Electrical Repairs you must Know for any Emergency Situation

Published On: September 24, 2017Last Updated: June 14, 2023

Electrical repairs can be scary, especially because of the risks involved with them. Therefore, it is always wise to contact a local 24 hour electrician for these repairs. However, a few repairs are so minor that even you can do them easily. Completing these tasks will give you a feeling of a handyman.

5 Easy Electrical Repairs

Electrical Repairs

Caution! Dealing with electrical equipment requires extra care. Don’t forget to switch the main power off. Wear rubber gloves. Keep someone close to you in case of emergency. First attempt should always be supervised.

1. Table Lamp Fixture

Table lamps are commonly used in every home. For a flickering lamp, you don’t have to hire a pro. You can do it yourself easily. First off, turn on the power. If the bulb doesn’t glow, replace it with a new one. Still if it doesn’t respond, you must know some part is not working properly.

For instance, if you find the socket faulty, replace it with the new one. Sockets can be bought cheaply. Carefully remove the socket from base with the help of a screw driver. Make sure it doesn’t make a direct electrical contact with terminal ends.

In case you encounter a broken wire, cut off the loose ends and strip it away ½ inch. Before you pass the cord through the frame, make sure you have used grommet to protect the cord from any damage and direct contact with the body of the lamp.

And lastly, connect the plug with the wire. It’s simple; disassemble the plug with the help of a screw driver and make proper connections of live and neutral wires.

2. Installing a New Light Switch

If you find your light switch not working efficiently, no need to worry. It can be easily replaced with a new one. All you need is a screw driver and pliers.

Make sure the switches are of the following types.

  • Dimmer switch
  • Single-pole switch
  • Double-pole switch
  • Three-way switch
  • Four-way switch

Before you start working on an electrical switch box, you must take precautionary measure. Use protective gloves and turn off the main circuit breaker.

First, open up the switch box, identify live and neutral wires of the light switch and cut off the broken ends of wires and strip them away ½ inch. Make sure the live wire goes to its proper terminal.

Switch terminals are usually differentiated by their size (i.e. live goes into the slot with shorter plug while neutral goes into the slot of taller plug.)

3. Removing a Circuit Breaker

Removing a circuit breaker is no big deal, but there is always a risk dealing with electrical circuits. So, it is recommended to take precautionary measures. First, remove the outer panel from service panel with the help of a screw driver. Then, you need to loosen the wires from their respective slots to cut off electrical contact with the circuit breaker. Now, gently pull the circuit breaker. Finally, insulate the wires with the help of an insulating tap to avoid any electrical hazard.

4. Installing ceiling fans or light fixtures:

Installing a new ceiling fan or light fixture can be a DIY project for homeowners. Make sure to turn off the power and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you encounter any complexities, it’s best to consult an electrician.

5. Repairing or replacing extension cords:

If an extension cord is damaged, you can repair or replace it yourself. Cut off the damaged portion of the cord, strip the wires, and connect them securely using wire connectors. If the damage is extensive or you’re unsure, it’s best to replace the entire cord or seek professional assistance.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the repair, always prioritize safety by turning off the power, using insulated tools, and wearing appropriate protective gear. If you’re in doubt about your abilities or the complexity of the repair, consulting a professional electrician is the best course of action to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

About the Author: Jim Thompson

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