Lights Not Working? Here are some tips from an electrical repair expert:

ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are experiencing problems with the electrical in your Nashville home, or business, not working properly, it is always best to leave the diagnosis of the problem up to an expert electrician. It can be extremely difficult to diagnose an electrical problem if there is no obvious damage, like a broken outlet or a cut wire. There are many points from where the electricity comes into your house from the pole to the breaker panel to each of the outlets and fixtures connected to the home’s wiring where something can be causing a problem. This is where electrical troubleshooting comes in. Troubleshooting your own electrical is not always something you should do, but you can help to narrow it down to give the electrician a better idea of where the problem seems to be focused. The following tips can help you identify where the problem lies and, in some cases, may be a do it your-self project.

1. Check the breaker. This is always the first step and can eliminate the need for the electrician. If it is tripped, reset it. If the breaker continually trips, you have a problem that will need to be addressed by an electrician. (It is not recommended to open the face off your electrical panel)

2. If the outlet is a GFCI (the kind with the two buttons in the center), press the reset button and then test to see if the lights and power in the room work again. Be sure to have the lights on so when if the lights come on you will know.

3. FAULTY OUTLET - If you believe an outlet is faulty because an appliance doesn’t work, try plugging in a lamp or another item that requires electricity that you have tested and know to work. This can help narrow down where the problem lies and simplify the electrical issue.

4. If one of your circuit breakers is tripping off, it may not be a problem with your electrical system, it may be that one of your devices that is plugged into one of the electrical outlets is bad, or an overloaded circuit. The way to check for this is to unplug everything that is currently running on that circuit. Begin plugging in and using items one by one. For example, plug in toaster, microwave, coffee maker until the breaker trips. This is information your electrician will use to determine if it is an overload or a weak breaker.

5. A last resort, which should only be attempted if you know for a fact the electricity has been shut off, is to check the wiring itself. Pull off an outlet and check for loose wires behind the outlet cover. You can also check to see if a light fixture is loose just by giving it a good wiggle.

It is always best to have an electrician to do any electrical work in your home. A Nashville electrician will have the tools necessary to check connections and determine if electricity is reaching the outlets and switches, without having to go through most of these steps. It is far easier and more accurate for a local electrician to do the troubleshooting for you. Scheduling a free consultation from an electrician near you is a great way for you to get a professional opinion about any electrical problems that may be having with your home. This gives you the opportunity to have electrical repairs before they become serious. You can trust your Goodlettsville TN. electrician to troubleshoot and repair any electrical problems, so your home is safe again.

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