Electricity is no less than a bare necessity today without which our lives could completely come to a halt. As more and more dependence on electricity and electrically operated equipment increases, there is also a rise in problems related to electrical appliances, devices, installation wiring etc. These problems, if neglected, can turn into potential electrical emergencies, posing a serious threat to our lives and property.
Therefore, it is important to be able to identify these issues, so you know exactly when to call your nearest home electricians for assistance.
Let’s take a look at the most common electrical problems residents in Perth face and how you can avoid them.
1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
High wattage appliances like irons and microwaves can cause circuit breakers to trip, especially when they are consuming power from a single source. Since circuit breakers are there for your safety, their tripping indicates they are doing their job well.
However, if this happens regularly, watch out for the appliances you are using at that particular time. This way, you can avoid connecting high watt items to a single circuit. If the problem still persists, your home electricians might suggest a system upgrade.
2. Overloading
Overloading of extension boxes or power boards is another electrical problem faced by many homeowners in Perth. This is because in most homes, there aren’t enough power sockets and hence power boards are used. You can ask your residential electrician to install additional powerpoints in your home to avoid this problem in the future. In the meanwhile, you can:
- Avoid daisy-chained power boards
- Disconnect appliances that aren’t being used
- Avoid overburdening a particular circuit
- Be vigilant about your power usage around the home.
3. Excessively High Electricity Bills
High energy bills are the biggest fear of homeowners around the world. This mostly happens due to overconsumption of electricity, malfunctioning electrical appliances, or damaged house wiring.
Make it a habit of unplugging the chargers and appliances that are not in use.
You can also get your wiring and troubling appliances checked by a reliable local electrician to determine the exact reason behind these unusually high electricity bills. He’ll closely examine your home’s electrical system to determine the fault. Once the problem is diagnosed, he can use his expertise to fix it.
4. Lights That Are Too Bright Or Too Dim
If some of your lights appear to be too dim while others are exceptionally bright, this indicates a problem with your neutral main connection. Get it checked by a certified home electrician or else, these issues will keep bothering you until you get them fixed once and for all.
5. Mild Electric Shocks
Ever experienced an electric shock? No matter how mild, electric shocks are a serious reminder that malfunctioning electrical systems can be life-threatening. These shocks are usually experienced if you have a fault in your appliance or the wiring. Never attempt to fix it unless you are a professional but instead, immediately ask your emergency electrician to come over to your place.
6. Electrical Surges
During a storm, electrical surges are among the most common electrical issues experienced by homeowners in Perth. You can install a surge protector to protect your home against power surges. Your home electrician can also install a lightning arrester to divert the electricity away from your home.
Power surges are also caused by faulty appliances, damaged power supply lines or poorly connected power connections. If left unattended, these surges can even result in electrical fires.
7. Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are a common electrical issue where you first have to check if there’s a need to change your light bulb. However, if you have just replaced the light bulbs and the problem persists, then it could be an indicator of something much more serious.
This could be happening due to faulty wiring or a damaged connection and can eventually lead to arcing and even fire. The best is to call a professional electrician so he can diagnose and fix the problem for you.
Other than these, certain electrical issues are considered a non-issue yet they can turn into a serious safety concern. If you notice excessively hot power outlets, exposed wires in your old property or downlights that frequently turn off and on, schedule an appointment with your nearest residential electricians right away.
Hiscocks Electrical is a reputable name in residential electrical services all around Perth. Our home electricians are trusted by Perth residents for electrical installations, scheduled maintenance as well as emergency electrical repairs.
Have an electrical problem?
Feel free to call us.