Electrical systems in homes in Dubbo are generally reliable, but sometimes problems may occur with faulty circuits or appliances. Many of these problems may seem trivial but they could point to a bigger problem that may lead to a fire or increase the risk of an electric shock.
So what should you look out for? Here are the top 5 home electrical issues you need to be aware of.
If you notice any of the following problems in your home- don’t delay, call a local electrician to come and make sure that your home is safe.
1. Electric Shock
Do you get a small electric shock when you turn an appliance on and off – either at the wall socket or the appliance itself?
This can be caused by a variety of issues including a faulty appliance, a faulty power outlet, or degraded wiring that has aged and needs replacing.
A persistent shock from an appliance or power outlet should be dealt with as soon as possible. You should call an electrician immediately.
2. You Are Experiencing Constant Power Surges
Power surges are overvoltage disturbances in an electrical circuit. Although they only last a few milliseconds, a large power surge can potentially destroy any electrical appliance that is connected to the circuit.
Persistent power surges are usually caused by a faulty piece of electrical equipment. So if you are experiencing regular power surges, remove any newly installed electrical equipment or any older equipment which you suspect may be faulty.
If you are still experiencing this issue, you should call a professional electrician in Dubbo to ensure that the issue is resolved for safety.
3. Light Switches Not Working
Do you have a dimmer switch that is no longer working? Or a two-way lighting circuit that only works if the other switch is in the on position? These are common problems, especially in newly built homes.
Light switch problems are often associated with poor installation. If in doubt, you should call a professional electrician for advice. The problem could indicate an issue with the lighting wiring which will need to be checked and resolved through various checks.
4. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
A tripping breaker is a sign of overvoltage in the circuit. This could be the result of a short circuit or a faulty appliance. A periodically tripping breaker is not necessarily a problem, it’s a good thing because it shows your electrical system is working properly.
But a breaker that is constantly tripping may indicate a more serious problem. This could be damaged insulation causing a short circuit, water leaking into the circuit, an overloaded circuit or even a faulty circuit breaker.
If you experience a tripping breaker when you plug in an appliance, try moving it to another point to see if the problem persists. Some appliances such as hair dryers, toasters and electric heaters have high current demand which may be overloading the circuit.
If this is a persistent issue, you should call a professional electrician in Dubbo.
5. Lightbulbs Burning Out Frequently
Modern LED light bulbs don’t last forever, but they should last at least 50,000 hours. That translates to around 10 years of use. Older incandescent bulbs don’t last as long but you should still see around 750 hours of use.
If your light bulbs are not lasting as long as you would expect, it could indicate a fault on the circuit. Several faults can reduce the lifespan of light bulbs, including overheating wires, a poor connection or bulbs of the incorrect wattage being installed. Bulbs burning out quickly are not only expensive to replace, but they also waste electricity and are a hassle.
All of these faults can be easily identified by a qualified electrician. So if you are changing bulbs more often than you would expect, get an electrician to check the circuit is ok.
Looking For An Expert Electrician In The Dubbo Area?
O'Brien Electrical Dubbo is one of the region’s leading electrical contractors. We provide a range of electrical maintenance services to homes right across the Dubbo region. Our electricians are also equipped with the latest state-of-the-art testing equipment to diagnose faults quickly and accurately.
So if you are experiencing any of the above electrical problems in your home. Give us a call today on (02) 6885 1477 or complete the contact form here. We offer FREE quotes and upfront pricing and all our electricians are fully qualified, licensed and insured to carry out electrical work in New South Wales.