What should I do if I’m experiencing electrical issues like dead outlets, flickering lights, or tripping breakers?
These symptoms can point to common electrical faults such as loose wires, short circuits, or ground faults. For example:
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Dead outlets may be caused by a tripped breaker, a GFCI issue, or a broken wire.
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Flickering lights often indicate a loose neutral or overloaded circuit.
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A breaker that trips immediately can signal a dangerous short circuit.
Our fault diagnosis chart explains these problems in simple terms and outlines what action is typically needed. While some issues are minor, others may present serious safety hazards. If you're unsure, it's best to turn off power to the affected circuit and contact a licensed electrician.
🧰 Legend
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Open Hot / Neutral: Disconnected or broken wire in the circuit
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Ground Fault: Current leakage to ground — hazardous and GFCI-detectable
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Short Circuit: Direct contact between conductors causing sudden overcurrent
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High Resistance: Loose or corroded connection causing heat buildup
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Arcing Fault: Sparking due to damaged or loose wiring; AFCI-detectable