Easy Electrical Fixes

Electricity is dangerous if mishandled. It can cause serious injury or death. It’s always best to hire an electrician for repairs to the electrical system. However, some electrical interruptions are easily fixed at home. 

An electrical circuit works by allowing electrons to flow through a closed loop with a power source and controlled by components like switches and resistors to perform specific tasks. As a safety precaution, a circuit breaker or interrupter automatically “trips” to stop the flow of electricity when too much current or misdirected current is detected. After checking the circuit line for problems, tripped circuit interrupters and breakers can be reset by residents without any tools.

GFCI outlet A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a safety device that prevents electrocution. It is an electrical outlet used in “wet areas” such as outdoors, kitchens, garages and bathrooms. The GFCI cuts off electricity to an entire circuit if an imbalance in the current flow is detected. It can turn off the electricity in the circuit in as little as 1/40th of a second.

A GFCI device only protects against ground-fault shocks - the most common electrical shock hazard. It doesn’t protect against direct line contact hazards.

If properly installed and maintained, it should prevent electrocution. They can degrade over time. If the GFCI outlet is in disrepair, a person could receive a shock before the GFCI operates to shut off the electrical supply.

A GFCI outlet typically has local test and reset buttons and often has an indicator light. The light turns on while the outlet is inoperable. All outlets on the same circuit will become inoperable (exterior plugs, garage, etc.) while it is in safe mode.

Reset a GFCI

Turn off and unplug all devices attached to a disabled GFCI circuit. Ensure all those devices are in good repair and not currently wet.

Holiday lights are a common culprit for GFCI faults. The outlets can become wet or wildlife may chew on the lines to expose the wires. Sometimes too much electricity flows through a single outlet to safely operate.

A tripped GFCI outlet may be hidden behind something else like a refrigerator in a garage. Ensure all outlets on the circuit are checked and all devices are unplugged before resetting the outlets. Reset the circuit by pressing the reset button on the GFCI outlet. Slowly reattach and test electrical devices attached to the circuit. Turn them on as attached to check for errors.

Additionally, a GFCI outlet is designed to trip when moisture is present in the outlet. Try using a hairdryer on a low setting and plugged into another circuit to slowly blow air onto the outlet and dry it out. Keep the hairdryer moving to prevent overheating of the plug and wires.

If the GFCI continues to trip to the off position, too much power may be flowing through one specific outlet, or the wiring may be faulty and need professional repairs.

Check a Tripped Breaker

Each residence should have a circuit breaker. It is a crucial component in electrical systems to help protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overload or short circuits. It automatically interrupts the flow of electricity if it detects a fault condition. Faults can be an overload - too much current flowing through the circuit - or a short circuit - current flows through an unintended path with low resistance.

Key features of electrical breakers include:
1. Protection: They prevent wires and electrical components from overheating, which could otherwise cause fires or damage equipment.
2. Automatic Operation: When a fault occurs, the breaker trips and interrupts the flow of electricity to the circuit to stop the current flow and prevent damage.
3. Resetting: After tripping, most breakers can be manually reset by flipping the switch to restore power to the circuit once the fault condition has been resolved.

Breakers come in different types and sizes depending on the application and the amount of current they are designed to handle. They are typically found in electrical distribution panels (breaker boxes) in homes, buildings, and industrial settings, where they protect individual circuits and ensure electrical safety. Breaker boxes are often located in a garage or closet. Some are located on the exterior of the structure.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

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