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5 Common Problems That Require Electrical Repairs

A reliable electrical system not only provides everyday convenience but also helps prevent dangerous hazards such as electrical fires and electrocution. If you're experiencing electrical issues in your Long Island home, it's important to address them promptly. Seemingly minor problems—like flickering lights or frequently tripping circuit breakers—can be warning signs of more serious underlying issues. If you notice any of the common electrical problems found in New York homes that are listed below, don’t hesitate to call for professional repairs right away.

1) Lights Are Flickering

Do your kitchen lights dim when you use the microwave? Do they flicker when the air conditioner kicks on? These common lighting issues often point to underlying problems in your home's electrical system.

Several factors can cause this kind of interference. In older homes, outdated wiring or loose connections are frequent culprits. However, even newer homes can experience lighting issues due to overloaded circuits, voltage fluctuations, or faults at the meter box. To identify the root cause and ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, it's essential to have a licensed electrician inspect the wiring.

2) Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are the unsung heroes of your home’s electrical system. Designed as safety devices, they work behind the scenes to protect your home from electrical overloads and potential hazards. Every time you flip a light switch or plug in an appliance, electricity flows through a circuit. If that current exceeds safe limits, the breaker "trips" — cutting off power to prevent overheating, fires, or other dangers.

A one-time trip is usually nothing to worry about. It can happen after a sudden power surge or if you’ve plugged too many devices into the same outlet. In most cases, simply resetting the breaker restores power and things go back to normal.

But what if the breaker keeps tripping again and again?

That’s a sign of a deeper issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Persistent tripping could mean the breaker itself is faulty, or it could point to more serious electrical problems — like short circuits, ground faults, or arc faults — all of which pose real safety risks. If you’re dealing with a breaker that won’t stay on, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. A professional inspection can uncover the source of the problem and ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.

3) Loose Wall Outlets

If you’ve ever plugged something in and noticed the outlet shifting or wobbling, you’re not alone. Loose power outlets are a common issue in many Florida homes, especially older ones. But while it might seem like a minor inconvenience, a loose outlet is more than just an annoyance — it’s a potential hazard.

Outlets should fit snugly and stay firmly in place. When they start to wiggle or shift side to side, it’s often due to wear and tear, poor installation, or aging electrical components. In older homes, loose connections or an improperly secured outlet box are usually to blame.

The real danger lies in what’s happening behind the scenes. As the outlet moves, the internal wires can begin to rub against each other, gradually wearing down their insulation. Over time, this can expose live wires — creating the perfect conditions for an arc fault. One spark is all it takes to start an electrical fire, putting your home and safety at serious risk.

In addition, touching or plugging into a loose outlet could result in an electrical shock. It’s just not worth the gamble.

If you notice a loose outlet in your home, don’t ignore it. Call a licensed electrician to inspect and secure it properly. A quick fix now can prevent a much bigger problem down the road.

4) Broken Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) Circuits

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets have been required since 1971 for outdoor outlets and swimming pool equipment, but the regulations have expanded significantly over time. Today, GFCI outlets are mandated in areas where water is present, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone spaces. These outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock. If the outlet detects moisture or an irregular electrical current, it will shut off power within milliseconds to prevent injury.

Each GFCI outlet includes test and reset buttons. It's important to test the outlet monthly to ensure it is functioning correctly. If the test or reset buttons don’t respond, the outlet may be faulty or there could be a serious electrical issue on the circuit. In either case, stop using the outlet immediately and contact a licensed electrician.

5) Soaring Electrical Bills

Electrical bills fluctuate over the course of a year depending on different factors revolving around the weather, such as how often you are using the air conditioner or the fluctuation of using electrical devices. If you notice your electrical bill has soared recently and your electrical usage has stayed the same, you should call an electrician to check the system. You might have one of the following problems:

  • An electrical system leak.
  • A damaged circuit or electrical component.
  • Damaged or outdated electrical appliance using power inefficiency.

If you are experiencing any of the above electrical problems, then reach out to ABCO immediately. Protect your home and family from electrical hazards.

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