If you are dealing with electrical issues in your rental property, such as flickering lights, non-working outlets, or circuit breakers that frequently trip, you may be looking for ways to address them.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety and consider a licensed electrician for major electrical issues, but you can try some troubleshooting for common household problems. Following these steps, such as checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, can help you understand the issue and decide how to proceed.
Visual Inspection
Should an appliance, lamp, or device cease functioning, first check the outlet and cord for signs of damage. At times, a power outlet may malfunction and become nonfunctional. You may notice visible signs of damage, such as discoloration. Likewise, inspect all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, or other damage. If there is damage to the outlet or cord, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Try a Different Outlet
When your outlet and power cord seem intact, the next step is to try your lamp or device in a different outlet. It’s vital to determine whether the outlet or the electrical item is at fault. If your device works in a different outlet (especially in another room), it means the outlet is the main issue.
Reset the GFCI
An outlet often stops working because it is linked to a GFCI outlet that has tripped. Most outlets are equipped with a reset button. If you can’t locate it, the reset button is on another outlet in the same circuit.
The reset button for the circuit is on a GFCI outlet, typically in the bathroom or kitchen, but occasionally in places like the garage or laundry room. You may have to search for it, but once found, resetting a GFCI outlet is an easy fix for a dead outlet.
Check the Breaker Panel
At times, the problem isn’t the outlets but a malfunctioning circuit breaker. You can often identify the bad breaker by checking your home’s electrical panel. Circuit breaker boxes often have labeled circuits indicating which areas they cover. If this applies, simply turning the breaker off and then back on can often fix the problem. Sometimes, the breaker itself might be faulty or have a loose connection. If so, the breaker needs to be replaced.
Call Your Landlord
No matter the electrical problem, always call your landlord to report the issue and describe the troubleshooting steps you’ve taken. If these problems happen regularly, it could suggest more serious electrical issues.
If troubleshooting doesn’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord should call a professional electrician. Either way, clear communication with your Dacula property manager is crucial for swift electrical issue resolution.
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Originally published: April 2, 2021
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