An electrical fault can easily disrupt your daily routine, compromise household safety, and even lead to costly damage.
When faced with a faulty circuit or an electrical issue, it’s crucial to find and fix the problem promptly.
While some minor issues can be resolved without assistance, most electrical faults require the expertise of a licensed electrician.
However, there are a few steps you can take in order to safely identify any possible electrical issues.
Locating the Electrical Fault
The following steps could help locate any potential electrical problems that may have caused a tripped switch.
Though, always remember to prioritise safety and involve a professional electrician for any comprehensive inspections and repairs.
Step One: Check the Switchboard
If you happen to experience a complete power outage in your home, the switchboard is the first place you should look. If the outage isn’t the fault of your electrical provider, you’ll likely find that the main safety switch has tripped.
This is a safety feature that activates as soon as it detects an electrical fault. However, before turning the switch on, ensure that all of the circuit breaker switches have been flicked off.
Step Two: Activate the Main Safety Switch
Once everything is safely turned off, you can turn on the main safety switch.
This will restore electricity to your home without directing power to any appliances or fixtures, as the individual circuits have been momentarily cut off.
Step Three: Identify the Faulty Circuit
Now that the main safety switch is turned on, gradually begin to turn on each individual circuit breaker switch one at a time.
Pay close attention to any circuits that trip immediately after being switched on, as this indicates that there is a fault within that specific circuit.
Step Four: Seek Professional Assistance
Now that the faulty circuit has been identified, the next best step is to contact a professional electrician. A fault in an electrical circuit will continue to trip the main safety switch until the necessary repairs have been made.
A qualified electrician will be able to diagnose and resolve the electrical fault quickly and safely.
Trusting a Licensed Electrician
When it comes to electrical work, it’s vital that you hire a licensed and qualified electrician. These professionals possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to tackle complex electrical problems effectively. A qualified electrician is able to ensure:
Safety
Dealing with faulty electrical equipment and circuits can be very dangerous. Unlike most homeowners, professional electricians are trained to adhere to a series of strict safety standards. These ensure the well-being of both the property and the occupants.
Compliance with Regulations
Compliance and safety go hand in hand, so not only will a licensed electrician ensure that your electrical system is safe for use, they will also ensure that it meets state regulations. Qualified electricians are well-versed in these requirements and will work to any necessary standards.
Knowledge and Experience
A licensed electrician is able to bring a wealth of practical experience and comprehensive understanding to any situation. Generally, you can trust that they have already encountered a wide range of electrical issues and are equipped to handle them efficiently.
Fault Finding Techniques for Electrical Issues
So, how do electricians actually find the specific fault? Well, to identify and fix electrical faults, electricians will employ various different fault finding techniques.
Visual Inspection
Electricians will usually start with a visual inspection to identify any obvious problems. In this case, they are examining the electrical equipment, wiring, and circuit breakers for any signs of wear and tear, overheating, or burnt components.
Circuit Testing
Specialised equipment is used to test circuits and determine if they are functioning properly. This often includes voltage testing, continuity testing, or resistance testing in order to identify any abnormalities within the circuit.
Load Testing
By subjecting circuits and electrical systems to load testing, electricians are able to determine the amount and quality of power going into your building. However, it also allows them to understand whether or not your electrical system is keeping up with the output. It enables electricians to assess the circuit’s performance and identify any issues that may arise.
Insulation Resistance Testing
Insulation resistance testing measures the resistance between conductive parts and insulation materials. It helps to identify any possible insulation breakdown or leakage issues that could lead to electrical faults or safety hazards.
Fixing the Issue
Electrical faults can be frustrating and potentially hazardous if they are not addressed promptly and correctly.
A professional electrician is your best bet when it comes to having the problem fixed well and efficiently. At Jetset Electrical, our electricians provide exceptional electrical fault finding services throughout both the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Our electricians understand the need for fast and reliable service, and will have your electrical system back up and running in no time.
So, if you have noticed an electrical issue in your home, call us at 1300 453 871 to book an electrician today.
