Solutions to 7 Most Common Electrical Problems

Written on: October 17, 2022

Trust AFC to take care of electrical issues at your home or business!

electric service maineWhether you need electrical services for new construction, a home renovation, updating the wiring in an older home, or commercial electrical work, the licensed and experienced team of electricians at AFC can do the job right and to the highest standards for safety.

AFC offers 24/7 emergency services and FREE estimates for our work. No job is too big or too small, and all our electrical work is backed by the AFC Comfort Guarantee.

If you have any of these seven problems in your home, contact us to request service and we’ll make sure any needed work is done right so your home’s electric system works properly and safely.

1. Flickering lights

Does the light flicker frequently in an overhead fixture or lamp and your home is not in a brownout situation? The problem may be a poor connection from the wiring to the fixture, or loose or corroded wiring.

If this is happening frequently, turn off the malfunctioning lights and contact AFC for a service call. This situation needs to be evaluated by an electrician.

2. Warm outlets

A warm outlet is commonly a sign of an overworked outlet. Electrical outlets can only safely run a certain amount of voltage at a time and when the demand exceeds that amount, it will heat up. This is common, especially in older homes with electrical systems not designed to handle the demand of today’s copious amounts of electronics and electric appliances, and is also a fire hazard. Unplug all devices from that outlet and let the outlet cool down. Do not use power strips or multi-outlet plug-ins in the outlet. Plug the excess devices in other outlets, being careful with extension cord usage.

If the outlet isn’t being overworked, the problem may be faulty wiring or casing. Contact AFC and we’ll come to check it out.

3. Circuit breakers frequently tripping

A circuit breaker is an essential safety feature in your home’s electrical system. It is designed to trip and shut off the electrical current if something is wrong. It can happen from time to time in any electrical system. However, if it happens a lot, or if there is one particular breaker that keeps tripping, those are signs of a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

First, unplug devices such as phone chargers and laptops when they’re not being used. Also, spread out devices around your home so you’re not overworking one specific circuit.

If you already do this and are still dealing with frequently tripping circuit breakers, contact us.

4. Dead outlets

If there are outlets in your home that do not work, that could be a dangerous problem. It could be that wires to the outlet are loose or damaged behind the walls, and that is a fire hazard. Contact AFC so we can investigate the problem.

5. Electrical shocks when using switches

Do you feel a shock when turning a light switch on or off? If it’s a quick, mild shock, it could be static electricity. However, if the jolt is stronger and it hurts, that is a sign that the problem is in your electrical system. Possible causes include the switch not being grounded, faulty wiring, a defective switch, or that your switch box is made of metal. Get in touch with us and we’ll come to check it out.

6. High electric bills

We’ve all been feeling the pinch of higher energy bills lately. However, high electric bills with an unexplained increase in usage could be a sign of trouble in your electrical system. AFC can look into your home’s electrical system to see where the problem lies.

7. Absence of GFCIs in kitchens and bathrooms

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electric receptacle that can detect minor changes in the electrical current in the outlet and shut down power if needed. These are essential safety features for rooms where water is used, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

If you don’t have GFCIs in these spaces, you simply need to replace the existing outlet with a GFCI one. GFCIs are readily available at hardware or home improvement stores. If you do not feel comfortable doing electrical work in your home, contact AFC and we’ll take care of it for you.

AFC is Central Maine’s leader in quality electrical services. Contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can get to work for you!