Electricity is an essential part of modern life. It is something that is often underappreciated until you have a problem with it. This is why it is essential to learn some basics about electricity and how to fix basic electrical wiring problems.
Safety First
It is important to note that electricity is dangerous; it can kill you. You must turn off any circuit before you start working on it and if you have any doubts then you should contact a local emergency electrician. They will know how to handle the issue.
Basic Wiring Issues
There are a variety of situations which can cause you to lose power or to be vulnerable to a shock:
- Broken Socket
This is a common issue and one that is certain to face you at some point in your life. A broken socket will make it possible to put your fingers inside and come into contact with the live wires.
Fixing this is easy. You need to isolate the circuit that the socket is on. You should have all your circuits labeled but if you are unsure it is safest to turn off all the power to the house.
It is still advisable to use an electrical tester to ensure the power is definitely off.
You’ll also need to pick up a new socket; one that matches your existing on is easiest!
Simply disconnect the wires inside the broken socket and insert them into the same points on the new socket. Make sure they are firmly held in place before you put the socket back together and turn the power back on.
- Exposed Wires
Exposed wires are generally visible on appliances. It is where the cord has been caught or trapped and the outer sheath is visible.
You need to unplug the device and inspect the exposed area. If the inner wires are not damaged then you can wrap the cable in electrical tape.
However, if the wires are damaged you’ll need to replace the cable.
If the damage is near the appliance or plug then you can disconnect the wiring and shorten the cable. But, if it is in the middle of your cable you’ll need to replace the whole piece of cable.
- Flickering Lights
Flickering lights does not usually relate to a problem with your internal electrics. It is usually a result of the connection to your house being loose.
It will first be noticeable in high winds although it can gradually become worse over time.
You should be able to see your overhead cable swaying.
This is definitely a problem for your electric company; they will need to tighten or replace your connection.
- Old Wiring
Old wiring can be an issue as it is less insulated and more likely to start a fire.
The old wiring will need to be disconnected and new cables run from the fuse box to each electrical fitting. This can mean damaging the walls.
If your home is finished you may need to consult a professional to have the old wiring replaced. Of course if you are renovating then this is a great time to replace the wiring anyway!
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