Troubleshooting Common Electrical Problems: 7 Handy Tips

Electrical problems can pop up at the worst times − flickering lights, dead outlets or a circuit breaker that just won’t behave. While some issues are small and easy to fix, others could be signs of something more serious.

Knowing how to troubleshoot these common problems can save you time, stress and potentially even money. It also helps you decide when it’s safe to handle something yourself and when it’s time to call in the electrical professionals.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the usual suspects when it comes to home electrical hiccups and offer some practical tips to get things running smoothly again.

Whether you’re dealing with annoying light switches or unexpected power surges, we’ve got your back with simple, safe advice to keep your home powered and protected.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Noticed your lights flickering or dimming unexpectedly? It might seem like a small annoyance, but it can point to a bigger electrical issue. Sometimes the fix is simple − like a loose bulb or a poor connection at the light fitting. Try tightening the bulb or replacing it with a new one to see if that helps.

If the flickering continues, the cause might be a bit deeper. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring or a problem with your light switch or dimmer could be to blame. If lights across multiple rooms are flickering, it could even signal an issue with your electrical panel or supply from the grid.

Dimming lights when you turn on an appliance − like the microwave or air conditioner − can also indicate your circuit is being stretched too thin. That’s a sign it might be time to upgrade or redistribute your electrical load.

Don’t ignore the signs. If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem, it’s safest to call a licensed electrician to investigate before a small flicker turns into a bigger issue.

2. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s your electrical system trying to tell you something’s not right. Breakers are designed to shut off power when there’s a risk, so frequent tripping is a sign of an underlying issue.

Here are a few common causes:

• Overloaded circuit – Plugging too many appliances into one outlet or power board can overwhelm the circuit. Try spreading devices across different outlets.
• Short circuit – This happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. It’s dangerous and can cause sparks or burning smells. Don’t ignore it – call an electrician.
• Ground fault – Similar to a short circuit but usually happens in wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms. It’s a safety mechanism that prevents electrocution.
• Faulty appliance – Sometimes it’s the device that’s the problem, not the wiring. Try unplugging appliances one at a time to see if the issue stops.
• Worn or damaged wiring – Older homes may have wiring that’s seen better days. This should be inspected by a licensed professional.

If in doubt, get it checked – safety always comes first.

3. Dead Power Outlets

A power outlet that suddenly stops working can be frustrating − especially when you’re in the middle of charging a device or using an appliance. Before assuming the worst, start with a few simple checks.

First, try plugging something else into the outlet to rule out a faulty device. If that doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker. A tripped breaker could be the reason the outlet has no power.

Some outlets − especially those in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms − are protected by a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). If the outlet has a “Reset” button, press it and see if the power returns. If it doesn’t, the issue could be wiring-related.

Dead outlets can also result from loose connections or internal damage, which isn’t something you want to mess with on your own. If the outlet still doesn’t work after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but a dead outlet could be a warning sign of something more serious hiding behind your walls − so don’t ignore it.

4. Frequent Electrical Surges

Experiencing frequent electrical surges at home? These quick bursts of power might not seem like a big deal, but over time, they can damage your electronics and point to a bigger problem.

Here are some common causes to look out for:

• Faulty appliances – Cheap or older appliances can send electrical spikes through your system. Try unplugging devices one at a time to identify the culprit.
• Power grid issues – Sometimes the surge isn’t coming from inside your home. External issues like lightning strikes or faults in the local power supply can trigger surges.
• Overloaded circuits – Too many high-powered devices plugged into the same outlet or circuit can cause surges.
• Poor wiring – Outdated or damaged wiring can’t handle modern power demands and may lead to surges.
• Lack of surge protection – Without a surge protector, your devices are left vulnerable every time the power flickers.

If surges are happening regularly, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. They can inspect your wiring, identify problem areas and recommend proper surge protection to keep your home safe.

5. Light Switches Not Working Properly

When a light switch stops working the way it should, it can be more than just annoying − it can also be a sign that something’s off with your electrical system.

Maybe the switch feels loose, doesn’t click properly, or doesn’t turn the light on or off consistently. These little quirks might seem harmless, but they can point to worn-out parts, loose wiring, or even a faulty switch that needs replacing.

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the switch itself but with the wiring behind it. Over time, wires can become loose or corroded, which can cause flickering lights or switches that don’t respond. If it’s a dimmer switch acting up, it could be incompatible with your lightbulbs or simply past its prime.

While replacing a light switch can be a relatively quick fix for a professional, it’s not a DIY task unless you’re confident with electrical work.

Always turn off the power at the switchboard first − and when in doubt, call a licensed electrician. It’s better to be safe and avoid risks like shocks or electrical fires.

6. Burning Smell or Sparks

A burning smell or visible sparks from outlets or switches is never something to ignore. These are serious warning signs that something’s wrong with your electrical system.

Here’s what could be causing it:

• Loose wiring – When wires aren’t connected properly, they can heat up and create sparks. This is a common fire risk in older homes.
• Overloaded outlets – Plugging too many devices into one socket can overheat the circuit, sometimes resulting in a burning smell or sparking.
• Faulty switch or outlet – Worn-out or damaged power points can short out and start to smell like something’s burning.
• Damaged appliance – An appliance with an internal fault may spark when plugged in, especially if the wiring is frayed or the plug is loose.
• Melted insulation – If you smell burning plastic, your wire insulation might be overheating. This can lead to arcing and potential fires.

If you ever notice these signs, turn off the power at the switchboard and call a licensed electrician immediately. It’s always better to be safe and have it checked before things escalate.

7. High Electricity Bills

Noticing a sudden spike in your electricity bill? It’s a common issue, but there are several potential causes worth checking. One of the biggest culprits is outdated or inefficient appliances.

Older fridges, dryers or air conditioners can use much more power than modern, energy-efficient models. If your appliances are working overtime, your power bill will show it.

Another common cause is phantom energy use − that’s when devices like TVs, chargers and game consoles draw power even when switched off. Consider using power boards with switches or smart plugs to cut off power when not in use.

Wiring issues or faulty electrical components can also lead to high usage. Damaged wiring may cause your system to overwork, especially if your lights flicker or breakers trip often. It’s also worth checking your heating and cooling systems − if they’re struggling, they’ll chew through more electricity.

If your bill doesn’t match your usual usage, it’s best to call a licensed electrician. They can test your system, spot any issues and suggest smart ways to reduce consumption.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Some small electrical issues, like changing a lightbulb or resetting a tripped breaker, are fine to handle on your own. But when things start getting risky or complicated, it’s time to bring in a licensed electrician.

Here are the situations where professional help is a must:

• Frequent power outages or breaker trips – If your system keeps cutting out, there could be a serious underlying issue that needs expert attention.
• Burning smells, buzzing sounds or sparking – These are all red flags that your wiring may be damaged or unsafe.
• Flickering or dimming lights – Especially when using appliances, this can indicate overloaded circuits or poor wiring.
• Upgrading or installing new appliances – Large appliances like ovens or air conditioners may need dedicated circuits and proper installation.
• No power in parts of your home – This could point to faulty outlets, wiring issues or problems in the switchboard.

Working with electricity is dangerous. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safest to call in the pros. A licensed electrician can diagnose the problem, carry out repairs safely and ensure your home meets electrical safety standards.

Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks

Electrical problems can range from mildly annoying to seriously dangerous. While it might be tempting to troubleshoot everything yourself, it’s important to know when to call in the experts.

Signs like high power bills, frequent surges, sparking outlets or a constantly tripping circuit breaker shouldn’t be ignored. Staying on top of these issues helps prevent damage to your home, appliances and – most importantly – keeps your family safe.

If you’re ever unsure about what’s causing the problem or how to fix it, don’t take risks. A licensed electrician has the tools and know-how to get things sorted safely and efficiently.

Regular inspections and timely repairs can go a long way in keeping your home’s electrical system running smoothly. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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 Cyber Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.