Necessary Electrical Repairs You can Handle at Home

How-To

There are some electrical repairs that you can deal with by yourself and so, you need not hire an electrician every time. The only thing is that you should be extremely careful and equipped with necessary safety measures when trying to repair as well as fix electrical elements. Go through this blogpost to get an insight on some electrical goods that you can fix by yourself without the help of an emergency electrician.

It is advised that you turn the power off before placing hands on any of the gadgets as there can be a short circuit or fuse anytime when the gadget has been on its internal side that might crop up at the unexpected time.

The safest way is to unplug the gadget and you will also find certain devices that have capacitors inside them and might give shock in case you are not careful.
In order to remain safe, you will have to switch off the main power. If there isn’t any electricity when working on the electrical appliance, you will be safe. But you should take necessary precautions for your utmost safety and concern.

Replacing a light switch

If the light switches are not working properly, then you should consider getting them replaced. The easiest thing about these switches is that you can replace them on your own. If you are having a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, then you can get it done easily.

Before we may help you to fix this issue, you should ensure that this type of switch is something you can repair on your own.

Let us consider different kinds of switches:

  • Dimmer switch: This installation is quite similar to a regular switch.
  • Single pole switch: This is mainly used for controlling one kind of device such as light or fan. This is regularly used in the houses.
  • Double pole switch: You won’t do repair of these switches unless you are an electrician having in-depth experience.
  • Three-way switch: You may control a single switch from two different locations having a three-way switch.
  • Four-way switch: If you have a big room, it is quite common to have two switches in the same room at different locations and also, another switch for the same gadget in another room. This way, you will be able to control the gadget from three different locations and this is what a four-way switch will do.

Outlet

Once you are aware how to repair or work for a damaged light switch, repairing or working an outlet is somewhat similar.

Read on to know about three different types of outlet:

  • Ungrounded – This outlet does not have third hole used for grounding however, it consist of two other holes.
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter – Whenever there is a short circuit, this type of outlet will disconnect the switches immediately as it has a built-in breaker. These are usually used in the garages, workshops and bathroom where there is a lot of moisture.
  • Grounded – The grounded ones have three holes and all the three are used in the most effective way.

The tools are needed for replacing the outlets are screwdrivers, needle-nose pins, multimeter and replacement outlets

How you can replace light fixture

Firstly, you need to ensure that the breaker is off before you may attempt to do it.

After this, you should take off the old fixture. Now you may remove the shade and get off light bulbs. Make sure you remove the screws that can hold this fixture to the electric box. Thus, the fixture will be in your hands.

You will find three wires that may connect fixture to the ceiling. These usually include – a black, white and green. Green is for ground, black is for power and white is the default one. The connection can be attained with nuts that are unscrewed by using a screwdriver.

The next step is to fit in a new fixture that is easy as well as challenging.

You have to repeat the same procedure reversely. By starting with connecting fixtures to the nuts and then to three-set of wires and finally to the screws, you can hold it to your electric box.

Switch on the gadget to find out what will happen

You will find some examples of simple fixtures for the electrical gadgets that can be used in your daily lives. Make a note of how you can ensure complete safety when trying to attempt any of the following:

  1. You should not try to fix or repair any electrical devices unless you are aware about it. If you are afraid in doing these works, then you won’t be able to complete the works successfully.
  2. If you are an expert in these electrical works, make sure you do not attempt for a high-speed approach. You will require sufficient time to evaluate and know everything as to what should be done and where you might attempt fixing them.
  3. Make it a point to have a flashlight whenever you try to do any electrical repairs.
  4. It is suggested not to use aluminum ladders as it is always safe that you use non-conductive ones such as fiber-glass ladders.
  5. You should not work on the electrical gadgets in situations when in direct contact with water such as – dampness or rain.
  6. You should always wear rubber-soled shoes as it can stand on the dry floors. In case the floors are wooden, then this is believed to be the best option.
  7. It is a good idea to tape breaker off while turning off the power to the breaker.
  8. It is always a good decision to keep your near ones informed when you are attempting any electrical repair works.

These are some tips and tricks to consider when attempting any electrical works. Thus, you can be assured of doing all kinds of repair works successfully. You will not have to search for emergency electrician near me to get the works done from him. Also, you can save the costs that you might have to pay these electricians.

Rick Arthur

Author: Rick Arthur

Rick Arthur is a well know blogger based in London.