Be it your modern Hackney apartment or that stunning Victorian terrace it brandishes, electrical issues can pop up anywhere. While some of them are minor problems, others can translate into a serious threat to the safety of residents and call for immediate expert attention. Understanding the severity of an electrical issue can keep your home as well as the property value guarded, and thus is of paramount importance.
Along the same lines, ET&T has compiled a detailed guide comprising a list of seven common electrical problems Hackney homeowners might encounter with guidance on when exactly you should call a professional.
Problem #1: Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) Trips Repeatedly
As the name suggests, a Miniature Circuit Breaker is an automatic electrical trip switch that acts as a shield in the face of short circuits or overload. The moment it detects excess current flow, it automatically trips, disconnecting the power and preventing any electrical damage. Running multiple high-powered appliances altogether can lead to occasional trips that are considered normal. However, if you’re facing frequent trips, then it becomes a bit serious as it indicates that your electrical system is working overtime in order to prevent the incidence of an electrical hazard. Such frequent tripping can be caused by:
a. Multiple devices running simultaneously
Running too many devices on one line can cause electrical overload. To prevent equipment damage, you experience an MCB trip. This is the most common cause behind the frequent tripping.
b. When the wiring is faulty
A wire is said to be faulty if it has exposed metal or if the live wire touches a neutral one. When electricity flows along such faulty or damaged wires, a sudden surge of electric current trips the MCB.
c. Unintended path
When electrical current flows through water, or through the earth wire, the power gets cut instantly and the MCB trips.
d. Poorly designed electrical panels
There is a possibility that the electric panels at your home have aged and lack the capacity to handle the load of kitchen appliances, washing machines, smart televisions, etc., safely. This is very much seen in the older Hackney properties.
If your MCB has tripped more than once this month, then it’s time to ring our qualified electricians. Sometimes, the electrical panel itself starts smelling like burning, and this is a clear indicator of needing professional aid.
Problem #2: Frequent Dimming of Lights
You might have seen how lights flicker in a horror movie, signalling a ghost’s arrival. But in your Hackney property, they’re indicating something far more real. Electrical problems can haunt you with safety threats and exorbitant repairs.
This problem traces back to loose wiring and voltage fluctuations. When high-load appliances such as electric geysers or washing machines are turned on, they start drawing electricity from the same circuit as your lighting does, and that’s when flickering occurs. Professionals should be called up if this problem spreads to multiple rooms, as there is a potential fire risk involved.
Problem #3: Dead or Intermittently Working Power Sockets
Every Hackney home might feature at least one power socket that either works intermittently or is completely dead. Sometimes, one needs to reluctantly position the plug at a specific angle to keep the connection flowing.
Tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are to blame for these damaged outlets or connection issues. While they come across as a minor frustration, they indicate damaged wiring. In case a buzzing sound is coming from the outlet, they feel warm, or see any signs of discolouration, reach out to an electrician immediately.
Problem #4: Electrical Shocks
There is nothing more concerning than a shock or even a tingle one experiences on touching an appliance, a switch or a power socket. As mentioned earlier, these surfaces are where electricity finds an unintended path through a body. Furthermore, faulty appliances, improper wiring or damaged insulation could be the potential causes. A problem of this sort makes the moisture-prone areas of your Hackney home particularly vulnerable.
This problem straightaway warrants expertise to safely identify the hazard and come up with its resolution.
Problem #5: Discolouration or Burning Odour
If you smell burning near a power socket or switch, then that might be because of damaged insulation, a melting plastic component, or overheating wires.
The heat generated can lead to a potential fire, which can turn into a hazard. In such a scenario, one is recommended to turn off the power, step back from it and contact our emergency experts immediately.
Problem #6: Outdated Wiring
No matter how modern your Hackney property looks, its wiring comes in the same knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring. And today’s modern appliances have pushed this ageing wiring system beyond its limit. Such a wiring system results in frequent MCB trips, excessive reliance on extension cords, using outlets that lack earthing, such as the two-prong ones, and exposure of internal wiring on outlet covers.
It has been observed that many period properties in Hackney lack a Residual Current Device or RCD, which is a life-saving safety device used to monitor electricity flow. An RCD is essential for detecting irregularities which occur because of faulty wiring and appliances. The moment it detects any such imbalances, it cuts off the power supply instantly. Modern UK buildings call for mandatory RCD installation, especially in vulnerable areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
If you have been a Hackney homeowner for over thirty years now and haven’t scheduled an electrical inspection ever, now is the time! Get in touch with our professionals to get your entire electrical system’s safety assessed properly.
Problem #7: Higher Electricity Costs
Ever wondered why your electricity bill skyrocketed even though you haven’t been using more power? An unexpectedly higher electricity usage invoice indicates faults in your electrical system. Perhaps some faulty wire is creating resistance, some appliance is drawing in excess power, or there is a current leak. These not only pave the way to an increased bill amount but also generate heat that can cause a potential fire in the near future.
If you are certain that there hasn’t been an increase in your monthly electricity consumption, then you should call a professional to investigate the matter.
Final Thoughts
Always keep in mind that electricity is not a DIY subject. Meddling unnecessarily with your Hackney property’s wiring can prove disastrous. Thus, whenever you experience any such issue that calls for professional help, get in touch with our qualified electricians for professional services.
