For the average homeowner who flips a switch and the light comes on, electrical troubleshooting wichita may seem to be more than they are able to handle. The maze of electrical wires is intimidating enough, but coupled with the realization that a wrong move can bring a shocking jolt to the amateur is enough to make many want to call an electrician for anything more involved than changing a light bulb. The good news is that minor repairs, such as electrical troubleshooting wichita for a dead outlet are probably possible for most homeowners to handle with the understanding if the problem is complex it will be necessary to call a professional for assistance.
When realizing an outlet has no power, there are some simple electrical troubleshooting wichita solutions that you should first try before doing anything more involved. One of the most simple solutions is to check the fuse box. Surprisingly, many times a temporary overload is enough to trip the circuit. This causes the outlet to stop working and appear dead when all that is needed is flipping the breaker back on. Most newer outlets, especially those outdoors or in the kitchen or bath, have GFI reset buttons on them. The actual outlet can trip, causing it to cease working. The solution is as simple as pushing the button on the outlet for it to begin working again.
If the fuse isn’t the answer when doing electrical troubleshooting wichita, the outlet may have a bad connection. To check this, always flip the breaker to kill the power to the area even though the outlet is not functioning. This ensures you won’t be shocked. It could be a loose wire, loose screw, or even a loose stab-in connector. If the wire is loose, with no evidence of heat discoloration or melting, the wire may be tightened and the outlet should work. If the screw or stab-in connector is loose, or if there is any evidence of heat on the outlet, it’s recommended to replace the outlet to avoid an overheating problem or fire risk in the future. To replace the outlet, attach the new wires exactly as the existing wires are connected and it should work fine.
If these simple solutions don’t solve your electrical problem, it will be necessary to contact an electrician for assistance. Don’t risk anything more complicated on your own. Electricity can be dangerous. It’s not worth the risk.
