Through our years of experience, we’ve been asked almost every question under the sun. We decided to compile ten of the most commonly asked electrical questions along with our answers:
- What’s the Difference Between A Fuse and A Circuit Breaker?
- What Is A “Short” Or A “Short Circuit?”
- What Is Tripping My Circuit Breaker?
- What Is A GFCI Outlet?
- What Is The Difference Between Conventional Circuit Breakers, AFCI, and GFCI?
- Why Do My Light Bulbs Blow Out Frequently?
- Should I Be Worried About Outlets That Don’t Work?
- Why Do My Lights Flicker?
- Why Is My Light Switch Hot?
- Can I ‘DIY’ Electrical Projects?
Both fuses and circuit breakers serve the same purpose of disrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is sensed. Fuses feature a thin metal strip that melts under excess current, effectively breaking the circuit and requiring replacement once melted. Circuit breakers use a mechanism to trip and halt the circuit when an abnormal condition is detected. While fuses are typically cheaper initially, their replacement costs can accumulate over time. In contrast, circuit breakers entail higher upfront expenses but offer long-term cost savings due to the fact that they can be reset, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
A “short” and “short circuit” describe the same problem. When a short circuit occurs, the electrical wire comes into contact with the neutral or grounded conductor wire, and excessive heat is generated. If you see sparks in your electrical panel, this may indicate a short circuit. If this occurs, you should call an electrician immediately for assistance.
If you have reset a circuit only to have the breaker trip again, you likely have a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a qualified electrician. Our experience has shown that typically, a power-hungry appliance is causing the trip in the circuit breaker. Usually, it is caused by a space heater during the winter, an air conditioning unit during the summer, or even something as small as a hairdryer. However, sometimes it’s simply that the rating of a frequently used circuit needs to be increased. For example, if a 15-amp circuit keeps tripping, then you may need to have it changed to a 20-amp circuit. Changing circuits should only be done by a professional, certified electrician.
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is designed to protect you from electrical shock, particularly in areas where moisture is present. GFCIs are essential installations in various locations prone to dampness, including outdoor spaces, boathouses, unfinished basements, crawlspaces, garages, laundry areas, and within six feet of sinks, kitchens, or bathrooms.
You can identify a GFCI outlet by the two buttons on the face of the outlet, labeled “test” and “reset.” The “test” button will cause the GFCI outlet to trip, or turn off, whereas the “reset” button will reset, or turn the power back on. If the GFCI outlet will not reset when the “reset” button has been pressed, there’s definitely an issue, and you should call an electrician to get it taken care of.
GFCI outlets work by continuously monitoring the current flowing through a circuit. If the current differs by even a minute amount from the returning current, the GFCI swiftly interrupts power, preventing potentially lethal electric shocks. This rapid response ensures protection before electricity can affect one’s heartbeat.
Conventional circuit breakers serve the primary function of interrupting the flow of electricity in the event of overloads or short circuits. Their role is crucial in preventing excessive currents from damaging wiring or causing fires.
In contrast, AFCIs, or Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters, represent a technological advancement in electrical safety. They are specifically engineered to detect and reduce the risks associated with arc faults – irregular electrical discharges that can lead to fires. By quickly identifying these potential hazards and interrupting the circuit, AFCIs provide an additional layer of protection against electrical fires, enhancing the safety of residential and commercial environments.
Meanwhile, GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, play a vital role in safeguarding individuals from electrical shocks, particularly in areas where moisture is present. These outlets monitor the balance of electrical currents between the hot and neutral wires, rapidly interrupting the circuit if an imbalance is detected. By doing so, GFCIs significantly reduce the risk of electric shocks, making them essential in locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
While conventional circuit breakers focus on overcurrent protection, AFCIs target arc faults, and GFCIs prioritize personal safety by preventing electrical shocks.
There are several reasons this could be occurring. However, one particular reason that can be extremely dangerous is overheating. Having to replace bulbs over and over again is not only a massive inconvenience, but it is also a fire hazard. We recommend having your light fixtures inspected by an electrician if you notice bulbs constantly blowing out.
Before you worry, try a simple test. Find a small lamp and plug it into the outlet in question. Then, flip on all of the wall switches in the room. The lamp may turn on when you flip a switch because some outlets are controlled by a wall switch. If you cannot find a switch that operates the outlet, check around the room and see if other outlets or lights are out. Next, check the electrical panel to see if any circuits are tripped. If they are, reset the circuit breaker. If you try all of the wall switches and the circuit breaker and find that the outlet still does not work, be sure to call us to evaluate the problem. There may be a short somewhere in the system.
In many cases, lights flicker because of an outdated electrical system. If this is the case, your electrical panel or wiring will need to be replaced. In other cases, it can be a loose wire, an insufficient power supply, or another appliance on a circuit drawing too much power. Regardless, it is best to have the problem inspected by a licensed electrician.
If you go to turn off your light switch and find that it is hot to the touch, this is indicative of a serious issue that could lead to an electrical fire. Possible reasons for this include the switch being overloaded, the switch failing, or faulty wiring. In any case, you should address the problem immediately and call an electrician as soon as possible.
At Miller's Services, we advise against making your electrical repairs a do-it-yourself project. First and foremost, some electrical projects require a permit. Additionally, there is a large risk of being shocked or starting a fire when working with electrical wiring. Finally, attempting to do them yourself could cause more serious damage than you began with, as well as costly repairs. For your safety and for your wallet, we recommend calling an expert electrician to perform any home electrical projects.
At Miller's Services’s, our electricians are available around the clock for any of your electrical service needs. Contact us today for answers to any of your electrical questions.
