Homeowners have so many responsibilities and interests that they cannot become experts in the care and maintenance of all the home’s building system. However, it is in the interest of all of us to be familiar with major problems that commonly develop. Here is a list of some of the most common electrical repairs with residential electrical systems.

1 Arc faults

We observe the power and utility of arching electricity in modern devices, such as Tesla coils, plasma balls, and stun guns. Electricity arcs when it moves into the space between two conductors. In residential settings, this can happen when wiring is installed incorrectly or damaged. It often happens during the fraction of a second when the plug of a device nears a receptacle.

The danger of an arc fault is the electricity is being diverted from its intended course. It can result in a shock or electrocution should it encounter living things. It can cause a fire if it encounters any type of fuel. An arc fault might be visible. It often can be heard. Arc faults often chemically change the air and give off the smell of ozone. They are dangerous, so shut off the power to the problem area and call an AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

2 Ground faults

Electricity should flow through a closed system called a circuit. Switches are used to break the circuit to disrupt the flow and shut off the power to a device. When electricity moves outside of this designated circuit, it moves to the earth through the closest route possible. We call this a ground fault. When electricity moves, it chooses the easiest, least-resistant path. That might be a fuel source, resulting in a fire. That might be through a living source, with disastrous consequences. Ground faults give fewer indications. They are dangerous because they are often undetectable until it is too late.

Circuit breakers are designed to recognize a change in the flow of electricity. If more or less electricity flows through a circuit, the breaker trips. There might be another reason for a circuit breaker to trip. If you reset the breaker and it trips again immediately, call an AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

3 Water and electricity

Whenever electricity comes into contact with water, it causes an immediate ground fault. The danger is so severe that building codes require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) switches and outlets installed within 6 feet of a water source—faucets, tubs/showers, pools, etc. What does a GFCI device do? Normally, the ground fault happens, and the circuit breaker recognizes the change in resistance and trips. This might take a second or longer, but GFCI devices are designed to recognize resistance changes as small as 4 to 5 milliamps and respond in 1/10^th of a second. These are truly life-saving devices.

4 Overloading/overheating

The wiring and circuit breakers in a residential system are designed to carry a limited amount of power. This limitation is for the protection of persons and property, but it is also designed for the devices we use. Calling for more power than the circuit is designed for will lead to damage to devices and heat damage to wiring and circuitry. The faceplates for overheated circuits may melt or discolor. They will often feel hot to the touch.

Calling for too much power will trip the circuit breaker. If turning on one too many devices results in a tripped breaker, request an added circuit from your AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

5 Power surges

Speaking of too much power! The power grid is designed, just like a residential system, to deliver a certain amount of power and redundant regulator devices are designed all along the system. However, certain anomalies happen that result in a sudden increase or surge of power. An accident involving a power pole, a rodent interrupting the grid, or a lightning strike are all examples of surge sources.

Power surges are completely out of the control of homeowners, but if your home requires further protection, ask your electrician about a whole-house surge protector.

Call the Electrical Repairs Experts in Houston

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Repairs, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Electrical Repairs questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, electrical safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.