Fresno Electrical Issues: Expert Solutions & Prevention Tips

Electrical issues in a home can range from minor to major ones. These issues can affect the functionality of your living space and cause major damage. Sounds stressed, right? Here you may think that,

• What are the signs of a damaged system?
• How to identify these issues?
• What can be preventative measures?
• How to maintain the electric system?

No worries, you are at the right place to find the answers to your queries. In this article, we have covered all the major aspects. 

For professional assistance, explore our Reliable Electrician Services in Fresno, CA to ensure your home stays safe and functional.

Let’s start the reading to solve the queries!

Top 15 Electrical Problems in Fresno Homes

Living in Fresno is a perk, but at the same time, it can be frustrating to face an electrical issue. The most common electrical problems that you might face are listed below.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or Dimming lights without any reason is not normal. This is a sign that you may lose the working of your bulb. It may indicate a problem with your electrical panel or wiring if it occurs across the house or when you turn on appliances. The electrical systems in many older Fresno homes may be outdated because they were constructed when people didn’t use as many gadgets. 

Additionally, flickering lights may indicate damaged connections or overloaded circuits. It might be dangerous in addition to being unpleasant. Call an electrician to have this checked out if you see it frequently. They are able to resolve the issue before it escalates.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Are your breakers tripping all the time? Your system is overloaded or something is wrong if you hear that tiny click sound and then lose power in a room. When too much energy flows across a circuit, breakers trip to protect your house. If it occurs occasionally, it’s usually okay. 

However, if it occurs frequently, it may indicate a wiring issue or that you are using too many devices on one circuit. This problem is common in older Fresno homes. 

3. Outdated Electrical Panels

Electrical panels function as your home’s power control center. Yours may not be able to meet the demands of current power if it is ancient, particularly if it is more than thirty years old. Many Fresno houses still have outdated panels that worked well decades ago but are no longer able to handle modern items like air conditioners, smart TVs, and kitchenware. 

You may hear buzzing sounds coming from the panel or breakers tripping frequently. Older panels can potentially catch fire. Your house is safer and more equipped to handle the gadgets of today when your panel is upgraded.

4. Dead Outlets or Switches

Plug something in and nothing happens? Does the light remain off when you flip a switch? That switch or outlet is dead. It could be anything little, like a GFCI outlet that has tripped (those having “reset” buttons), or something more serious, like damaged wiring. 

This is typical in Fresno homes, particularly older ones. It may be caused by loose wiring or worn-out components. Don’t ignore it; occasionally, power can still flow through these dead outlets, which could be hazardous. 

5. Overloaded Circuits

Trouble is certain when too many devices are used on a single outlet or circuit. You can see lights dim, hear buzzing, or have breakers trip. For instance, your kitchen circuit may become overloaded if you use a coffee machine, microwave, and toaster simultaneously. Older Fresno homes typically lack the circuitry necessary to manage the technology of today. 

This isn’t just annoying—it’s unsafe. You run the danger of causing harm to your gadgets or maybe igniting a fire. An electrician can upgrade your panel to manage the load or add more circuits if it continues after you try spreading out your devices.

6. Electrical Surges

A sudden rise in power is known as an electrical surge. Although it happens quickly, it can harm items like your computer, refrigerator, or TV. Lightning, bad wiring, or electricity returning after an outage are common causes. A minor surge might occur even when a major device is plugged in.

Surges may be the cause of your lights flickering or your electronics abruptly shutting off. Frequent surges can eventually destroy pricey equipment, even though they might not seem dangerous at first.

There are two options to protect your home:

• Use surge protectors to keep your house safe. 

• Asking an electrician about installing a whole-house surge protector is another option.

7. Burning Smell from Outlets

Don’t neglect the scent of something burning next to an outlet. Usually, the smell indicates that something—like the outlet itself or the wires—is overheating. It may smell like burnt rubber or plastic.

This may occur if the outlet has loose wires, is old, or is overloaded. Older Fresno homes with electrical systems that haven’t been updated in years frequently have it.

What to do in this situation?

• First, disconnect everything and turn off the electricity to that outlet.
• Then make an immediate call to an electrician.

8. Buzzing Sounds from Fixtures

Outlets and lights should be silent. Generally speaking, a buzzing or humming sound indicates a problem. A loose wire, a malfunctioning switch, or even an incorrect type of lightbulb could be the cause. Sometimes the solution is as easy as changing the lightbulb. However, if the buzzing persists, there may be a more significant issue.

Older homes in Fresno could have outdated wiring that need repair. Should the buzzing persist, contact an electrician. They will examine it to ensure that nothing hazardous is occurring behind the walls.

Remember: Although a buzzing sound may not seem like much, it’s frequently a warning indicator. Don’t underestimate it.

9. Faulty or Old Wiring

One of the most dangerous electrical issues is old or faulty wiring. Fresno still has a lot of older homes with wiring that isn’t compatible with modern appliances. Wires may deteriorate, loosen, or even break with time.

This may result in heated outlets, flickering lights, or frequently tripping circuit breakers. The worst situation? It might ignite a fire.

Additionally, if someone has previously performed do-it-yourself electrical work, it may not be safe or compliant. Get a qualified electrician to inspect your house if it is older than thirty years or if you see any problems. They can update the outdated wiring and greatly increase the safety of your house.

10. Warm or Discolored Wall Plates

The wall plates that cover your outlets or switches should always feel cool to the touch. A major warning sign is if they appear brown or burnt, or if they feel heated.

Usually, this indicates that something is becoming too hot behind the wall. It can be the result of unsecured wires or an overloaded outlet. This can be a prevalent issue in Fresno houses It frequently appears where people plug in large appliances, such as heaters or microwaves.

11. Loose Electrical Connections

In many homes, loose wires provide a hidden risk. Wires within switches or outlets may eventually come free, particularly if they were not fitted correctly. This could result in flickering lights, malfunctioning outlets, or even sparks when you plug something in.

If left unchecked, loose connections can become heated and cause fires. Don’t disregard buzzing noises or burnt odors that you detect close to outlets.

Unless you are educated, it is better to avoid trying to tighten cables yourself. Call a qualified electrician instead. They will inspect your wiring to ensure that everything is secure.

12. Inconsistent Power Supply

Sometimes you may have noticed that the lights of the microwave dim while working. Have you ever noticed why it happens? This is due to the inconsistent power supply.  

This usually happens when there’s no fault in your electric machine. But there must be a problem with your electrical system. This mostly happens in old homes that are not designed according to modern technologies like PCs, smart devices, and large TVs.

In this case, it’s good to call an electrician to solve these issues. They can ensure that everything functions properly and balance the electricity in your house.

13. GFCI Outlet Issues

The “reset” and “test” buttons are found on GFCI outlets. They are typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces where there is water. To keep you safe from shocks, they off the power if something goes wrong.

However, if these outlets trip excessively frequently or refuse to reset, there may be an issue. It can be an old, worn-out item, bad wiring, or moisture within the outlet. Don’t ignore it; a malfunctioning GFCI outlet indicates that a crucial safety component is absent. To check if it’s functioning, you can click the “test” button once a month. 

14. Light Bulbs Burning Out Quickly

There’s a problem if your light bulbs don’t last long. If you use bulbs that are too powerful for the fixture, this could occur. Or perhaps that light is receiving too much electricity, which can cause the bulbs to burn out more quickly.

A loose connection in the socket or wiring behind the bulb can occasionally be the issue. It may be unlucky to experience one or two short burnouts, but if it continues, don’t disregard it.

Make sure the wattage of the LED bulbs matches the fixture and try upgrading to energy-efficient ones. It’s time to get an expert if that doesn’t help. They can look for electrical problems that are reducing the lifespan of your lightbulbs and ultimately save you money.

15. Unlicensed DIY Electrical Work

Painting and shelf repair are excellent do-it-yourself projects, but electrical work is a different story. It can be risky when people attempt to install outlets or repair wiring without the proper training.

Although unlicensed electrical work may appear to be okay at first, errors such as loose wires, incorrect connections, or overloaded circuits can subsequently result in shocks or fires.

Strange wiring or disorganized outlets in a newly purchased home could be the result of do-it-yourself labor. Having a qualified electrician inspect everything is a smart idea.

Why Fresno Homes Face Unique Electrical Risks

Homes in Fresno often face electrical issues. But here’s a query, what is the reason behind this? Given below are some reasons that cause issues in electric systems.

Aging Infrastructure

Many Fresno homes still have their original electrical systems from when they were first constructed. There were fewer gadgets in homes back then than there are now, such as air conditioners, smart TVs, and several chargers. Old wiring might not be able to supply the power demands of today. Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires may result from this. 

Additionally, old fuse boxes rather than contemporary breaker panels may be found in older residences. It’s a good idea to have an electrician inspect your house if it’s older than thirty years and hasn’t had any electrical updates. You can prevent risks, identify issues early, and ensure your system is safe for your family with a quick check.

Extreme Weather

Summer temperatures in Fresno can reach over 100°F. Air conditioners consume a lot of electricity when it’s that hot because they run constantly. The electrical system in your house may be strained by this. It might even result in power outages or overloaded circuits if a large number of nearby homes are acting in the same way. 

Moreover, wires may expand and contract in warmer weather, which over time may cause connections to become looser. Even though there isn’t much rain in Fresno, the occasional storm can nevertheless cause power outages or even floods that destroy lines

Rodent Damage

In Fresno, rodents like mice and rats are common, particularly in warm places like walls and attics. Unfortunately, electrical wires are among the many items that these pests frequently gnaw on. They can trip breakers, create power outages, or even start fires when they nibble through cables. 

The worst thing? Until anything breaks, you might not even be aware of it. It’s wise to have a pest control inspection if you hear scratching noises coming from the walls or notice indications of rats. To ensure everything is secure, have an electrician check your wiring as well. Early damage detection can help you save expensive repairs later.

Preventative Measures for Fresno Homeowners

Preventative measures are necessary to maintain the electrical system. Usually, maintenance involves various methods some of which are listed below.

Annual Safety Inspections 

Getting your home’s electrical system checked once a year is a smart move. A qualified electrician can identify hidden issues that could result in fires or power outages, such as weak connections, overloaded circuits, or worn-out wires.

These issues are more likely to occur in Fresno because of our high summer electricity consumption. An annual examination keeps everything operating safely. The electrician will inspect your breaker panel, test your outlets, and make sure everything is in working order.

It’s also a fantastic chance to discuss upgrades or ask queries. A clean inspection report can also be helpful if you intend to sell your house. Consider it a quick, beneficial, and maybe life-saving home checkup.

Surge Protectors for Summer Storms

Power surges can occur in Fresno during summer storms. An abrupt spike in electricity, known as a surge, can harm your computer, TV, refrigerator, and other devices. Surge protectors can be useful in this situation.

For small things, surge-protected power strips can be used. However, it’s preferable to put a surge protector right into your electrical panel to safeguard your entire house. Even if your devices aren’t connected to a power strip, this protects them all at once.

It’s a wise choice, particularly if you own pricey equipment or work from home. Surge protectors are reasonably priced and can result in significant financial savings over time. Find out which choice is ideal for your home by speaking with an electrician.

Upgrading to GFCI/AFCI Outlets

Old outlets can be dangerous, particularly near water or if the wiring in your house is older. Therefore, it makes sense to upgrade to GFCI and AFCI outlets.

When GFCI outlets detect moisture or a minor issue, they cut off power. They are typically seen outdoors, in kitchens, and in restrooms. In order to assist avoid fires, AFCI outlets cut off electricity if they notice sparks or wiring issues.

It’s time to update your house if things aren’t located correctly. An electrician can swiftly replace them, and they are not costly. In addition to making your house safer for you and your family, these outlets might even be mandated by building codes if you’re remodeling.

FAQs:

Why do my lights flicker during Fresno summers?

In Fresno, flickering lights are typically caused by excessive electricity use throughout the summer. The electricity supply may be further overloaded when everyone is using air conditioners simultaneously. Lights may flicker or dim as a result.

How often should Fresno homes have electrical inspections?

Fresno homes should get a thorough electrical assessment every three to five years. However, you could want more frequent inspections if your house is older than thirty years, has outdated wiring, or you're experiencing issues like heated outlets or flickering lights. An examination assists in identifying issues early on before they become significant risks.

What’s the cost to rewire a Fresno home?

The average cost of rewiring a Fresno home depends on the size, age, and complexity of the operation. Costs may be lower for smaller homes with simple designs and higher for larger or older properties with antiquated wiring systems. In most cases, the procedure involves changing outlets and electrical panels as needed, removing outdated wiring, and installing new wiring.