submitted by S&M Electric
Electrical services are paramount to the smooth running of any home, and when you have wiring issues, bad switches or stripped insulation, other problems are bound to pop up. It’s important to find the root of any problem by troubleshooting your electrical system.
Electrical troubleshooting
What does it mean to troubleshoot the electrical system? It’s simply the phrase given to analyzing the operation of a bad electrical circuit to resolve what went wrong. Then to identify the defective parts and repair the circuit.
If it’s a bad plug with signs of burning, it’s easily spotted. But, if it’s a problem that only happens sometimes, it can be more of a challenge to spot.
Do I really need an electrician?
If all you’re doing is changing the light bulb (even a fluorescent bulb), then no, you certainly don’t need an electrician. But, many electrical problems are not as obvious to a homeowner. Make no mistake, though, all electrical issues are important for a properly run home. When left unattended, these so-called small issues can ruin expensive appliances, cause health problems for the family or, worst case scenario, start a house fire.
Signs your home needs an inspection:
Help for older houses
Homeowners of older houses often find their service panel does not keep up with the demands of newer appliances and lighting fixtures. Former homeowners may have had wiring repairs or installations done by non-licensed techs, causing circuit overloads.
With this in mind, it’s vital to have an experienced, licensed, insured and bonded technician to provide a service panel review. It may be that you need an update to the service panel to protect the fixtures and the home as a whole. If you’ve added additions, storage buildings, a pool or hot tub, you’ll find a service panel review is necessary as well.
An inspection after an inspection
Most homebuyers have a home inspection done prior to buying their home. Most lenders require it when a family is financing the house. When the inspector detects an issue with the electrical system, it’s time to call a professional for a complete inspection of the wiring, lighting, control panel and outlets to get the house up to code with industry standard equipment.
Electrical services are paramount to the smooth running of any home, and when you have wiring issues, bad switches or stripped insulation, other problems are bound to pop up. It’s important to find the root of any problem by troubleshooting your electrical system.
Electrical troubleshooting
What does it mean to troubleshoot the electrical system? It’s simply the phrase given to analyzing the operation of a bad electrical circuit to resolve what went wrong. Then to identify the defective parts and repair the circuit.
If it’s a bad plug with signs of burning, it’s easily spotted. But, if it’s a problem that only happens sometimes, it can be more of a challenge to spot.
Do I really need an electrician?
If all you’re doing is changing the light bulb (even a fluorescent bulb), then no, you certainly don’t need an electrician. But, many electrical problems are not as obvious to a homeowner. Make no mistake, though, all electrical issues are important for a properly run home. When left unattended, these so-called small issues can ruin expensive appliances, cause health problems for the family or, worst case scenario, start a house fire.
Signs your home needs an inspection:
• Appliances that will not power on
• Lights that flicker
• Nonworking outlets/switches
• Ongoing tripped circuit breakers
• Sparks/shocks from fixtures or outlets
Help for older houses
Homeowners of older houses often find their service panel does not keep up with the demands of newer appliances and lighting fixtures. Former homeowners may have had wiring repairs or installations done by non-licensed techs, causing circuit overloads.
With this in mind, it’s vital to have an experienced, licensed, insured and bonded technician to provide a service panel review. It may be that you need an update to the service panel to protect the fixtures and the home as a whole. If you’ve added additions, storage buildings, a pool or hot tub, you’ll find a service panel review is necessary as well.
An inspection after an inspection
Most homebuyers have a home inspection done prior to buying their home. Most lenders require it when a family is financing the house. When the inspector detects an issue with the electrical system, it’s time to call a professional for a complete inspection of the wiring, lighting, control panel and outlets to get the house up to code with industry standard equipment.
