13 Common Electrical Problems and What to Do About Them

This guide covers 13 common electrical problems and what to do about them. They include:

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
3. Dead Outlets
4. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Outlets
5. High Electric Bills
6. Buzzing Noises From Switches or Outlets
7. Power Outages in Specific Areas
8. Overheating Appliances
9. Sparks When Plugging in Appliances
10. Old or Outdated Wiring
11. Tripped GFCI Outlets
12. Insufficient Power Supply for Appliances
13. Loose or Worn Electrical Connections

If you have any questions or need electrical services in Charlotte, NC, call (704) 804-3320.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights occur when the electrical current is inconsistent or weak. This issue often happens when multiple appliances draw power simultaneously or when connections are loose.

Common Causes

• Loose wiring in the light fixture or switch.
• Overloaded circuits caused by high-power appliances.
• Voltage fluctuations from the power grid.

Solutions

• Tighten or replace loose connections in the affected fixtures or switches.
• Avoid overloading circuits by redistributing appliances across multiple outlets.
• Contact our licensed electrician to inspect your home’s wiring for potential voltage inconsistencies.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Circuit breakers trip to protect your electrical system from overloads or short circuits. Frequent trips indicate recurring issues with power distribution.

Common Causes

• Overloaded circuits or appliances exceeding the circuit’s capacity.
• Faulty or damaged breakers.
• Short circuits due to damaged wires or connections.

Solutions

• Unplug high-energy appliances to reduce the load on specific circuits.
• Inspect for visible signs of wire damage or burnt connections.
• Call our professional electrician to test and replace faulty breakers.

3. Dead Outlets

A dead outlet stops supplying power, which may indicate wiring issues, breaker trips, or worn-out components.

Common Causes

• Tripped circuit breakers or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Loose connections behind the outlet plate.
• Worn-out or damaged outlets.

Solutions

• Reset the breaker or GFCI switch in your breaker box or outlet panel.
• Check for signs of burnt or loose wires and replace the outlet if necessary.
• Hire our electrician to inspect the wiring for deeper issues.

4. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Outlets

A burning smell or scorch marks around outlets suggest overheating or electrical arcing, which can lead to fires.

Common Causes

• Loose or damaged wiring inside the outlet.
• Overheating due to high-power devices plugged into standard outlets.
• Faulty outlets or switches.

Solutions

• Turn off the power supply to the outlet immediately.
• Replace damaged outlets or switches with new, high-quality ones.
• Call our licensed electrician to inspect and repair the wiring.

5. High Electric Bills

Unexpectedly high electricity bills often result from inefficient appliances, outdated wiring, or unnoticed energy leaks.

Common Causes

• Appliances consume more power than necessary.
• Old or inefficient HVAC systems.
• Phantom energy usage from devices left in standby mode.

Solutions

• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
• Use smart plugs or timers to eliminate phantom energy waste.
• Have our professional inspect your home for energy inefficiencies.

6. Buzzing Noises From Switches or Outlets

Buzzing sounds from switches or outlets indicate electrical resistance, which can lead to overheating and fires.

Common Causes

• Loose connections inside outlets or switches.
• Worn-out components causing resistance.
• Poor-quality or damaged dimmer switches.

Solutions

• Avoid using the affected switches or outlets until inspected.
• Replace old or faulty components with certified parts.
• Consult our professional electrician for diagnosis and repair.

7. Power Outages in Specific Areas

Power loss in certain parts of your home usually points to localized electrical issues.

Common Causes

• Faulty circuit breakers or blown fuses.
• Damaged wiring in specific sections.
• Overloaded circuits supply those areas.

Solutions

• Inspect the breaker panel for tripped switches and reset them.
• Check for blown fuses and replace them if necessary.
• Call our electrician to repair damaged wiring or upgrade the circuit.

8. Overheating Appliances

Overheating appliances during regular use can pose safety risks and indicate underlying electrical problems.

Common Causes

• Faulty wiring causes inconsistent power supply.
• Overloading circuits connected to the appliance.
• Poor ventilation around the device.

Solutions

• Avoid plugging multiple appliances into a single circuit.
• Ensure proper ventilation for all high-power devices.
• Have our electrician inspect and repair the wiring.

9. Sparks When Plugging in Appliances

Sparks when connecting appliances may indicate minor power surges or severe electrical damage.

Common Causes

• Loose wiring inside the outlet or plug.
• Overloaded circuits causing arcing.
• Worn-out or damaged appliances.

Solutions

• Stop using the outlet and unplug the appliance.
• Replace damaged plugs or cords.
• Call our electrician to inspect the outlet and resolve any wiring issues.

10. Old or Outdated Wiring

Old wiring may not handle modern electrical demands, leading to frequent problems or potential hazards.

Common Causes

• Aluminum wiring is used in older homes.
• Frayed or exposed wires.
• Lack of grounding in old electrical systems.

Solutions

• Schedule a full electrical inspection with our licensed electrician.
• Upgrade wiring to meet modern safety standards.
• Install grounded outlets and circuits for improved safety.

11. Tripped GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets are designed to cut off power when they detect a ground fault. Frequent tripping indicates problems in the connected circuit or appliances.

Common Causes

• Moisture in or around the outlet.
• Faulty appliances plugged into the outlet.
• Damaged GFCI mechanism.

Solutions

• Dry the area and outlet thoroughly if moisture is present.
• Test the appliances plugged into the outlet for faults.
• Replace a faulty GFCI outlet with a new one.

12. Insufficient Power Supply for Appliances

Some modern appliances require higher power than older electrical systems can deliver. This can cause performance issues or safety risks.

Common Causes

• Outdated electrical panels.
• Inadequate amperage for high-demand appliances.
• Overloaded circuits.

Solutions

• Upgrade to a higher-capacity electrical panel.
• Install dedicated circuits for high-power appliances.
• Have our electrician inspect and redesign your electrical system.

13. Loose or Worn Electrical Connections

Loose or worn electrical connections create resistance and heat, leading to dangerous conditions like arcing or fires.

Common Causes

• Aging electrical systems.
• Frequent use of outlets or switches causing wear.
• Poor-quality materials used during installation.

Solutions

• Regularly inspect outlets, switches, and panels for wear or looseness.
• Tighten or replace connections as needed.
• Schedule routine maintenance with our licensed electrician.

Is Old Electrical Wiring Safe?

Old electrical wiring is often unsafe due to its inability to meet modern safety standards or handle the power demands of today’s homes. While not all old wiring is dangerous, aging systems increase the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.

Why Old Wiring Can Be Unsafe

1. Lack of Grounding
   Many older homes have two-pronged outlets without grounding, increasing the electric shock and fire risk.
2. Outdated Materials
   • Knob-and-Tube Wiring: Common in homes built before the 1940s, this wiring lacks insulation and grounding, making it a fire hazard.
   • Aluminum Wiring: Used in the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring is prone to overheating and loosening over time.
3. Insulation Degradation
   Over time, insulation on old wires can crack or crumble, exposing live wires and increasing the risk of arcing or short circuits.
4. Inadequate Capacity
   Old wiring systems were not designed to handle the high electrical demands of modern appliances, leading to frequent overloads.

How to Address Old Wiring Issues

• Schedule an Electrical Inspection: Our licensed electrician will evaluate the condition of your wiring.
• Upgrade the Wiring System: Replace old, outdated wiring with modern copper and grounded outlets.
• Install a New Electrical Panel: Ensure your panel can handle your home’s electrical needs.
• Add Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): These outlets improve safety by cutting power in the event of a ground fault.

When to Act

Take action immediately if your home is over 30 years old or shows signs of electrical issues. Upgrading your wiring system ensures safety, reduces fire risk, and improves energy efficiency.

Address these issues early to protect your home and ensure it meets current safety standards. Always consult our professional electrician for any work involving old electrical systems.

Ewing Electric Co. Offers Solutions to All Your Electrical Problems

At Ewing Electric Co., we provide effective and lasting solutions to all your electrical problems in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue like flickering lights or need major system upgrades, our licensed and highly trained electricians are here to help.

We specialize in diagnosing and fixing common electrical problems, including frequent circuit breaker trips, dead outlets, and outdated wiring. Our services include electrical repairs, panel upgrades, rewiring, outlet installations, lighting solutions, and more. We also offer advanced services like EV charger installations and surge protection systems to meet the modern demands of your home or business.

Safety and reliability are at the core of what we do. Our electricians use high-quality materials and adhere to the latest electrical codes, ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely. Whether it’s a residential or commercial property, you can trust us to deliver fast, affordable, and professional service.

Don’t let electrical problems disrupt your life. Contact Ewing Electric Co. at (704) 804-3320 for expert solutions you can count on. We’re here to keep your home or business powered safely and efficiently.