It is very important to have a safe and reliable electrical system in your home or business. Sometimes, electrical problems can be stressful and dangerous if not dealt with properly. Don’t worry – many common electrical problems can be fixed with the proper knowledge and approach.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 of the most frequent electrical problems, what causes them, their dangers and how you can fix them safely.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call a professional. O’Briens Electrical Ltd is always ready to help you with electrical services in Bexley. Call us on 01322 630 774 or email us at to book our service.

“Trust O’Briens Electrical for reliable and expert electrical services you can count on!”

Common Electrical Problems – Their Dangers And Fixes

1. Flickering Or Dimming Lights

One of the most common electrical problems is flickering or dimming lights. This can happen for several reasons, such as faulty lightbulbs, poor wiring, or problems with the circuit. A single lightbulb flickering occasionally may not seem serious, but persistent or widespread flickering is a sign that there could be an underlying electrical fault and lead to dangers like:

Overloaded circuits
Loose wiring
Potential short circuit

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

To resolve flickering lights, turn off the light switch and remove the bulb. Check if the bulb is faulty or loose. If the problem persists after replacing the bulb, it could be due to a loose connection or faulty wiring, which should only be handled by a qualified electrician with professional tools.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your electrical system from overloads and short circuits. If your circuit breaker trips frequently, it indicates something is wrong with your electrical system and leads to the following:

Overloading
Faulty wiring
Electrical shock

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, avoid resetting it repeatedly. This could worsen the situation. Turn off all appliances connected to the circuit, reset the breaker, and gradually reconnect the appliances. If the breaker trips again, an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring may require professional inspection.

3. Power Outages

Occasional power outages are normal, but if your lights or appliances lose power regularly without an apparent reason, there may be a fault in the electrical system. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning electrical panel can cause power outages and dangers like:

Frayed wires
Faulty electrical panel
Surge damage

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

Power outages can sometimes be caused by issues in your electrical panel, such as a faulty fuse or breaker. Inspect the panel and reset the breaker if the outage affects only your property. For persistent outages, contact a professional to examine the wiring and panel.

4. Electrical Shocks

If you experience electrical shocks when touching appliances or switches, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the electrical system. These shocks can occur when electrical currents leak from faulty wiring or improper grounding and lead to dangers like:

Severe electric shock
Electrical fires
Damage to appliances

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

To address electrical shocks, immediately unplug any devices causing the issue. Check if there’s improper grounding or exposed wiring. If you suspect faulty wiring is the cause, do not attempt to repair it yourself.

5. Burning Smell From Outlets

A burning smell from an electrical outlet or appliance can be a serious problem. It usually indicates overheating, faulty wiring, or an appliance malfunctioning. This can be dangerous and cause:

Electrical fires
Short circuits

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

If you detect a burning smell from an outlet, immediately shut off the power at the breaker box. Do not use the affected outlet. Call a qualified electrician to inspect the wiring and resolve the issue.

6. Sparks From Outlets Or Switches

Overloaded circuits, frayed wires, or poor connections often cause sparks from outlets or switches. If sparks occur when you plug in an appliance or operate a switch, it could signal a problem within the electrical system and lead to:

Electrical fires
Burns and electrical shocks

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

Overloaded circuits or faulty wiring can often cause sparks. If sparks occur when plugging in an appliance or using a switch, avoid using that outlet and shut off the power.

7. Non-Functioning Outlets

Dead outlets are typically caused by worn-out wiring or a tripped circuit breaker. While the issue may seem minor, it can prevent devices from being powered and signal deeper electrical issues like:

Electrical failures
Potential fire hazards

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

If an outlet does not function, check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary. If the issue persists, it may be due to faulty wiring. In such cases, contacting a licensed electrician with professional tools is crucial to inspect and repair the outlet.

8. High Energy Bills

If your electricity bills have been unusually high despite not using more energy, there could be an issue with your electrical system. This could be due to faulty wiring, outdated appliances, or electrical leaks sometimes cause:

Overloaded circuits
Wasted energy

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

If you’re experiencing high energy bills, consider getting an energy audit. An electrician can inspect your electrical system, identify leaks, and recommend solutions to optimise energy usage and reduce costs.

9. Broken Or Malfunctioning Light Fixtures

Light fixtures flickering, not turning on, or turning off unexpectedly could be caused by loose wiring, a faulty switch, or a damaged fixture. This electrical issue can lead to the following:

Potential short circuit
Fire risk

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

For broken light fixtures, check if the bulb or switch is faulty. If the issue persists, it may be due to wiring problems or a malfunctioning fixture. Always seek professional help if wiring is involved to prevent the risk of electric shock or fire.

10. Overloaded Power Strips

Using power strips to connect multiple devices is a common practice, but overloading these strips can lead to overheating fires and electrical failures. These can be dangerous and cause:

Electrical fires
Appliance damage

How To Fix This Electrical Problem?

To avoid overloading power strips, limit the number of devices plugged into each strip and ensure that each power strip is rated for the total wattage of its supporting devices. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips and replace any strips showing signs of wear.

Also Read: Tips For Electrical Safety

Conclusion

So, these 10 common electrical problems can be a major inconvenience and pose significant safety risks if not addressed quickly and correctly. While some issues may seem manageable, knowing when to call a professional is essential. For more complex or hazardous problems, seeking help from an expert electrician is crucial to ensure safety and prevent further damage.

At O’Briens Electrical Ltd, we specialise in providing high-quality electrical solutions to residential and commercial clients across London and the South East. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, our team of fully certified and NICEIC-approved electricians ensures that all work is carried out to the highest standards. Our electricians are always ready with their tools to assist you with routine maintenance, testing inspection, emergency repairs, or complete rewiring.