Frequently Asked Questions

The electrical system in your home or business is very complex and may lead you to have many questions about how it works or why certain things happen. The experts at Built Electric are here to provide you with the answers you want to know and to help you come up with a solution to your electrical problems or inquiries. Note that these questions should not be used in place of hiring a professional electrical service. It is always a good idea to consult a professional before attempting any electrical repairs on your own.

Why Do My Lights Flicker?

There are a couple of different reasons why your lights might be flickering. The simplest issue and the first thing to check is if the bulb is loose. If the bulb isn’t screwed in properly and the connection isn’t tight enough, it can cause the light to flicker as the current fluctuates. It could also be due to a faulty light switch. If the contacts inside the switch are worn out, they might not be making a consistent connection, causing flickering. A flickering light could also be due to more serious electrical issues, including wiring issues, an overloaded circuit, or electrical panel problems. If you’re seeing frequent flickering, especially across multiple rooms, it’s best to have a licensed electrician come out and assess the situation. It could be a sign of a more significant electrical issue that needs to be addressed.

What Does Grounding mean?

Grounding is an electrical safety measure that provides a path for excess electrical currents to flow safely into the earth. It helps protect people and equipment by preventing dangerous electrical shocks or fires. Proper grounding is critical to any electrical system, ensuring it operates safely and reducing the risk of electrical accidents. Without it, your home or building is vulnerable to potentially serious electrical hazards. Built Electric has extensive knowledge of proper grounding standards and techniques to ensure you and your property stay safe.

Why Are My Outlets Not Working?

There are several reasons why your outlets may not be working. A tripped circuit breaker is the first thing to check and one of the most common reasons. If your circuit is overloaded, the breaker might trip to prevent overheating or electrical fires. Another reason could be that the outlet is a GFCI outlet, and it has been tripped. GFCI outlets are commonly placed in areas susceptible to moisture, such as the bathroom or kitchen, and they are designed to cut off power if they detect an imbalance in the electrical current. More severe issues could be the reason, including loose or damaged wiring, a burned-out or faulty outlet, a blown fuse, or a worn-out circuit. All of these should be inspected and handled by a professional electrician.

Why is My Circuit Breaker Tripping?

When your circuit breaker trips, it protects your electrical system from hazards such as overheating or short circuits. Some common reasons that your breaker might be tripping:

Overloaded circuit – one of the most common reasons is that your circuit is drawing more power than it can handle. For example, plugging in a space heater, a blow dryer, and a microwave on the same circuit could easily trip the breaker.
Short circuit – This occurs when a live wire comes into direct contact with the neutral or ground wire. It causes a sudden large flow of electricity that your breaker detects and shuts off to prevent damage.
Ground Fault—Similar to a short circuit, a ground fault occurs when the live wire touches a grounded part of the electrical system, such as a metal box or appliance casing. If a ground fault is the issue, it should be addressed immediately to avoid shock hazards.
Arc Fault—An arc fault occurs when an unintentional arc or spark occurs in a circuit. It is often caused by damaged, deteriorating, or loose wiring. Arcing can generate heat and lead to electrical fires.
Old or Faulty Breaker – In some cases, the breaker itself could be faulty, especially in older homes. Breakers can wear out over time and may trip more frequently, even when the circuit isn’t overloaded. If you notice frequent tripping without an obvious cause, the breaker might need to be replaced.

What are GFCI and AFCI outlets?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s an outlet designed to protect you from electrical shock, especially in areas where water and moisture are likely to come in contact with electricity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces. If the GFCI detects an imbalance in the current, it shuts off the power almost instantly.

AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. This outlet is designed to protect you from electrical fires caused by arcing faults. Arcing occurs when there’s a wiring issue, such as damaged or loose connections, which can cause a high-energy discharge or spark. AFCIs can detect the electrical signature of arcing and shut off the power before the arc can start a fire.

How do Surge Protectors Work?

Surge protectors are safety devices used to safeguard your electronics and appliances from voltage spikes or surges. Surges most commonly come from lightning strikes, power outages, or sudden changes in the electrical grid. Surge protectors monitor the voltage level flowing into your devices, and when a surge occurs, they detect the increase and divert the excess electricity away from your devices. The experts at Built Electric are fully equipped to install these in your home or business.

Why is My Light Switch Hot?

If your light switch is hot to the touch it’s a sign that something isn’t right. There are a few potential reasons this could be happening:

Overloaded switch – Standard light switches can only handle a certain amount of electrical current. If the switch is controlling more lights or appliances than it can handle, it can overheat.
Dimmer switches—If you have a dimmer switch, it’s normal for it to feel slightly warm when in use, as it regulates voltage to control the brightness of the light. However, if a dimmer switch feels hot instead of just warm, it may indicate that it’s handling more wattage than it’s designed for, or it could be a sign of internal failure.
Loose or faulty wiring – Over time, connections behind the switch can become loose, or the wiring might degrade; when this happens, the electrical current may not flow efficiently, causing resistance and generating heat.
Worn-out switch—Sometimes, the switch itself becomes worn out and faulty, especially if it is older. Internal components can degrade, causing the switch to overheat.

How Do I Reset My Breaker After It Has Tripped?

Resetting your breaker after it has tripped is a fairly straightforward process, but it is crucial to understand why it might have tripped in the first place and to reset it safely. To reset your tripped breaker:

Turn off or unplug devices before resetting the breaker
Locate the electrical panel or breaker box, which is usually located in a garage, basement, utility room, or on the exterior of the house
Identify the tripped breaker. It will be in a different position than the others – often halfway between the on and off position, or it might have a visible marker indicating it has been tripped
Reset the breaker by firmly pushing the breaker to the off position
Switch the breaker back on. After it’s entirely off, flip the breaker back to the on position, and you should feel a firm click as it resets
Check the circuit. Once the breaker is reset, turn on any lights or plug in any devices one at a time to make sure everything is working properly. If the breaker trips again immediately, a professional electrician should look at the larger issue.

What Can Cause an Electrical Outlet to Burn?

Burnt outlets indicate electrical problems that could pose a fire hazard. It’s crucial to address the issue right away to avoid the risk of fire or further damage Some of the most common reasons an outlet can burn include:

Loose connections
Overloaded circuit
Faulty outlet or wiring
Short circuits
Poor quality or incorrectly rated outlets
Water or moisture exposure
Worn or damaged appliances
Incorrect installation

Can I Do My Own Electrical Repairs?

We do not advise doing DIY electrical repairs. Electrical systems are severely complex and run many dangerous risks, such as getting shocked, starting a fire, worsening the issue, and more. Not to mention, there are strict codes and regulations in place to ensure safety. For all your electrical needs, contact Built Electric. We have the necessary skills, training, knowledge, and equipment and can efficiently and safely execute your electrical repairs and installations.

Call Built Electric for All Your Professional Electrical Services

Built Electric is your go-to professional electrician for all your electrical service needs. We are licensed to install, repair, maintain, and upgrade your electrical systems and devices. If you have more electrical questions, feel free to give us a call.