Home Electrical Repair
Do you know how to DIY electrical repair at home? If not, that’s okay. Not everyone has the natural inclination to understand how circuits work or what voltage means.
What’s more challenging is having the confidence to fix something when it breaks in your own home. However, electrical repairs don’t need to be that difficult if you have the right attitude and guidance from experienced professionals.
It is a scary proposition for most people; after all, there could be electrocution risks involved if you do not know what you are doing. However, with these tips on how to DIY electrical repair at home, it won’t feel so overwhelming anymore!
Repair Breakers and Fuses
Breakers and fuses are the first line of defense when you have an electrical problem in your home. They are designed to help protect your home’s wiring and circuit breakers by tripping when there is an overload or short circuit in the system.
If you hear a popping sound coming from an area where you have an electrical issue, you should investigate if you have a blown breaker or fuse. Ideally, you should have a professional come out to assess any issues and repair or replace any blown breakers/fuses.
There are times, though, when you can fix a bad breaker or fuse yourself. First, you need to shut off the power to that breaker or fuse and then use a screwdriver to remove the cover. There are usually two screws holding the cover in place. You can check the breakers/fuses with a volt meter or test light to see if they are functioning properly. If not, replace them with new breakers or fuses and make sure you put them in the right slot.
The breaker will have one screw to loosen to remove the wire that feeds into it. The breaker itself is just held in place by friction.
Check Your Wiring
One of the first things you should do when you notice electrical problems in your home is to check your wiring. Doing so can help you identify where the problem might be and help you get an idea of what repairs you will need to do.
If you notice any of the following issues with your wiring, you should contact a professional to do electrical repairs.
- Loose or cracked wires – This is usually the result of someone trying to fish the wires through the wall, which can cause fraying. Loose wires should be cut off and reattached with a wire connector.
- Old or damaged wire insulation – This is the covering around the wires, and it is important for the protection of the wires. If the insulation is worn or torn, it needs to be replaced.
- Broken or missing wall plates – This is the covering on the outlet that protects the wiring. If it has been damaged or is missing, it needs to be replaced.
Change Out Switches and Light Fixtures
One of the most common electrical repairs that homeowners have to do is changing out light fixtures or switches. Each of these repairs is easy to do, but you will need to turn off the power to the area where you are working.
One of the things you will have to consider when changing out light fixtures or light switches is whether you are replacing them with something of the same voltage.
The voltage that the fixtures should be rated for will depend on the wiring and where the fixtures are being installed.
When replacing light fixtures and light switches, you should always make sure that they are of the same voltage (120 or 240 volts). If they are at a lower voltage, they could spark or even catch fire. If they are at a higher voltage, they could damage the wiring or even start a fire.
Fix Broken Light Switch Covers
Another common electrical repair is to fix broken light switch covers. This is an easy fix that can be done in a couple of minutes. You will need a screwdriver and a new light switch plate.
You will first need to turn off the power to the light switch and remove the broken light switch plate. Next, you will install the new plate to make sure it is flush against the wall, and use a screwdriver to set the screw into the wiring box to secure the plate.
Check for Loose Cables
If you have an issue with your electrical system and notice that the lights flicker when you use the appliances that are on that circuit, there could be a loose connection in the wiring.
This can be a bit difficult to diagnose because the flickering could also be caused by a bad breaker or fuse. You will want to make sure to check all of the connections between the outlets and the wiring.
You can do this by turning off the circuit breaker for the area where you think the issue is located. Once the power is off, you can use a screwdriver to check for loose connections. If you notice any loose connections, you will want to tighten them with a screwdriver. You should also make sure to use electrical tape to cover any exposed wires to prevent a short circuit.
Conclusion
Electrical repairs can be daunting, but they don’t have to be. If you follow these steps, you will be able to assess your electrical repairs and understand what repairs you will need to do.
If you notice any of the above issues with your wiring, make sure to get them repaired as soon as possible. Waiting to repair the issues could result in a fire. If you would like to learn more about electrical repairs and how to do them yourself, join a DIY repair workshop in your area! These workshops are great for learning how to do DIY electrical repairs and are a fun way to meet new friends who have a love for DIY repairs!
