A breaker trips, so you reset it. An outlet stops working, so you check the GFCI. Those are reasonable first steps, but when the breaker trips again or the outlet stays dead, there’s probably more to figure out.
Homeowners can handle a few basic checks without touching the wiring. Once a problem involves repeated power loss, burning smells, sparking, unusual heat, or work inside the electrical system, it’s time to stop troubleshooting. Mr. Electric® of Murfreesboro provides electrical repair services for problems that need more than a reset or a new light bulb.
What Electrical Troubleshooting Can You Do Yourself?
Start with obvious possibilities. A lamp that goes dark may have a bad bulb. A dead outlet could be connected to a GFCI that has tripped. If several appliances were running when a breaker shut off, the circuit may have been overloaded.
Changing the bulb, checking the breaker, trying another outlet, and resetting an accessible GFCI can help narrow things down. If power doesn’t return or the same problem comes back, don’t start opening electrical boxes or removing the panel cover to find out why.
Common DIY Electrical Mistakes
Some electrical fixes seem to work, but never address the cause of the problem. Others can introduce a new problem altogether.
Resetting a Breaker Over and Over
One breaker trip after plugging in too many high-demand appliances is one thing. A breaker that trips again after being reset is another. Overloads aren’t the only possible cause. Short circuits, ground faults, faulty equipment, and wiring problems can also trip a breaker. If it keeps happening, another reset isn’t fixing the problem.
Installing a Larger Breaker
Swapping a troublesome breaker for one with a higher amperage isn’t a shortcut around repeated trips. The breaker must be properly sized for the circuit's wiring and load. Otherwise, the wiring could be allowed to carry more current than it was designed for.
Dismissing a Warm or Noisy Outlet
An outlet doesn’t have to stop working completely for something to be wrong. Warmth, discoloration, buzzing, crackling, or intermittent power are all reasons to stop using it and have it checked. The same goes for switches and other electrical components. If something suddenly looks, sounds, smells, or feels different, don’t assume it’s harmless because it still works.
Using Extension Cords as an Everyday Solution
An extension cord for a temporary need is one thing. A room that’s permanently running on extension cords and power strips is another. If there never seem to be enough outlets for the way a room is used, adding properly installed outlets or circuits may make more sense than continuing to rely on cords.
Know when to Stop Troubleshooting
Some warning signs don’t call for another DIY attempt. Burning or melted plastic smells, sparking, hot or discolored outlets, electric shocks, repeated breaker trips, and unexplained power loss all warrant professional attention.
A burning smell should be taken seriously. You may not see smoke or flames when a connection or component is overheating inside a wall or electrical box. Stop using the affected outlet, fixture, or equipment instead of taking it apart to look for the problem.
What if the Power Goes Out?
Look outside before assuming the problem is in your house. If the neighbors and streetlights are dark too, you’re probably dealing with a utility outage.
It’s a different situation when nearby homes have power, and yours doesn’t. The same is true if only part of the house goes dark, lights become unusually dim or bright, or power cuts in and out. Those problems may require electrical troubleshooting in your home.
Schedule Electrical Repair in Murfreesboro
If you’ve checked the simple possibilities and the problem is still there, Mr. Electric of Murfreesboro can take it from there. Our service professionals troubleshoot electrical problems, explain what they find, and provide Guaranteed Upfront Pricing before any work begins. Our work is also backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, reflecting our commitment to getting the job done right.
Schedule service with Mr. Electric of Murfreesboro for help with recurring unexplained electrical problems.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional electrical advice. Electrical work can present shock, fire, and injury hazards. Requirements vary by project and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified, licensed electrical professional regarding work on your home’s electrical system.
