Lifestyle

8 Most Common Electrical Problems You can Encounter in your Home

Nowadays, we are dependent on electrical devices to carry out the most basic of tasks - from drying your hair to washing your clothes. But despite all the technological advancements that have made our life more comfortable, there are still several electrical problems that can temporarily snatch that comfort away. To preserve that convenience and your devices, it’s essential that you are able to identify the problem and take timely action. So, we at Lyter - one of the best accessories manufacturers in India - have created a curated list of electrical problems that you need to be aware of:

1. Wattage Mismatch

The mismatch is a common electrical issue that takes place when you use a fitting with a higher wattage than the fixture. This can lead to reduced performance from the device, as well as some permanent damages to fitting as well. There are two ways you can solve this problem - either use fixtures that have lower wattage, or use devices that have higher wattage.

2. Flickering Lights

Frequent light flickering in your house is a result of a bad connection. Fortunately, you can easily identify this, as you only need to locate lights that are fluctuating. Another cause can be that the Waterhead or panel where the power lines enter your property may be experiencing electrical problems. That is if all of the lights in your house have started to flicker.

3. Sags and Dips in Power

Sags and dips are most likely to take place when electrical appliances are connected to a power grip that is faulty. That’s why it's best to use a grip made from high-quality material. Because ultimately, an appliance running on a sagging and dipping current uses more power in the long run, racking up the bills.

4. Fewer Outlets

Though not definitively an electric problem, it’s quite inconvenient to run out of outlets when you have multiple devices to plug in. These days, power strips and extension cords have become a mainstay for households. But even if you use a power strips extension cord, make sure that they’re of reliable quality, as a low-quality one will add to the inconvenience rather than taking it away.

5. Open Wires in a Junction box

Many cables are connected in a junction box. If exposed wires are not covered, people may come into contact with them and experience electric shocks. Although there is little risk if the junction box is out of the way, ongoing exposure to air and moisture can seriously harm the cables, which could result in other electrical problems like overload or flickering lights.

6. Tripping Circuit

When a high-power appliance, for example, a hair dryer or microwave, causes an unexpected power spike in an outlet, the circuit breaker trips. Tripping the circuit is a good sign as it ensures that your home is secured. However, regular tripping of the breaker is a warning sign. To prevent this, try not to connect too many high-power appliances to a single power strip and practice using a lower setting on the electrical appliances.

7. Electrical Shock

Electrical shocks can be unpleasant and serve as a stark reminder of the risk that electricity can pose. An open wire or a faulty isolator in the house is a common problem that most of us might have experienced. Old fixtures, poor wiring, and low-quality electrical appliances are some additional, less common sources of electric shocks. Therefore, it’s best to rectify these at the earliest, lest you meet a misfortune.

8. Circuit Overload

Multiple high-wattage appliances running on the same circuit may cause an overload and trip. You can either switch certain items to a different outlet or a separate room to fix this. Another alternative is to ask your electrician to install a separate circuit just for the faulty appliances. Switching off appliances when not in use is also helpful.

Last but not the least

Don't take DIY risks. Electrical problems can bite, so managing them is different from managing simple home repairs. Your local electrician can help if you don't have the tools or knowledge that are required to handle these typical electrical issues. Another solution to keeping electrical problems at bay is to invest in high-quality electrical accessories. We at Lyter can help you in that regard, with our diverse range of premium electrical solutions. Get in touch with us to know more about our offerings.