Do your lights flicker every time you use the microwave? Or maybe a breaker trips when you turn on the washer or dryer?
These types of electrical problems can quickly snowball into major fire hazards and other safety risks if you don’t repair them fast.
This guide walks you through the most common electrical problems at home—with expert-backed advice on how to handle them safely.
Key Takeaways
Many of the top electrical issues may seem minor but they often point to major wiring or circuit problems. While some problems are (✅) safe to fix, many require (⚠️) calling an electrician:
- ⚠️ Flickering or Dimming Lights
- ✅ Tripping Circuit Breakers
- ⚠️ Hot Outlets or Light Switches
- ⚠️ Frequent Electrical Surges
- ✅ Loose Outlets or Plugs Falling
- ✅ Lights Burn Out Too Quickly
- ⚠️ Electrical Shocks
- ⚠️ Sags, Dips, or Momentary Power Loss
- ⚠️ Dead Outlets
- ⚠️ Overloaded Circuits & Too Few Outlets
10 Most Common Electrical Problems (and Real Solutions)
You should never delay action if you notice one of the following electrical problems. You put your home and family at risk by ignoring early warning signs.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
The lights flickering when you go to use the microwave can be incredibly frustrating and even pose a visibility hazard. Loose wiring, overloaded circuits, and utility supply issues are the most frequent causes.
You can try replacing bulbs or resetting breakers to see if it fixes the problem. If not, you need to call an electrician because there might be arcing inside the panel.
2. Tripping Circuit Breakers
It’s completely safe for you to reset tripped breakers. This sometimes happens when an appliance is faulty or a circuit has too many items connected to it.
You can unplug items one by one to see which one is causing the problem. If the breaker keeps tripping, call a pro. Keeping the breakers labeled is a great way to speed up the repair process.
3. Hot Outlets or Light Switches
You need to take immediate action anytime an outlet or light switch feels warm to the touch. Overlamping, which happens when a bulb exceeds the fixture’s wattage limit, can cause this, and so can loose wiring and worn-out connections.
As you call an electrician, unplug everything from the outlet. There’s likely a melted wire or damaged terminal behind the wall that needs professional repair.
4. Frequent Electrical Surges
Electrical surges are annoying because they reset electronics and wipe out device settings, making it frustrating to recover your preferences. Sometimes, these surges stem from an internal source, like cheap chargers or wiring issues. Other times, they come from external sources, like lightning strikes or power grid problems.
An electrician can install a whole-home surge protector to prevent damage to appliances and electronics. The whole-home versions are ideal because they safeguard the whole house, not just single outlets.
5. Loose Outlets or Plugs Falling Out
Plugs that fall out of the wall indicate loose connections or worn-out contact points. This can easily happen when the outlets aren’t installed properly.
You might be able to install outlet shims or replace the outlet, but we only recommend this if the outlet isn’t sparking or hot to the touch. If you notice sparks or discoloration, you need to call an electrician.
6. Lights Burn Out Too Quickly
Lights that blow faster than they should not only cause frustration but also waste money on bulb replacements. High voltage, poor fixture wiring, and using the wrong bulb wattage can all lead to this common electrical problem.
Make sure to check each bulb’s wattage to ensure you’re using the right one. Using the wrong wattage does much more than shorten bulb life—even a few extra watts can overheat wiring and start a fire. If multiple bulbs keep blowing or you smell something burning, call an electrician.
7. Electrical Shocks
Improper grounding and damaged cords are a leading cause of electrical shock when plugging or unplugging something from an outlet. This serious hazard calls for an immediate call to an electrician. Don’t ever attempt a DIY fix—one wrong move could lead to severe injury or fire.
8. Sags, Dips, or Momentary Power Loss
If you have too many appliances connected to the same circuit, they’ll pull too much power when they’re all on at the same time. This can cause momentary power dips, possibly kicking lights off or resetting electronics. The only way to fix this type of problem is to hire an electrician to add dedicated circuits to handle the load.
9. Dead Outlets
If an outlet suddenly stops working, make sure to check the breaker box for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If the outlet has GFCI protection, you may be able to reset the button to restore power. If neither of these fixes works, the outlet may have internal wiring problems that require a professional solution.
10. Overloaded Circuits & Too Few Outlets
Do you constantly find yourself using extension cords because you don’t have enough outlets? The only way to safely do this is to use power strips rated for heavy-duty use.
If you don’t, the house will likely experience circuit overloads or tripped breakers. Unplugging a few items might fix the issue, but the best thing to do is call an electrician. They can assess your home’s wiring to determine where to add new outlets.
This kind of upgrade may also require certain panel upgrades, like adding new breakers or increasing amperage capacity.
5 Hidden Electrical Issues Most Homeowners Miss
These are the top five electrical issues that tend to slip under the radar:
- Open grounds
- Ungrounded outlets in old homes
- Double-tapped breakers
- Aluminum wiring (common in homes built 1965–75)
- DIY wiring gone wrong
When You Should Call an Electrician
If you notice certain signs, skip the DIY and call a licensed electrician immediately:
- Burning smells
- Buzzing panels
- Heat from outlets or switches
- Visible sparks
- Repeated circuit breaker trips
- Flickering lights in multiple rooms
- Outlets that shock you when in use
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Water damage near electrical components
Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Don’t overlook these must-know electrical safety guidelines for your home:
- Monthly outlet test – Check for dead or unsafe outlets monthly.
- Fire extinguisher rating (ABC) – Use ABC-rated extinguisher for electrical and general fires.
- GFCI/AFCI protection – Required in wet areas and sleeping rooms.
- Panel labeling – Clearly mark each breaker for quick shutoff.
- Extension cord safety – Never overload or daisy-chain cords together.
- Space heater use – Keep clear of curtains, rugs, and furniture.
- Surge protector check – Replace if damaged or after major surges.
FAQs
Why do my lights dim when I use the microwave?
This happens because the microwave is pulling too much power from the circuit it’s connected to, causing voltage drops across the house. An electrician can install a dedicated circuit to prevent the dimming issue.
Can I replace a two-prong outlet myself?
No, you should never attempt to replace a two-prong outlet yourself because you risk electric shock and compliance violations with local electrical codes.
How often should I inspect my electrical panel?
Your electrical panel needs a professional inspection at least once every three to five years.
Are old fuse boxes dangerous?
Yes, old fuse boxes present possible problems like overloaded circuits and faulty connections that increase the risk of fire. Upgrading the home with a modern panel will ensure everything can run safely without any concerns about overheating or code violations.
Power Up Your Safety—Schedule an Electrical Inspection Today!
Electrical problems don’t fix themselves, and many require professional help. Acting fast is key to protecting your home from electrical shock and fire hazards. It’s always better to ask for help than risk your safety, especially when expert repairs are just a call away.
Here at Mister Sparky, we offer electrical repairs for residents in Daytona, FL and surrounding areas. We are Daytona’s on-time electrician for reliable repairs, safe installations, and more.
When you call Mister Sparky, you Don’t Have to Put Up With Any Malarky. Call now!