? 10 Common Electrical Problems in Homes — And When to Call an Electrician
Your home’s electrical system is easy to take for granted—until something goes wrong. Flickering lights? Tripping circuits? Strange burning smells? These can all be signs of deeper electrical issues.
Here are 10 of the most common electrical problems found in UK homes—and how to know when it’s time to call in a qualified electrician.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker when you use certain appliances, it could be due to:
-
Overloaded circuits
-
Loose wiring
-
Faulty light fittings
?? Why it matters: This could be an early sign of dangerous wiring. Don’t ignore it.
2. Tripping Circuit Breakers
Your fuse box is designed to trip when there’s a fault. But if it’s happening frequently, it may be:
-
A faulty appliance
-
Overloaded sockets
-
A wiring issue
?? Tip: Unplug devices and reset the breaker. Still tripping? Time to call a pro.
3. Dead Outlets or Sockets
A socket that suddenly stops working might be:
-
A tripped fuse
-
Damaged wiring
-
A problem further down the circuit
? Note: Never try to fix wiring yourself—what seems simple could be hiding a serious issue.
4. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
This is a red flag. If you notice:
-
A burning plastic smell
-
Heat from a switch
-
Discolouration around sockets
? Action: Turn off power at the fuse box and call an electrician immediately.
5. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds
Electricity should be silent. Strange noises from switches, plugs, or lights could mean:
-
Loose connections
-
Arcing (sparking between wires)
-
Unsafe fittings
? Don’t wait: This is a fire risk—get it checked ASAP.
6. Electric Shocks
Even a small static-like zap when touching an appliance or switch is a sign something’s wrong.
? Could indicate: Improper earthing or a wiring fault.
7. Overloaded Extension Leads
Plugging too many devices into one socket via extensions can:
-
Overheat wires
-
Damage equipment
-
Increase fire risk
? Better solution: Have additional sockets professionally installed.
8. Old or Damaged Wiring
Homes built before the 1980s often have:
-
Rubber or fabric-coated cables
-
No earth wire
-
Outdated consumer units
? Risk: These systems aren’t up to modern safety standards and should be inspected.
9. Loose Switches or Sockets
If a light switch or plug socket wobbles or doesn’t sit flush with the wall, it can:
-
Cause arcing
-
Damage wires behind the wall
? Solution: Have it secured or replaced properly—never ignore it.
10. No RCD Protection
Your fuse box should have an RCD (Residual Current Device) to shut off power if there’s a fault.
? If yours doesn’t: You could be at higher risk of electric shock or fire. A consumer unit upgrade is strongly recommended.
?? When Should You Call an Electrician?
If you notice any of the problems above, especially:
-
Smells
-
Noises
-
Shocks
-
Frequent tripping
It’s time to get a professional in. Never ignore electrical faults—they can escalate quickly and put your home and family at risk.
? Book a Safety Check Today
At Titan Electrical Ltd, we’re fully qualified, NICEIC-approved electricians covering Cambridge and surrounding areas.
Whether it’s a small repair or a full electrical inspection, we’re here to help.
? Call us today on 01223 782381
? Or email us at info@titanelectricalltd.com
? Proudly serving homeowners and landlords across Cambridge, and the wider region.
Safe, Reliable, and Professional Electrical Services You Can Trust Reliable Cambridge Electrician
? Related Posts:
