A bad electrical circuit can cause a lot of problems for your home, so you need to find and have it repaired quickly. You’ll probably know when you have a bad circuit somewhere in your home, but actually finding it is a little more challenging.
While you should always call a licensed electrician if you have any serious electrical problems in your home, here are some steps to take that will help you find a bad circuit.
What Causes a Bad Circuit?
When we talk about a “bad circuit,” we usually mean a short circuit. Electricity always takes the path of least resistance, which is normally through a completed circuit in your home. On the other hand, if you have faulty wiring or a damaged appliance, the flow of electricity could take an unintended path, which can do anything from preventing an appliance from turning on to starting an electrical fire. Signs that you have a bad circuit in your home include flickering lights, electrical outlets that don’t work, and frequently tripped circuit breakers.
Preparing to Find a Bad Circuit
The best way to find a bad circuit is to use a digital multimeter to measure the voltage (or lack thereof) in a circuit. Digital multimeters are relatively inexpensive and available at most hardware stores, so pick one up to have in your toolbox if you don’t have one. You’ll also need some insulated pliers and a screwdriver in case you need to remove a switch plate or work near any wiring. You’ll likely be working in the dark for at least part of the time, so have a flashlight with some spare batteries on hand.
Step 1: Reset Your Circuit Breakers
Your first step should always be to shut down your circuit breakers and turn them back on. This resets the circuits and helps remove any electrical glitches that could make your job more difficult.
Step 2: Isolate and Test the Bad Circuit
Next, it’s time to isolate the bad circuit. Look for the circuit that is connected to the problem area in your home. For example, if the lights in your living room are flickering, look for the circuit on your electrical panel that is connected to that part of your house. This shouldn’t be a problem if your breakers are clearly labeled, but you may have to do some detective work and test several circuits if they aren’t.
Once you’ve isolated the bad circuit, test it with your multimeter to see if there is any voltage going through it. Follow the instructions on the multimeter carefully to make sure you’re using it correctly and safely.
Step 3: Inspect Appliances and Wiring
Your next step will be to inspect the appliances and wiring connected to the bad circuit. Look for things such as frayed wires, burn marks, or any damage to affected appliances. Keep an eye out for anything that seems abnormal, and don’t forget about exterior wiring or any wiring in your attic and basement. Those areas are easy to overlook.
Step 4: Test for Continuity
Your last step will be continuity testing with your multimeter. Check all outlets, switches, and wires to ensure that electrical circuits are being completed correctly. If they aren’t and there’s a short circuit, you should be able to find it through the process of elimination.
Call Service Minds Mister Sparky for Assistance
Once you’ve found a bad circuit in your home, it’s time to have it repaired. That’s where we come in. Service Minds Mister Sparky provides excellent electrical services to homes in Fort Myers, FL, and we will be happy to repair any short circuits, overloaded circuits, or fix any other electrical issues in your home.
If you have any concerns with your home’s electrical system, don’t put up with any malarky. Call Mister Sparky to book an appointment today.
