Electricity keeps our homes and businesses running, but when something goes wrong, it can create anything from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. At Comet Electric, we’ve seen just about every electrical issue you can imagine, and we know how frustrating (and sometimes dangerous) they can be if left unchecked. The good news? Most problems can be resolved quickly and safely by a licensed electrician. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most common electrical problems our customers face and explain how we fix them.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Few things are more annoying than lights that flicker or dim for no apparent reason. While this might seem like a small issue, it often points to a larger underlying problem.
Common Causes:
- Loose wiring connections
- Overloaded circuits
- Faulty light fixtures or switches
- Voltage fluctuations
How We Fix It:
Our team starts by inspecting the fixture and wiring to pinpoint the cause. If it’s a simple loose connection, we’ll secure it. For overloaded circuits, we may recommend upgrading your electrical panel or redistributing loads to ensure your system can handle your household or business needs.
2. Circuit Breakers That Trip Frequently
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off electricity when a circuit is overloaded or shorted. But if your breakers trip all the time, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Common Causes:
- Overloaded circuits from too many devices
- Short circuits or ground faults
- Undersized or outdated electrical panels
How We Fix It:
We carefully evaluate the breaker and the connected circuit. If the breaker is faulty, we replace it. If the issue is an overloaded or undersized system, we’ll recommend upgrades such as a panel replacement or additional circuits to bring your system up to modern standards.
- Outlets That Don’t Work
Dead outlets are a common complaint we hear from both homeowners and businesses. Ignoring them can be inconvenient and unsafe.
Common Causes:
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Tripped GFCI outlets (often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors)
- Worn-out receptacles
How We Fix It:
We test the outlet and nearby connections to identify the issue. In many cases, it’s as simple as resetting a GFCI outlet. If wiring or the outlet itself is damaged, we replace the faulty parts and ensure everything is properly grounded.
4. Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches
If your outlet feels warm to the touch or has scorch marks, it’s a red flag that should never be ignored.
Common Causes:
- Loose connections creating heat
- Overloaded circuits
- Faulty wiring behind the wall
How We Fix It:
We immediately turn off power to the affected circuit, then inspect and replace any damaged wiring or outlets. If the problem is systemic, such as circuits consistently overloaded, we may recommend system upgrades to prevent fire hazards.
5. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells
Electricity should run silently. If you hear buzzing from an outlet or smell burning near your electrical panel, call an electrician right away these are signs of potentially serious issues.
Common Causes:
- Loose connections
- Faulty wiring or breakers
- Arcing (electricity jumping between wires)
How We Fix It:
We quickly locate the source of the noise or smell, repair or replace damaged components, and ensure your system is safe. Catching these issues early can prevent electrical fires.
- Frequent Power Surges
Power surges aren’t just annoying—they can damage your electronics and appliances.
Common Causes:
- Lightning strikes
- Faulty wiring
- Overloaded power strips or devices
How We Fix It:
We test your wiring and circuits to find the cause. Installing whole-home surge protection is often the best long-term solution, safeguarding your expensive electronics and appliances from unexpected spikes.
7. Outdated Electrical Systems
Many older homes and buildings still rely on outdated wiring or panels that simply weren’t designed for today’s electrical demands.
Common Signs:
- Two-prong outlets instead of grounded three-prong outlets
- Breakers tripping frequently
- Lack of GFCI outlets in wet areas
- A panel that hasn’t been updated in decades
How We Fix It:
We perform a thorough inspection and recommend necessary upgrades, from rewiring to panel replacements. Modernizing your system not only improves safety but also ensures your electrical system can handle modern technology and appliances.
Why Choose Comet Electric?
At Comet Electric, we understand that electrical problems are more than just inconveniences, they’re safety issues. That’s why our licensed electricians are trained to diagnose problems quickly, provide honest recommendations, and deliver lasting solutions. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, tripping breakers, or a full system upgrade, we’re here to help.
Electrical problems shouldn’t be ignored, no matter how small they may seem. What looks like a minor nuisance today can quickly escalate into a major hazard tomorrow. The safest approach is always to call a professional. At Comet Electric, we’ve built our reputation on keeping homes and businesses powered safely and reliably.
If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above or anything else that doesn’t feel right contact Comet Electric today. We’ll make sure your system is safe, efficient, and ready to meet your needs.
