We Asked Our Master Electrician: 4 Common Electrical Issues Homeowners Face

Electrical problems have a way of showing up at the worst possible time. A light won’t turn on, an outlet suddenly stops working, or a breaker keeps tripping - and you’re left wondering, “What do I do now?”

While some electrical issues have a simple solution, others can be a sign of a larger problem. Knowing what you can safely check yourself - and when it’s time to call a professional - is an important part of keeping your home safe.

We asked Alex Walsh of Walsh Electric, our Master Electrician and our Electrical Basics & Level 2 Electrical Instructor about some of the most common electrical issues homeowners encounter and what they should do when they happen.

1. GFCI Outlets Keep Tripping

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to shut off power when they detect a potential electrical hazard. They’re commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

If a GFCI keeps tripping after you reset it, don’t repeatedly force it back on. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be diagnosed.

2. A Breaker Keeps Tripping

A tripped breaker is your electrical system’s way of saying something isn’t right. It could be caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a short circuit, or another electrical problem.

You can safely reset a breaker once, but if it trips again, leave it off and have the issue inspected.

3. A Circuit Suddenly Isn’t Working

Sometimes an entire room - or several outlets and lights - can stop working. The cause may be as simple as a tripped GFCI or breaker, but it could also indicate a wiring problem.

Start by checking nearby GFCI outlets and your electrical panel. If you can’t identify the cause, it’s best to have an electrician troubleshoot the circuit.

4. How to Reset a Circuit

If a circuit has tripped, locate the corresponding breaker in your electrical panel and move it fully to the OFF position before switching it back to ON.

If it immediately trips again, don’t keep resetting it. A repeatedly tripping breaker is a warning sign - not an inconvenience to ignore.

The Bottom Line

Some electrical issues have simple fixes, but repeated trips, non-working circuits, burning smells, buzzing sounds, or signs of damaged wiring should never be ignored.

When in doubt, ask a licensed electrician. A quick diagnosis can help identify the problem before it becomes a bigger - and potentially more expensive - issue.

We’ve got several Electrical workshops coming up soon here at TradeWorx Academy. Click here to register for our workshop and learn how to take control of your home’s electrical system.