Electrical outlets failing to function properly can be a major inconvenience for homeowners. It’s not always necessary to call a professional to fix a problem; sometimes, a little troubleshooting can help you figure it out on your own. However, you can always get our Electrical Repair service to provide you with the assistance you need from licensed professionals like us here at 5 Star Electricians El Porto.
Safety warning: When working around electricity, it’s important to be careful. All electronics and appliances should be unplugged from non working outlets. It’s also a good idea to turn off the breaker at the main electrical panel before touching any electrical plugs or outlets.
If you find yourself stuck with an electrical outlet that doesn’t work, it’s not always because of a major electrical problem. Here are some reasons you might be having trouble and some troubleshooting tips to try before calling the professionals.
Switched Plugs
- Although wall switches designed to power a floor lamp are typically installed in rooms without ceiling fixtures, these outlets are frequently misused for other purposes. Check if the switch is on before you feel stressed about a non-functioning outlet.
A Problem With The Device, Not The Outlet
To ensure that’s not the issue, plug a different device into the same outlet. If it works, then it’s a problem with the device. If you’re still not seeing results, check other outlets in the same room. If they aren’t working properly, it’s time to call your local professional electrician.
Tripped GFCI Outlet
If you tend to plug too many things into the same circuit, it can get overloaded when drawing more electricity than the circuit can handle, causing the circuit breaker to trip. If this occurs, try to find the same outlet nearby and press the reset button. If it resets, good; if not, and the outlet still won’t work, call an electrician.
Faulty Outlet
It’s not very common, but occasionally an outlet will burn out and stop working. If the plug is defective, you could have one of our electricians do the job for you.
Improper Installation
Sometimes the outlet doesn’t work because of sloppy work during installation, such as backstabbing or the incorrect use of wire nuts, or because the connection is loose. You can get a professional electrician to determine if this is the issue and get it immediately repaired.
We advise against engaging in DIY projects if you are unfamiliar with electricity, as they could result in harmful errors. Working with safety codes is part of their training as electricians. Additionally, they have specialized tools and testers to assist them in identifying and diagnosing tricky electrical problems. So don’t wait longer and hire certified electricians to work with you for better and safer electrical wirings at home.
What is a “short” or a “short circuit”?
A short circuit occurs when there is little to no resistance between two conductors in an electrical circuit. If this happened, the power source would experience an overload due to the surge of voltage and current it generated. A short circuit will occur if the electricity flows through a “short” path.
My exterior fixture burns out frequently. Should I get it repaired?
It’s common for outdoor fixtures to burn out more frequently than indoor ones. The main reason is that outdoor fixtures are exposed to the elements, affecting their lifespan. However, if your exterior fixture is burning out more frequently than it should, it’s best to get it repaired. A qualified electrician can inspect the fixture and make any necessary repairs. If you suspect an issue with your electrical wiring or fixtures, don’t hesitate to call 5 Star Electricians El Porto. Our skilled technicians are able to handle jobs of any magnitude.
What does a fishy smell coming from my outlet mean?
Overheating can cause the plastics and heat-resistant chemicals used in outlets, circuit breakers, and wiring insulation to produce a smell similar to fish or urine. The air ducts in your home may distribute the odor throughout the place, and its strength or disappearance may vary with the temperature and the load on the electrical system. When this happens, pinpointing the source of the odor in a specific room or vent can be challenging.
Why doesn’t my light switch work for my lighting fixture?
A tripped breaker or blown fuse could be at fault in a malfunctioning switch circuit. Find the circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical panel. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you should reset it, and if the fuse has blown, you should replace it with a new one.
If the problem persists after you’ve reset the breaker or replaced the fuse, you should check the wire connections and the switch. However, before doing so, you must disable the circuit by turning off the breaker or pulling the fuse.
How often should I get my electrical system maintained?
Depending on how old your home is and the number of electrical devices it holds, you should schedule electrical system inspections at varying intervals. In the opinion of most electricians, this should be done every 3–5 years. You should test your GFCI outlets in your home at least twice a year by pressing the test/reset button.
It’s important to remember that the electrical systems in older homes may not be able to handle today’s modern conveniences. Even if you live in a relatively new home, you should monitor your daily electricity consumption and make any necessary upgrades to keep up with today’s living standards.
Get the best electrical repair services at 5 Star Electricians El Porto. Feel free to ring our lines whenever you have concerns and questions or need a professional electrician to assist you with all your electrical needs.