in place are:

• Regularly checking your electrical appliances and systems: Routine inspections can catch issues early, preventing larger problems. Repairing or replacing defective appliances
• Updating and maintaining electrical wiring: Poorly maintained or loose wiring can lead to a multitude of electrical problems.
• Installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): These devices protect against electrical shocks by cutting off power in the event of ground faults.
• Surge protector use: Used to protect against a single electrical surge or frequent surges, they safeguard your appliances from voltage spikes that can damage electronic devices.
• Educating yourself about electrical safety: Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing electrical hazards.
• Stay away from DIY electrical work: Not only is it illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out work on their home’s electrical system, they’re your best weapon against everything from sub-standard electrical installation to unwanted electrical surges and shocks.

By adopting these measures, you do more than preserve the longevity of your electrical appliances, light fixtures and systems. You’re also protecting your home and family from potential electrical risks.

Stay Safe and Proactive with Your Home’s Electrical System

Electrical problems aren’t just annoying; they can actually be dangerous if ignored. Being aware of common issues like flickering light bulbs, rising electricity bills, or faulty wiring can help you stay on top of things. Regular check-ups, calling in a professional when needed, and steering clear of DIY fixes are the best ways to keep your home safe and running smoothly. Taking these simple steps can protect both your home and family from potential hazards, giving you peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.