Should you encounter electrical problems in your rental property, including flickering lights, outlets that don’t work, or circuit breakers that trip frequently, you may be looking for solutions.
Although it’s vital to prioritize safety and think about hiring a licensed electrician for major issues, you can still attempt some troubleshooting for common electrical problems. By following steps like checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, you can gain a better understanding of the issue and make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Visual Inspection
If an appliance, lamp, or device stops working, start by inspecting the outlet and cord for any damage. Power outlets can occasionally fail and become inactive. You might see visible damage, such as discoloration. Likewise, check all plugs and cords for any breaks, fraying, or other damage. If the outlet or cord is damaged, it’s likely time to replace them.
Try a Different Outlet
If the outlet and power cord look okay, the next thing to do is plug your lamp or device into another outlet. Determining whether the outlet or the electrical item is the problem is essential. If the device functions when plugged into another outlet (preferably in a different room), then the outlet is the primary issue.
Reset the GFCI
One typical reason an outlet stops functioning is that it’s connected to a GFCI outlet that has tripped. Most outlets have a reset button. If you don’t see it, the reset button is on another outlet in that circuit.
The circuit’s reset button is located on a GFCI outlet, often in the bathroom or kitchen, but sometimes in more hidden spots like the garage or laundry room. You may need to search for it, but once located, resetting a GFCI outlet is a quick fix for a dead outlet.
Check the Breaker Panel
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the outlets but with a faulty circuit breaker. You can often locate the bad breaker by examining your home’s electrical panel. Many breaker boxes have clear labels showing which circuits correspond to which parts of the house. When this is the case, turning the breaker off and on again can often solve the issue. Other times, the breaker might be faulty or have a loose connection. If this happens, the breaker will need to be replaced.
Call Your Landlord
Regardless of the electrical issue you encounter, make sure to contact your landlord and inform them of the problem and your troubleshooting efforts. If such problems happen often, it could point to more significant electrical issues.
If your troubleshooting efforts don’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord must hire a professional electrician. In any situation, good communication with your Winter Garden property manager helps resolve electrical issues promptly.
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Originally published: April 2, 2021
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