Should you encounter electrical problems in your rental property, including flickering lights, outlets that don’t work, or circuit breakers that trip frequently, you may be looking for solutions.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety and consider a licensed electrician for major electrical issues, but you can try some troubleshooting for common household problems. Taking steps like checking for tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures can help you understand the problem and decide what to do next.
Visual Inspection
Should an appliance, lamp, or device cease functioning, first check the outlet and cord for signs of damage. At times, a power outlet may malfunction and become nonfunctional. Visible signs of damage, like discoloration, may be present. Likewise, inspect all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, or other damage. If the outlet or cord is damaged, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Try a Different Outlet
If your outlet and power cord appear fine, the next step is to plug your lamp or device into another outlet. It’s crucial to identify whether the outlet or the electrical item is causing the problem. If you try your device in another outlet (ideally in a different room) and it works, the outlet is the main issue.
Reset the GFCI
One typical reason an outlet stops functioning is that it’s connected to a GFCI outlet that has tripped. Most outlets are equipped with a reset button. If you can’t locate it, the reset button is on another outlet in the same circuit.
The circuit’s reset button is located on a GFCI outlet, often in the bathroom or kitchen, but sometimes in more hidden spots like the garage or laundry room. You may need to search for it, but once located, resetting a GFCI outlet is a quick fix for a dead outlet.
Check the Breaker Panel
Sometimes, the issue is not with the outlets but with a defective circuit breaker. You can often identify the bad breaker by checking your home’s electrical panel. Many breaker boxes have clearly labeled circuits, showing which areas of the house they serve. If this is true, flipping the breaker off and then back on can often resolve the issue. In some instances, the breaker may be faulty or have a loose connection. If this is the case, the breaker will need replacing.
Call Your Landlord
Whatever type of electrical problem you face, ensure you call your landlord and explain the issue and what you’ve done to troubleshoot it. If these problems happen regularly, it could suggest more serious electrical issues.
If troubleshooting doesn’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord should call a professional electrician. In any situation, good communication with your Prince Frederick property manager helps resolve electrical issues promptly.
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Originally published: April 2, 2021
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