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3 Most Common Electrical Problems

Britani Howard • October 21, 2022

The 3 Most Common Electrical Problems

Electricity is a necessity, and any problems in your electrical systems can leave you in the actual dark.

Most importantly, such problems can be a hazard to your household, so resolving them should be a

priority for businesses and homeowners.


You must consult and acquire the help of professional experts in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri, if

you ever have electrical issues.



That being said, here are the three most common electrical problems faced by Missouri residents in

Kansas City and St. Joseph.

The mentioned electrical problems are common and dangerous. You should never risk the safety of your home, household, or electrical framework and always hire a professional to mitigate such electrical problems.

- Blackstone Construction

1. Circuit Breaker Trips and Issues


The circuit breaker is your first line of defense in electrical matters. They prevent expensive and

dangerous damages from short circuits and overloads by cutting off the flow of current if a fault is

detected.


This failsafe detection is a great indication that something is wrong with your electrical system. It is also

the reason for it being the most common electrical issue on our list. An occasional trip of your circuit

breaker is common and not a cause for concern.


The breaker is simply preventing overloads or short circuits, thus preventing fires or overheating. You

can unplug any energy guzzler to reduce the load and switch it back on. However, if your circuit breaker

trips repeatedly or regularly, it signifies a bigger underlying issue.


You must examine your energy usage and check whether multiple large appliances are being used

simultaneously. Your washing machine, microwave, dishwasher, freezers, and TVs could be running

simultaneously on a Sunday, causing the breaker to trip due to an overload.


There is also possibly a storm outside, causing electrical issues. If these are not the case, it is a sign that

you may have complex underlying electrical problems like ground faults or bad wiring. Such problems

require the immediate attention of a licensed professional.


2. Brown Outs and Electrical Surges


Brownouts are dips and sags in your electrical power, which are closely related to electrical surges, and

this is a common electrical problem for Kansas City and St.Joseph residents. Surges occur when there is

a charge spike from power lines, causing your appliances to quickly switch on-off.


Whereas brownouts occur when there is a dip or sag in the electrical voltage, causing your lights and

appliances to lose power and regain it immediately. You have likely experienced a brownout when you

felt like you blinked, even though you didn't


The lights went out and came back instantly. Sporadic drops and repeated surges can damage the

appliances and electronics in your home or office, significantly reducing their lifespan. Unfortunately,

surges often cannot be stopped if they are caused by errors from your power company, lightning strikes,

or damaged power lines.


Your best option is to use surge protectors for your appliances. If surges still occur, get a professional to

check the issue out. As for brownouts, you must ensure that your appliances and electronics are not

plugged into a faulty outlet or drawing excessive power from an outdated electrical panel. You should

also avoid overloading extension cords and panels to avoid brownouts.


3. Few or Dead Electrical Outlets


Too few electrical outlets or too many dead outlets can also be a common issue. It can cause an

overload on the existing outlets, frequently tripping circuit breakers. This problem also increases the

need for extension cords to meet outlet demands.


As mentioned, extension cords can lead to frequent electrical surges, and dependence on them can be

dangerous. It is best to call a professional to add more outlets or fix dead ones. If you have to, use a UL-

listed surge protector or a heavy-duty extension cord to increase range till you wait for your new

outlets.


On a similar note, never meddle with dead outlets and immediately get them replaced. They die

because they either have bad wiring or they burn out, both of which are dangerous issues. Only let

professionals handle dead outlets to avoid sparks and potential fires.


Our Final Thoughts


The mentioned electrical problems are common and dangerous. You should never risk the safety of your

home, household, or electrical framework and always hire a professional to mitigate such electrical

problems.


We highly recommend the expert and licensed professionals at Blackstone Construction in Kansas City

and St. Joseph, Missouri.


Blackstone Construction offers the best and most comprehensive residential and commercial

construction solutions, including general electric services, tile work, remodeling, new builds, and more.


If you want to learn more about common electrical problems, about our general electric and

comprehensive construction solutions in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, or if you want a free

quote for your electrical problems, please visit our website today!

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