Trade Secrets of Our Licensed Electricians

Lights out? Circuits tripping? Have an electrical issue you’re looking to fix? Read our guide to learn some common electrical problems you might face as a homeowner, and the best way to troubleshoot each.  

An electrical failure can be caused by numerous things such as a tripped circuit or something more complicated, so it’s always best to call a licensed electrician to help solve your electrical problems. But if you want to try to find the source of the electrical issue on your own, the pros at Axiom Power have compiled our top 10 electrical problems and troubleshooting tips. Read on for our guide!  

Before starting, safety always comes first. Do not attempt something you are uncomfortable with, and always double-check that the power has been turned off and wires aren’t live before you begin troubleshooting.  

A Circuit Breaker Trips When a Hair Dryer or Microwave is Used

What it means: These high-wattage appliances are too much for the circuit.  

The fix: If the overloads on the circuit can’t be avoided by using them on a separate circuit, a new circuit for the high-wattage item is the best solution. Try to use the lower-watt setting on your hairdryer if this is the circuit tripping culprit.

Flickering Lights When it’s Windy  

What it means: There could be frayed wiring in the weatherhead. This is the outdoor fitting where overhead cables come into your house from the power lines. The wind causes a short whenever the cables move.  

This is another issue with a high priority to get it fixed. Aside from the annoyance or flickering lights, the frayed wiring can arc and start a house fire.  

The fix: This isn’t really one that you can fix on your own. Call your electrical utility company who can troubleshoot and replace the weatherhead if needed.  

Not Enough Outlets

What it means: If you find yourself using a bunch of extension cords and power strips you probably need more outlets!  

In older homes, it is common to have fewer outlets, and it is ok to use heavy-duty extension cords such as 14-gauge or thicker. Not only can be annoying to have to use extension cords and power strips all over the house, but these may overload & cause a fire.  

The fix: This one is easy: add more outlets. This is something you will need an electrician for.  

If your house doesn’t have enough outlets, contact Axiom Power! We can install new outlets throughout your house so you can easily use your appliances and electronics. 

No GFCIs 

What it means: Not having GFCIs in your home increases your risk of electrocution in the kitchen and bathroom. A GFCI shuts circuits down in 4 milliseconds before a current can cause a deadly shock.  

This is of high priority to get fixed.  

The fix: Replace old receptacles with GFCIs, which is a simple job that you can complete yourself.  

You can also install a GFCI breaker in your main panel, but every time one trips, you will have to go to the breaker to reset it.  

Ungrounded 2-Prong  Receptacles 

What it means: Your house’s wiring cannot safely conduct stray currents that escape the confines of wires.  

If you use an adapter to fit a 3-prong into a 2-prong receptacle, you could destroy your device or get electrocuted.  

The fix: Replace all the 2-prong receptacles with grounded 3-prong ones (if your wiring allows). Test all existing receptacles and rewire any that aren’t grounded. Call us if you need help – we're rewiring experts.  

Overlamping  

What this means: A fixture has a light bulb that is a higher wattage than the fixture was designed for.  

This is an issue with high priority because if the bulb gets hot enough, it can scorch or melt the socket and insulation on the light fixture’s wires.  

This increases the risk of arcing, where sparks jump through the air from one wire to another, which is one of the main causes of electrical fires. Even if you change the bulb, the damage to the socket and the wires remain.  

The fix: Stay within the posted wattage limit on all light fixtures. For unmarked fixtures, use 60-watt bulbs maximum. 

Overwired Panel 

 

What it means: Your house’s electrical panel contains more circuits than it’s rated to handle. You will find a label on your panel that specifies how many circuits it can accommodate.  

The fix: Add a subpanel with extra slots for circuit breakers, or replace the entire panel with a larger one.  

If you need a new electrical panel, call Axiom Power. We can install a subpanel or a larger panel for your home or business!  

Backstabbed Wires  

What it means: On newer switches and receptacles, wires that are pushed in the back can come loose as opposed to those that are anchored to screw terminals.  

Loose wires can cause a switch or outlet to stop working or even cause a house fire.  

The fix: Remove switches and receptacles around your home and check for backstabbed connections. If there is one, there are probably more. Release the wires and attach them properly to the screw terminals.  

Plugs Fall Out of Receptacles 

What it means: Besides being annoying, this can be dangerous. If your receptacles can no longer grip the prongs of your electronics firmly, this is a sign of worn contacts. This can cause arcing and potentially a fire.  

The fix: Replace these old receptacles to make your home safer! You can DIY this project if you’re handy or call Axiom Power and we’ll complete the job and let you know if there are other electrical issues in your home.  

Call the Pros at Axiom Power  

While some problems can be fixed by a homeowner, having a knowledgeable electrician gives you peace of mind that your family is safe at home. If you do decide to DIY, keep your phone handy in case you need to give our licensed, local electricians a call. 

We know how annoying it can be when the lights in your home are flickering or when your circuits keep tripping. More often than not, it is wise to call a licensed electrician to troubleshoot and fix any electrical issues you might be experiencing in your home. 

Call the Tampa Bay electrical contractors at Axiom Power! We respect your time and money and will get the job done right the first time. 

Call today:  

Residential Electrician: Greg Bennett- (813) 308-9328 

Commercial Electrician: Jose Rivera- (727) 687-4452