The Electrical Troubleshooting Checklist in Van Buren, AR

When you are experiencing problems with your electrical system, the cause may not always be the easiest thing to find. That is why when you hire an electrician to come and inspect your property; there are a few steps you should expect to see. The key to electrical troubleshooting in Van Buren, AR, includes:

Checking the Electric Meter – Your electrician should always check the electric meter to see if there are any defects. Common problems include insecure installations, broken meter seals, and rust at the bottom of the box.

Check All of the Wires – Your electrician should always inspect all outside wires for any fraying or other damage. They should also look for any unprotected wires inside your home—especially those in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Any wires resting on heat ducts or pipes are also a reason for concern.

Check the Circuit Breaker – You might have already done this before the electrician was called, but you should periodically check your circuit breaker box for any signs of malfunction. The electrician will perform a much more in-depth inspection to check for improperly sized circuit breakers, insufficient clearance, oxidation or corrosion, overheated components, aluminum branch wiring, and the presence of moisture. This more meticulous inspection can be dangerous and should only be performed by a trained professional.

Check Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets – GFCI outlets are those that are usually found in basements, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms due to their ability to shut off when overloaded or if a short circuit occurs. Your electrician will ensure these outlets are wired correctly and test the rest of the outlets in your home for any looseness or reversed polarity.

Check Wall Switches – Your electrician will test all of your wall switches for ungrounded circuits and reversed polarity. Warning signs of these problems can include discolored, loose, or damaged switch plates or unsafe wiring.