Electrical Safety Tips
LISTEN TO YOUR BREAKER.
A breaker that trips immediately or making a buzzing noise after it's reset is telling you that there's an electrical problem. Sure, sometimes the breaker itself is to blame, and in some cases there may just be too large an electrical load operating on that circuit. But it's more likely that the breaker is tripping because there's a severe electrical problem. Keep pressing that breaker, and you're likely to cause a fire.
LIGHTS THAT FLICKER OR THAT TRIP THE CIRCUIT BREAKER
Cause: Loose wiring splice or a light fixture that's worn out and needs to be replaced.
Solution: Cut power to the fixture and investigate the supply wiring and the fixture itself. Replace wire connectors with new professional-grade types. Replace the fixture if suspect.
OUTLETS WITH A FACEPLATE THAT'S WARM TO THE TOUCH
Cause: An overly large electrical load operating on that outlet, undersized wiring or a loose electrical splice. (Note: it's not unusual for dimmer switches, especially large ones, to be warm. Unless the switch face is actually too hot to touch, a warm dimmer is not a hazard in most cases)
Solution: Cut power and investigate. Look for a loose splice, melted connections, burned insulation. Repair as necessary. Also, evaluate wattage of device; it may be too large relative to supply wiring. Move device to another circuit, preferably one served by a 20-amp circuit breaker and 12-gauge wire. If condition persists, contact an electrician.
WOBBLY SWITCHES OR OUTLET RECEPTACLES
Cause: Device is improperly mounted to the electrical box or the box itself has come loose from the stud.
Solution: Cut power. Remove faceplate and tighten mounting screws. Occasionally, overly long screws will not fully seat. Shorten screws with an electrician's multi-tool (a pair of pliers that strip wire, bend wire and cut screws ). Reinstall device. Otherwise, tighten connection of box to framing.
GFCI OUTLETS THAT TRIP REPEATEDLY
Cause: A ground fault or a worn-out GFCI outlet receptacle.
Solution: Move appliance or tool to another GFCI and test. If GFCI trips, appliance or tool is suspect. If GFCI does not trip, electrical problems are likely. Cut power and investigate for damaged wire insulation, a loose splice or a small length of exposed wire making contact with a metal electrical box. If you don't find wiring or splice problems, replace the GFCI. If condition persists, contact an electrician.