Common Electrical Issues in Perth Homes and How to Fix Them

Electrical problems can be a common yet dangerous occurrence in Perth homes. Faulty wiring, outdated systems, and general wear and tear can pose serious safety risks if not addressed promptly. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights or a tripped circuit breaker, knowing how to handle these issues—or when to call a licensed electrician—can save you time, money, and potential hazards. Here are the top 10 common electrical issues homeowners in Perth face and some tips on how to fix them.

Top 10 Common Electrical Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Flickering Lights

Flickering lights are not just an annoyance—they may indicate a serious electrical problem. This issue could result from loose wiring, faulty connections, or an overloaded circuit. While a single flickering bulb might just need replacement, widespread flickering often points to a bigger problem.

How to Fix:

Start by checking the bulb to see if it’s loose or needs replacing (make sure to turn the light switch off first!). If the problem persists, it could be a wiring issue, and you should contact a professional electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when a circuit is overloaded, preventing overheating and potential fires. If your breaker trips frequently, it could indicate that too many appliances are running on the same circuit or there’s a short circuit in your system.

How to Fix:

Try to identify if any particular appliance causes the breaker to trip when plugged in. Spread out high-energy appliances across multiple circuits. If the breaker continues to trip, an electrician can upgrade your system or inspect for underlying issues.

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3. Outdated Electrical Wiring

Homes in Perth that are more than 30 years old may have outdated wiring, which can cause a variety of issues, including frequent electrical surges, blown fuses, and even fire hazards. Outdated wiring may not support the electrical demands of modern appliances.

How to Fix:

An electrician should inspect your wiring and, if needed, upgrade it to meet current safety standards. Rewiring can be an investment, but it ensures your home remains safe and up to code.

4. Electrical Surges

Electrical surges can be caused by faulty appliances, damaged power lines, or poor wiring. Frequent surges can reduce the lifespan of electrical devices and damage sensitive electronics.

How to Fix:

Unplug devices that may be causing the surge and avoid overloading power points. If surges persist, a whole-house surge protector installed by an electrician can safeguard your home.

5. Dead Power Outlets

Finding a dead power outlet in your home can be frustrating, especially when it was working perfectly fine before. This issue can be caused by a tripped breaker, faulty wiring, or a burnt-out outlet.

How to Fix:

Check if the circuit breaker has tripped and reset it if needed. If the outlet still doesn’t work, it’s best to have a licensed electrician diagnose the problem. They can check for damaged wiring and replace the outlet if necessary.

6. Overloaded Power Points

With the rise of modern electronics, it’s easy to overload a power point by plugging in too many devices. This can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.

How to Fix:

Avoid using too many power strips or adapters on a single outlet. Spread appliances across multiple outlets, and if you need additional power points, hire an electrician to safely install them.

7. Light Switches Not Working

If you find that light switches aren’t functioning as they should—whether they don’t turn on the light or feel hot to the touch—it could be a wiring problem or a faulty switch.

How to Fix:

For faulty light switches, it’s best to have them replaced by an electrician to avoid electrical shocks or further damage. Rewiring may be necessary to ensure the switch functions safely.

8. High Electric Bills

Unexpectedly high electric bills can be frustrating, and they often signal inefficiencies in your home’s electrical system. Causes can range from outdated appliances to electrical leaks from poorly insulated wiring.

How to Fix:

Start by switching to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. If the problem persists, have an electrician inspect your home for faulty wiring or electrical leaks that could be wasting energy.

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9. Buzzing or Humming Sounds

A buzzing or humming sound coming from your outlets, switches, or appliances isn’t normal and could indicate a serious problem. This noise is often caused by overloaded circuits, loose wiring, or faulty components in your electrical system.

How to Fix:

If you hear buzzing, it’s essential to turn off the power and call a licensed electrician. This could be a sign of a dangerous issue like arcing, which can lead to an electrical fire if not addressed quickly.

10. Electrical Shocks

Getting a mild electrical shock from a switch or outlet is not only alarming but also a sign that something is wrong with your electrical system. This can happen due to faulty wiring or damaged appliances.

How to Fix:

Unplug any devices that may be causing the shock and stop using the affected outlet. Call an electrician to inspect the wiring and ensure everything is safely grounded to avoid future risks.