How to Troubleshoot Home Electrical Problems

Electrician testing wires

Electrician testing wires

Electrician testing wires

Learn how to spot electrical problems in your home and fix them.

When our electricity works, it works great. Flip a switch, get light. Turn on the dishwasher, squeaky clean dishes. But a lot can go wrong with the electrical components in your home, as problems may crop up with wiring, circuit breakers, wall outlets, and more. These concerns can range from minor inconvenience to downright dangerous. They can also be costly, since many electrical problems are not covered by homeowner's insurance.

Here are some of the common issues homeowners should watch out for when it comes to their electricity.

Common home energy issues

Too much wattage in lights: Whether you use incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), or LED light bulbs, it's important to have the right wattage. If your bulbs are flickering or if your switch feels hot to the touch, check your wattage.

Lights dimming: Do lights suddenly dim when you use a major appliance like your dryer or microwave? That could mean your home wiring is insufficient. This potential fire hazard should be inspected by a qualified electrician.

Faulty outlets: If a particular outlet in your house has trouble running items, and manipulating the cord at the plug tends to make an appliance go on and off, the outlet is probably worn out. However, if many outlets are affected, it could point to a poor connection somewhere along the electrical circuit.

Bare wires: Any bare wire visible on an appliance requires immediate attention as it can cause a shock or electrical fire. Turn off the appliance, unplug it, and don't use it again until the wire is repaired by a licensed electrician or the item is replaced.

An outdated system: If your home was built prior to 1960's, it may not have current safety features, including three-prong receptacles or built-in GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupters) outlets. Also, any pre-owned house might have a hodgepodge of quick fixes like aluminum wiring.

Tips to electrically safeguard your home

No cords under carpets
Never unplug a device by pulling the cord (grasp the plug instead)
Be aware of burning odors
Tripping breakers are a safety warning and resetting is not always the cure
Since water and electricity don't mix, only use outdoor-rated cords when outdoors
Never use a tool or appliance with the ground prong removed
Electric outlets and panels must have covers installed, and if small children are in the home, child-proof those outlets

What other electrical hazards could be lurking in your home? Some might be visible, such as overloading outlets and too many extension cords. Others are likely hidden: box installation mistakes, the wrong insulation over recessed lighting, or a poorly-placed smoke detector.

If you suspect any electrical issues in your home or you just want to double-check for safety, hire a licensed and certified electrician for an inspection. We have a vast network of pre-screened, licensed and insured contractors ready to help.

You may also consider a Protection Plan to cover electrical repairs, maintenance or an annual safety inspection.

Terms and conditions contained in the protection plans may limit our contract obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions, and our cash back offer. View plan details for more information.

Terms, conditions, and other restrictions

*Repair claims are limited to $500 per service call and $2,000 per plan in the aggregate per plan term. Plans are provided by NRG Protects Inc. Independent contractors will be performing various services under the plans. In some instances we may make a cash payment in lieu of repairs or replacement in the amount of actual cost, which may be less than retail, to repair or replace any covered system, component, or appliance.

**If your authorized repair technician determines that the water heater is deemed irreparable, we will give you a credit of $500 towards a replacement water heater by your authorized repair technician.

Once repair plans commence, there is a 30-day waiting period before you may request services for a claim. Unless the plan provider elects not to renew the plan, upon expiration of the first year, the plan will automatically renew at the standard rate and terms unless you opt out of the auto-renewal option in writing by mail at P.O. Box 2309, Houston, TX 77252- 2309, by email at cancel@nrgprotects.com or by calling us at 1.855.241.9094. Sales tax will be added in select states.

This is a summary of what the provider will and will not cover under the plan, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the plan. The Terms and Conditions may limit the provider's contractual obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions and any cash-back option available under the plan. Please refer to the Sample Terms & Conditions for details.