Keeping the Lights On: A Troubleshooting Guide For Home Electrical Issues:

Life is great when things go smoothly. When we can go about our lives without disruptions, distractions, and disaster. And this applies to our homes as well. Houses provide shelter and a place to restore and recharge after a long day.

But things don’t always go according to plan in your home. Taps spring leaks, walls can crack and appliances can fritz out. 

In this article, we’re going to explain how you can keep the lights on and share some troubleshooting tips for home electrical issues.

Major Problem? Call a Professional

If your electrical issue is major, don’t hesitate to call an electrician in St Kilda. This is because you should not attempt to repair any wiring issues yourself, or other major electrical repairs. 

While you can DIY many things around the home, major electrical works are not one of them. You run the risk of serious injury or death if you do the wrong thing, or you might even create a fire hazard due to incorrect wiring repair work. Trust a licensed and insured electrician for this work.

Faulty Appliance Triggering the Safety Switch

A common electrical issue in households is that a faulty appliance will short out and trigger the safety switch at your switchboard, meaning the power is turned off so no damage can occur to your circuit. 

If this occurs you need to determine which appliance is the culprit. Most commonly it is the toaster or the kettle, but other appliances can also cause this. Turn everything off at the switch one by one, then go and turn them on and power them up, one by one. This will help you determine the cause of the short, and then you can dispose of that appliance and replace it, or return it for a refund if it's within warranty. 

Light Globes Burn Out Quickly

If your light globes are dying quicker than they should there may be an issue, particularly for LED globes or other globes that are meant to last a lot longer. Your first point of call is to check if the socket is loose - if it is you can tighten it yourself. If this doesn’t work then call in a professional as there may be a more serious issue afoot. 

Lights Too Bright or Too Dim

Sometimes your lights may be too harsh and bright, or too dim and not providing enough light. In this case, check if you are using appropriate wattage globes for each room. For instance, kitchen and living areas generally need more lighting than say a bedroom or retreat space. If this doesn’t fix the issue, again - consider calling a professional.

High Power Consumption

If you experience bill shock you may be using too much power. Remember to switch lights off when not in the room, turn appliances off at the switch and don’t overuse your climate control systems. Some basic steps like these can reduce the amount on your power bill each month, as well as help combat climate change.

Conclusions

Remember, if the electrical fault or problem is major you need to call a professional electrician, don’t attempt a repair yourself as this is extremely dangerous. 

If a faulty appliance is triggering your safety switch, try to isolate and replace the culprit. If your light globes are burning out too quickly, check for loose sockets. If your lights are too bright or too dim for the room, ensure you are using appropriate wattage globes. If you experience a high power bill, consider changing your energy use habits.