Electricity is amazing! It powers your video games, charges your phone, and keeps the lights on so you can read your favorite books. But when you are constantly seeing a flickering light or a tripped breaker, it can feel like an annoying puzzle. Trying to figure out what is wrong with your home’s wiring is called electrical troubleshooting. Yes, it sounds simple, but troubleshooting is not the same as tightening a screw. It requires knowledge and the right tools. At Todd Peters Electric, we are experts at safe electric troubleshooting. We have seen homeowners make a few common mistakes, and we want to share our expert advice with you!
Why Electrical Troubleshooting Can Be Risky
Many homeowners think they can handle electrical troubleshooting because it looks easy. But they don’t realize that it’s the small mistakes that lead to big dangers. Electricity is powerful and unpredictable. If you touch the wrong wire, you could cause shocks and damage to your health and home. Moreover, when something electrical stops working, it usually means there is a bigger issue hidden behind the walls. People need to understand that DIY electrical troubleshooting is risky. Only then will they be able to make safer choices.
Mistakes That Can Cost You
Professionals are trained to identify problems accurately and fix them safely. It only makes sense to rely on them instead of online tutorials.
Come along as we list some common mistakes most homeowners make:
1. Ignoring Warning Signs
Electrical problems rarely appear out of nowhere. Your home usually tries to warn you first. Some people ignore these signs and hope the problem disappears. But electrical issues only get worse with time.
First, look at these common warning signs:
| Flickering lights | Outlets that feel too hot to touch |
| Burning smells all the time | Sparks and tripped breakers |
Our advice: If something feels “off,” don’t wait for it to cause a fire for you to realize. Having an electrician inspect it won’t cost you much, but not calling him can cost you your life.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
You can’t fix electrical systems with random tools from your garage. Not to mention, people don’t even have the tools professionals use just lying around. They use special equipment that measures voltage and tests wires. Also, electrical troubleshooting requires proper training along with safety gear.
Using the wrong tool can:
- Damage parts of your home
- Give incorrect results
- Put you at risk of shock
3. Guessing Instead of Testing
Sometimes, when a light stops working, people just assume they know the problem.
“It must be the bulb!” or “It’s probably just the outlet!”
But electricity is tricky. Electrical troubleshooting is no child’s play! Problems can come from many different places. Sometimes, even far from where the issue appears.
Our advice: Experts use a multimeter to measure the electricity flowing through wires. This helps them find the exact spot where the power stops. Trying to fix something without knowing the actual cause is a waste of time.
4. Working Without Turning Off the Power
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes. Imagine trying to change a tire on a car while the engine is still running and the car is moving. Sounds crazy, right? That is kind of what it is like trying to fix an outlet without turning off the electricity first.
We understand that they want a faster fix. But even a tiny shock can be harmful, and strong electrical currents can be life-threatening.
Our advice: The breaker box is your friend. Before you even look closely at a faulty switch, go to your main electrical panel. Find the correct breaker that controls that area and flip it to the “off” position.
5. Not Knowing When to Call a Pro
DIY fixes can look tempting with online tutorials everywhere. But electricity is not something to learn by trial and error. Stop immediately if you are not sure what you are doing.
Call a licensed electrician from Todd Peters Electric if:
- You smell burning near outlets
- Your breaker trips repeatedly
- Lights flicker across the whole house
- You hear buzzing or popping sounds
- You have no idea where the problem is coming from
A professional can handle electrical troubleshooting quickly. Trust us, they can save you from a lot of stress and danger.
The Bottom Line
Electrical troubleshooting is not something to take lightly. Hidden dangers can put you and your family at risk. Try to avoid common troubleshooting mistakes, like ignoring warning signs, guessing or using the wrong tools. However, in any case, the safest choice is always calling a professional. So the next time a light flickers or a breaker trips, don’t take chances! With Todd Peters Electric, you get expert troubleshooting and careful repairs.
FAQ
How to avoid faulty wiring?
Always hire an electrician for all major electrical work, including new circuits and panel upgrades. Regularly inspect cords for damage, and never perform complex wiring yourself.
What happens if you put a 15 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit?
Installing a 15 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit is safe. The 20 amp breaker protects the circuit, and GFCI outlets do not provide overcurrent protection.
How to prevent fire from faulty electrical wiring?
Our advice to prevent fire is to avoid overloading circuits by not plugging too many devices into one outlet, and to use extension cords only temporarily.
What is the difference between a 15A outlet and a 20A outlet?
A 20A outlet has one blade opening shaped like a “T”. A 15A outlet has two straight parallel slots.
How to identify a hot wire without a multimeter?
You can identify a hot wire without a multimeter by using a non-contact voltage tester. It lights up or beeps when it detects live electricity.