problem solving electrical circuit

Use V  =  IR over and over and over again to determine the voltage drops. (See the tables at the end of this solution.)

Use P  =  VI (or P  =  I 2 R or P  =  V 2 / R ) over and over again to determine the power dissipated. These last two tasks are so tedious you should use a spreadsheet application of some sort. Enter the resistance values given and the current values just calculated into columns and instruct your electronic device of choice to multiply appropriately. Something like this…

practice problem 4

• Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
• Calculate the current through the battery.
• Graph voltage as a function of location on the circuit assuming that V a  = 0 V at the negative terminal of the battery.
• Graph current as a function of location on the circuit.

Here are the solutions…

The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances…

The total current can be found from Ohm's law…

The voltage in a circuit rises in a battery and drops in a resistor (when we follow the flow of conventional current). The rise in the battery is given as 12 V and the drops in each resistor can be found through repeated use of Ohm's law…

Starting at zero volts on the negative terminal of the battery, the voltage goes up 12 V then drops 2 V, 6 V, and 4 V, which brings us back to zero. (We are assuming that the battery and wires have negligible resistance.) Here's how it looks when graphed.

Here's how it looks when the graph is superimposed on the circuit.

Current is everywhere the same in a series circuit. We've already determined it's 0.667 A. All that remains is to draw a horizontal line at two-thirds of an amp.

Electric circuits – problems and solutions

1. R 1 , = 6 Ω, R 2 = R 3 = 2 Ω, and voltage = 14 volt, determine the electric current in circuit as shown in figure below.

Resistor 3 (R 3 ) = 2 Ω

1/R 23 = 1/R 2 + 1/R 3 = 1/2 + 1/2 = 2/2

R = R 1 + R 23 = 6 Ω + 1 Ω

I = V / R = 14 / 7 = 2 Ampere

2. Which one of the electric circuits as shown below has the bigger current.

R A = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 = R + R + R = 3R

R 2 and R 3 are connected in parallel. The equivalent resistor :

1/R 23 = 1/R 2 + 1/R 3 = 1/R + 1/R = 2/R

R C = R 1 + R 23 = R + R/2 = 2R/2 + R/2 = 3R/2

R 12 and R 3 are connected in series. The equivalent resistor :

Electric current (I) :

Resistor 3 (R 3 ) = 2 Ohm

R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are connected in series. The equivalent resistor :

4. Which one of the electric circuits as shown below has the bigger current.

Electric current in circuit A.

1/R 23 = 1/R 2 + 1/R 3 = 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2

R 1 and R 23 are connected in series. The equivalent resistor :

I = V / R = 12 / 5 = 2.4 Ampere

R 1 = 8 Ω, R 2 = 2 Ω, R 3 = 2 Ω, V = 36 Volt

R = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 = 8 + 2 + 2 = 12 Ω

The equivalent resistor :

I = V / R = 12 / 1.5 = 8 Ampere

R 1 = 3 Ω, R 2 = 3 Ω, R 3 = 3 Ω, R 4 = 3 Ω, R 5 = 6 Ω, V = 24 Volt

R 234 = 3/3 = 1 Ω

R 1 , R 234 and R 5 are connected in series The equivalent resistor :

Resistor 2 (R 2 ) = 4 Ω

Resistor R 2 and resistor R 3 are connected in series. The equivalent resistor :

1/R 234 = 1/R 23 + 1/R 4 = 1/6 + 1/3 = 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6

R = R 1 + R 234 = 4 Ω + 2 Ω = 6 Ω

V = electric voltage, I = electric current, R = electric resistance

I = V / R = 12 Volt / 6 Ohm = 2 Ampere

Voltage in resistor R 234 is:

Voltage in resistor R 234 = voltage in resistor R 4 = voltage in resistor R 23 = 4 Volt.

Electric current in resistor R 23 = Electric current in resistor R 2 = electric current in resistor R 3 = 2/3 Ampere.

6. R 1 = R 2 = 10 Ω and R 3 = R 4 = 8 Ω. What is the electric current in circuit as shown in figure below ?

Wanted : electric current (I)

Resistor R 1 , R 2 and R 34 are connected in series, the equivalent resistor :

7. If the internal resistance of battery ignored, what is the electric current in the circuit shown in figure below.

Resistor R 1 = 3 Ohm

Resistor R 12 and resistor 3 are connected in parallel. The equivalent resistor :

8. What is the total electric current in circuit as shown in figure below.

Resistor R P and internal resistance (r) are connected in series. The equivalent resistor :

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How to Solve Circuit Problems

Last Updated: December 24, 2022

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 14 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 37,910 times. Learn more...

Solving circuits is one of the most challenging tasks for the undergraduate student as it involves numerous theorems, concepts, and processes for solving the circuits. But following a planned problem solving strategy simplifies the problem, making it easier to solve.

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• Use all the tools available: transforms, linear algebra, dimensional analysis, nonlinear modelling, chief among them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_analysis
• ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodal_analysis

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How to Solve Complicated Circuits with Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)?

Published Aug 04, 2020

We have gone over Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) in a previous tutorial and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) is very similar but focused on the voltage in a circuit, not the current. Kirchhoff’s Voltage law states that the sum of the voltages in a closed loop will equal zero. In other words, if you look at any loop that goes completely all the way around, any increases in voltage throughout the loop will be offset with an equal amount of decreases in voltage. Visually, this can be seen in the image below.

Using this concept, much as how we can use nodal analysis with KCL, we can use mesh analysis because of KVL. While a mesh is basically any loop within a circuit, for mesh analysis, we will need to define meshes that don’t enclose any other meshes.

You can see that if we make a loop around the ‘outside’ of the entire circuit, technically it is a mesh because the loop can be completed. However, for purposes of analysis, we need to break it into three different meshes. So let’s go over the steps of how to solve a circuit using mesh analysis before jumping into a few examples.

There are 5 steps that we recommend, and as we did with the KCL/nodal analysis steps, two of the steps are to calm down and step back, making sure that everything makes sense intuitively.

• Take your time, breathe, and assess the problem. Write down what info you’ve been given and any intuitive insights you have.
• Assign mesh currents to all of the meshes. There should be one current assigned per mesh. You need to choose which direction your current is flowing - this is semi-arbitrary because as long as you do your math right, it doesn’t really matter. But in most cases, people assume a clockwise current direction.
• Apply KVL to each of the meshes, using Ohm’s Law to show the voltages in terms of the current.
• Solve the simultaneous equations (like we did with KCL) to find the actual values.
• Sanity check. Take a moment to review what you’ve done and see if the numbers make sense and are internally consistent.

We’ll go over some examples now and frankly, after these examples, the only real additions and changes will be complications that make the math more difficult. The problems shouldn’t get much harder conceptually but the math can get significantly harder. Please, don’t get lost in the math. If the numbers start to lose their numbers, make sure to come up for air and remember what you’re doing and what you’re trying to do.

A simple example - 1 mesh.

Let’s start here! This is a simple circuit, so simple that we could solve this using tools we already know. But I want to start simple so that we can focus on the concepts and the steps. So, let’s do it.

Step 1: Let’s take stock of the circuit. It obviously only has one loop, and we’ve got a voltage source and two resistors. We’ve been given the value of the voltage source and both resistors, so all we need is to find out the current around the loop and the voltage drops over the resistors. And as soon as we find one, we can quickly use Ohm’s Law to get the other. This is going to be easy.

Step 2: We already noticed in step 1 that there will only be one mesh, so let’s draw in our mesh current, give it a direction, and give it a name. We’ll go clockwise and call it i 1 . Now, I’m usually sloppy and don’t distinguish between i 1 and I 1 , but in this case, we will do a lowercase ‘i’. This will be important in later examples. And, we know that since we have one mesh, there will only be one equation.

Step 3: Let’s create our equations based off of KVL. This is the first step that requires any math. So, with KVL, let’s figure out our equation.

There are two ways of looking this, which can cause untold confusion. I will explain the differences and, as long as you’re consistent in each equation (not even necessarily in each problem, but sheesh, why would you confuse yourself unnecessarily?) then everything will be fine.

In the first option, as we go around the loop, we see that we increase by 5V across the voltage source and then drop voltage across R 1 and R 2 , giving us our positive 5 volts and then our two negatives. To me, this is more intuitive because you’re going up in voltage across the voltage source in the way we defined the current flow, and you drop voltage across the resistors as the current flows through them. However, it is extremely common for people to learn it the second way.

In the second option, you just use the sign of the voltage on the side of your branch that the current enters into. With the voltage source, since we are going clockwise, the current sees the negative sign first, so it is a minus. As the voltage is dropping from positive to negative over the resistors, the current sees the positive sign on the resistors first, so you add them. If this is more intuitive for you - use it! Neither of these options are wrong, you see that you get the same equations (just multiply both sides by -1) but make sure you’re consistent with each equation. Please.

Step 4: Since there are no unknowns, we can simply plug in the values for R 1 and R 2 and find out what i 1 is.

And now we can find the voltages across R 1 and R 2 .

Step 5: Sanity check! Note that V 1 + V 2 basically equals 5V (rounding errors!) which means that the voltage that drops over the two resistors is the same as the voltage increase from the voltage source.

Let’s make things a little more complicated.

Step 1: What have we got here? It looks like we have two meshes that share a common resistor in the middle, R 3 . Again, we have all the values of voltage sources and resistors, so we should be able to get actual values for the current and voltages through/across those resistors. Even without any values, we could do the analysis and show relationships but it is a bit more satisfying to me to actually come up with a numerical answer. We do need to know how to treat R 3 , but we’ll take care of that in step 3.

Step 2: Let’s identify the meshes. We’ll make both current loops flow clockwise and we’ll name the left hand one i 1 and the right hand one i 2 . Note that these are still lower case. And it matters this time, because we also have the current through the resistor R 1 , which is I 1 (note the capitalized “I”), the current through resistor R 2 , which is I 2 , and then through R 3 , which is I 3 . The capitalization is how to distinguish between the mesh currents (i 1 and i 2 ) and the branch currents (I 1 , I 2 , and I 3 ).

Step 3: Create the equations for the meshes. This will be quite straightforward but we need to know what to do about the voltage across R 3 . Let’s actually do the equation for i 1 and then talk about it for a moment.

So, looking at that equation, you’re probably wondering why there is i 2 in our equation for mesh current i 1 . Remember that each section is in reference to voltage. We increase by 10V, which is straightforward. We drop a voltage across R 1 that is equal to i 1 *R 2 , still fairly straightforward. But the voltage drop across R 3 is the amount of current flowing downward as i 1 minus the amount of current flowing upward as i 2 multiplied by R 3 .

With our clockwise direction, we have stated that i 2 is flowing up through R 3 . Obviously, in reality, current is only flowing one way, but we don’t know which way right now, and mathematically, we have said that there is both current flowing down through R 3 as i 1 and flowing up through R 3 as i 2 . The trick here is that if we had defined i 2 in the opposite (counterclockwise) direction, we would have to add the current i 2 to i 1 to figure out the voltage drop across R 3 .

So with this, pause, take a second, make sure you understand why we created the equation we did for the first mesh current. Then see what you come up with for the second mesh current before checking to see what we come up with. You’re going to have to control your eyeballs, though, because the answer is right below this text.

Is this what you got? Remember that, with our definition that the current is flowing clockwise, the voltage is dropping as we go from ground across R 3 , and still dropping as we go across R 2 , before coming to the voltage source, which since we’ve defined this clockwise direction, gives us a negative 5 volts. This is where it’s incredibly important to understand what’s going on intuitively - if you get bogged down into the math too much without knowing what’s going on, you’re going to be setting up and solving the wrong equations! Trust me - I speak from much painful experience.

So now we have two equations and two unknowns. We can either solve this with substitution or by getting ready to do some linear algebra. Let’s do substitution.

Insert the values for the resistors.

Simplify the first equation.

Simplify the second equation a bit before replacing i 1 .

Then i 1 is equal to,

Example 3 (Supermeshes)

With KCL, if we had a voltage source that wasn’t connected directly to reference ground, we would create a supernode and then, as part of the process, we would need to do a bit of KVL to finish the analysis. With KVL, if we have a current source that is shared between two meshes, we need to treat it in a similar way. We get rid of the current source and anything that is connected in series with it. We then treat the remainder as a single, larger supermesh.

Once we make that mesh, we create the equation to describe it. In this case, we get:

Now we have the equation for the supermesh but we have two unknowns and only one equation. So let’s put the current source back in with any elements that were in series with it and do KCL at the node where they connect to the bigger circuit. Once it’s in place, we use KCL at that node to create a second equation.

Now we have two equations and two unknowns! Let’s put this in the format needed to do some linear algebra and see what we get.

So our two equations are:

Which we put into a linear equation solver to get:

As I’m prone to making math errors, I prefer the linear equation method as it is usually faster and less likely that I screw up it. With the supermesh, this isn’t a common concern as, unless you’re dealing with transistors or CMOS level circuit design, current sources aren’t very typical. However, it’s a good tool to have in your toolbag in case it crops up and helps us better understand the relationship between the physical circuits and the mathematical representations.

That is our brief overview of Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and how that leads to mesh analysis. You’ll note that we sometimes used mesh analysis and KVL interchangeably. While technically not the same, it is very common to hear them used like that. Depending on where you are and who you’ve studied with, you may find some other differences in approach, naming conventions, and even direction assumptions. However, despite these superficial differences, all mesh analysis comes down to finding the voltage across the different elements in a mesh. As long as you’re consistent and have a good understanding of what you’re doing, you should be able to get the answer you’re looking for.

• Circuit Theory (18)
• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (2)
• Mesh Analysis (2)

Authored By

Josh bishop.

Interested in embedded systems, hiking, cooking, and reading, Josh got his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Boise State University. After a few years as a CEC Officer (Seabee) in the US Navy, Josh separated and eventually started working on CircuitBread with a bunch of awesome people. Josh currently lives in southern Idaho with his wife and four kids.

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The following physical quantities  are  measured  in an electrical circuit; Current , : Denoted by  I measured in Amperes ( A ). Resistance , : Denoted by  R   measured in  Ohms ( W ) . Electrical Potential Difference , : Denoted by  V   measured in  volts. (v)  

Three basic laws govern the flow of current in an electrical circuit :

1. Ohm's Law

2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law Conservation of Energy.

3. Kirchhoff's Current Law Conservation of Charge .        

Simple circuits are categorized  in  two type :

1. Series Circuits

2. Parallel Circuits  

 For circuits with series and parallel sections, break the circuit up into portions of series and parallel, then calculate values for these portions, and use these values to calculate the resistance of the entire circuit. That is, first,  for each individual series path, calculate the total resistance for that path. Second, using these values, by assuming that each path as a single resistor, calculate the total resistance of the circuit.

Useful Rules  

 We can apply  the methods for solving linear systems to solve problems  involving  electrical circuits. In a given circuit if  enough values of currents, resistance, and potential difference  is known, we should be able to find the other unknown values of these quantities. We mainly use the Ohm's Law , Kirchhoff's Voltage Law  and Kirchhoff's current Law.  

Example :   Find the currents in the circuit for the following network.

Solution : Lets assign currents to each part of the  circuit between the node points.  We have two node points  Which will give us three different currents.  Lets assume that the currents are in clockwise direction.    

 So the current on the segment EFAB is I 1 , on the segment BCDE is I 3 and on the segment EB is I 2

Using the  Kirchhoff's current Law for the node  B   yields the equation

For the node E we will get the same equation.Then we use Kirchhoff's  voltage law

-4 I 1 + (-30) -5 I 1  - 10I 1  -60  +10I 2 =0

When  through the  battery from (-) to (+),   on the segment EF,  potential difference  is  -30, and on segment FA  moving through the resistor of  5 W  will result in the potential difference of -5 I 1  and  in a similar way we can find the potential differences on the other segment of the loop EFAB.  

 In the  loop  BCDE, Kirchhoff's  voltage law will yield the following equation:

-30 I 3 + 120-10I 2 +60 =0

 Now we have three equations with three unknowns:

  I 1          +     I 2     -    I 3           =0 -19 I 1  +10 I 2                      = 90             -10 I 2      -30 I 3          = -180

 This linear system can be solved  by methods of linear Algebra.  Linear Algebra is more useful when the network is very complicated and  the number of the unknowns is large.

The system above has the following solution:

Exercises ,

Advanced Electrical Circuit Analysis

Practice Problems, Methods, and Solutions

• © 2022
• Mehdi Rahmani-Andebili 0

Engineering Technology, State University of New York, Buffalo, USA

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• Exercises cover a wide selection of basic and advanced questions and problems
• Categorizes and orders the problems based on difficulty level, hence suitable for both knowledgeable and under-prepared students
• Provides detailed and instructor-recommended solutions and methods, along with clear explanations;
• Can be used along with the core textbooks

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Comparative Study on the Textbooks of Classic “Electric Circuits Analysis”

Engineering Technology: Engaging Disciplinary Thinking and Doing

• Circuit Fundamentals
• Circuit Theorems
• Convolution Integral
• Electrical Circuits
• Electrical Circuit Analysis
• Graph Theory
• Laplace Transform
• Natural Frequency
• Network Topology
• Nonlinear Electrical Circuits
• Operational Amplifier
• Principle of Duality
• Two-Port Networks

Table of contents (10 chapters)

Front matter, problems: state equations of electrical circuits.

Mehdi Rahmani-Andebili

Solutions of Problems: State Equations of Electrical Circuits

Problems: laplace transform and network function, solutions of problems: laplace transform and network function, problems: natural frequencies of electrical circuits, solutions of problems: natural frequencies of electrical circuits, problems: network theorems (tellegen’s and linear time-invariant network theorems), solutions of problems: network theorems (tellegen’s and linear time-invariant network theorems), problems: two-port networks, solutions of problems: two-port networks, back matter, authors and affiliations, about the author, bibliographic information.

Book Title : Advanced Electrical Circuit Analysis

Book Subtitle : Practice Problems, Methods, and Solutions

Authors : Mehdi Rahmani-Andebili

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78540-6

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Engineering , Engineering (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-030-78539-0 Published: 22 July 2021

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-030-78542-0 Published: 23 July 2022

eBook ISBN : 978-3-030-78540-6 Published: 21 July 2021

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : IX, 152

Number of Illustrations : 1 b/w illustrations, 155 illustrations in colour

Topics : Circuits and Systems , Cyber-physical systems, IoT , Engineering/Technology Education

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Lesson details

Key learning points.

• A circuit will not work if it is not part of a complete loop with a battery.
• Buzzers only work if they are connected in the correct direction.
• To solve problems with circuits, scientists test whether they are connected correctly and whether the components work.
• Electricians check if circuits have been built incorrectly and with improper wiring.
• When we use electricity and electrical appliances, we need to follow rules to stay safe.

Common misconception

Misconceptions associated with incomplete circuits: one wire to battery; connections to the same end of the battery; wires the wrong way round; not connecting clips to metal.

Children will be taught how to troubleshoot circuits which are not working to address these misconceptions.

Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make something work.

Complete - A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly and there are no breaks in the circuit.

Incomplete - An incomplete electrical circuit is made when the components are not connected together correctly or there are breaks in the circuit.

Connectors - Connectors are the places on components where the wires make contact to join it to the rest of the circuit.

Electrician - An electrician is an expert in electrical circuits and electricity.

Components for simple electric circuits: cells, wires, bulbs in holders, buzzers and motors.

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited ( 2024 ), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Site search, 10 electrical wiring problems solved.

Do you have an electrical issue you’re looking to fix? Read our guide to learn some common electrical problems you might face, and the best solutions for each.

It’s not just the nation’s power grid that’s antiquated. The wiring inside many houses is also out of date, straining to supply our ever-growing collection of electricity-hungry appliances, lighting, and electronics.

“The circuits in these older homes weren’t designed to power the many gadgets of modern life,” says electrician Allen Gallant, who has wired six This Old House TV project houses.

The signs of strain may be obvious—a tangle of extension cords and power strips sprouting from a single outlet—or lurking unseen behind walls, ceilings, and cover plates.

Protecting the Fuse Box

Fuse boxes, like the one above, are less common these days than circuit breaker panels, but they work just fine — unless someone installs fuses with a higher amperage than the wires can safely handle. That can cause the wires to overheat, damaging their protective insulation and increasing the risk of fire.

Once the insulation has been damaged, the danger remains even if the offending fuse is replaced with one that’s the proper amperage. To fix it, the old circuit must be rewired.

Hire a Pro & Avoid Fire Hazards

Some wiring problems are just inconveniences. But others can pose serious fire or electrocution hazards. If you’re buying a house (especially one that’s more than 50 years old), or if you’ve never had your wiring inspected, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed electrician to give your home a thorough going-over.

“He’ll look at the insulation on the wires to see if it’s dried out and fraying, he’ll look for corrosion in the service panel, and he’ll look to see if a previous owner did anything unsafe,” Gallant says. After that, he recommends getting a quick follow-up inspection every five years.

Don’t be alarmed if the inspection turns up code violations. Each time the electrical code is revised, old wiring is “grandfathered,” on the assumption it was installed correctly. Code only requires you to update wiring in rooms being gut-renovated.

To help you assess the state of your own electrical system, we’ve asked Gallant to identify the 10 most common wiring problems he sees, the dangers they pose, and his recommended solutions.

Remember: Anytime you work with wiring, be sure to turn off the circuit at the main breaker panel.

Common Electrical Problems

1. overlamping.

What it means: A fixture has a light bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture is designed for.

Code violation? Yes.

Danger level: High. The bulb’s intense heat can scorch or melt the socket and insulation on the fixture’s wires, which increases the risk of arcing — sparks that jump through the air from one wire to another — a chief cause of electrical fires. The damage to socket and wires remains even after the bulb has been removed.

Solution: Stay within the wattage limit listed on all light fixtures made since 1985. For older, unmarked fixtures, use only 60-watt bulbs or smaller.

2. Uncovered Junction Boxes

What it means: Because a junction box houses the splices where wires are connected to one another, a person could inadvertently damage the wires or get a shock.

Danger level: Minimal, as long as wires aren’t within reach.

Solution: Spend a few cents to buy a new cover and install it with the screws provided.

3. Flickering Lights When It’s Windy

What it means: Frayed wiring in the weatherhead (the outdoor fitting where overhead cables from the power line come into the house) is causing a short whenever the cables move.

Code violation? No.

Danger level: High. Aside from the annoyance, the frayed wiring can arc and start a fire.

Solution: Contact the electric utility, which may replace the weatherhead at no charge.

4. Too Few Outlets

What it means: Heavy reliance on extension cords and power strips.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in. (Today’s codes require receptacles within 4 feet of a doorway and every 12 feet thereafter.)

Danger level: Minimal, as long as you use heavy-duty extension cords, 14-gauge or thicker. (The thicker the wire, the lower the gauge number.) Undersize extension cords (16-gauge or smaller) can overheat and ignite a fire if loads are too heavy.

Solution: Add more outlets. Expect to pay an electrician about $100 per first-floor outlet and double that for second-floor work. (There will likely be a minimum charge.) This work requires cutting holes in walls and ceilings to snake the wires. Some electricians will patch the holes; others leave the patching to you.

5. No GFCIs

What it means: Increased risk of electrocution in wet areas, such as baths and kitchens. GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) shut down circuits in 4 milliseconds, before a current can cause a deadly shock.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in. (Codes today require GFCIs within 4 feet of any sink and on all garage, basement, and outdoor outlets.)

Danger level: High.

Solution: Replace old receptacles with GFCIs (about $12 each). This is a simple job that many homeowners do themselves. Electricians charge about $20 per outlet. (There will likely be a minimum job charge.) Note: As an alternative, GFCI breakers ($25) can be installed on the main electrical panel. But then every time one trips, you have to go down to the basement to reset it.

6. Overwired Panel

What it means: The panel contains more circuits than it’s rated to handle because too many single-pole breakers (one circuit) have been replaced with tandem breakers (two circuits) in one slot. (Tandem breakers aren’t the same as high-amp double-pole breakers, which take up two slots with one circuit.) A label on each panel specifies how many circuits the panel can accommodate.

Danger level: Minimal. It may become an issue when the house is being sold and an inspector looks inside the panel.

Solution: Add a subpanel with a few extra slots ($250), or, if you’re planning major home improvements, replace the existing panel with a larger model ($500 to $800).

7. Aluminum Wiring

What it means: You have a type of wiring, used in the 1960s and ’70s as a cheap substitute for copper, that is no longer considered safe.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in.

Danger level: High. Aluminum corrodes when in contact with copper, so connections loosen, which can lead to arcing and fires.

Solution: Retrofit a dielectric wire nut approved for aluminum wire (a pair sells for less than $1) onto each copper/aluminum connection in light fixtures. These nuts have a special grease that stops corrosion while maintaining conductivity. Make sure any replacement switches and receptacles are labeled AL-compatible.

8. Backstabbed Wires

What it means: On newer switches and receptacles, wires pushed in the back are more likely to come loose than those anchored around screw terminals.

Code violation? No. The practice is allowed, even for new construction.

Danger level: It depends. At a minimum, loose wires can cause a receptacle or switch to stop working. In the worst case, they can start a fire.

Solution: Check for backstabbed connections by removing a switch or receptacle from its outlet box. If one is backstabbed, there are likely to be more. Release the wires and attach them to the appropriate screw terminals on the receptacle.

9. Ungrounded (2-prong) Receptacles

What it means: Your house’s wiring has no way to safely conduct any stray current that escapes the confines of the wires.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in. (Today’s code requires grounded circuits and receptacles.)

Danger level: Minimal, as long as you don’t use an adapter to fit a three-prong plug into a two-prong receptacle. Doing so could destroy the device you’re plugging in, and increase the chance of electrocution.

Solution: Replace two-prong receptacles with properly grounded three-prong ones, if wiring allows it (Also, test all existing three-prong receptacles with a GFCI circuit tester to make sure they’re grounded. Rewire any that aren’t.

10. Plug Falls Out of Receptacle

What it means: Worn contacts in receptacle no longer grip the prongs firmly.

Danger level: High. Loose contacts can cause arcing, which can ignite dry wood and dust.

Solution: Replace the old receptacles as soon as possible. (A new one costs about $2.) Many homeowners feel comfortable doing this themselves. Electricians will charge about $8 or $10 per outlet, although there’s likely to be a minimum charge for small jobs.

Old Electrical Wiring: Is It Safe?

Today’s standard household wiring is a plastic-sheathed, insulated three-wire cable, universally known by the trade name Romex. But the vintage copper wiring in many older houses works just as well as the new stuff, as long as it’s in good condition and hasn’t been altered in a way that violates code. Here are some wiring systems you’ll find in older homes.

Knob and Tube

The earliest residential wiring system has a cloth-covered hot wire and a neutral wire, which run parallel about a foot apart. Ceramic knobs anchor the wires to the house framing; ceramic tubes are used where wires cross or penetrate framing.

Caveats: Cannot be grounded or spliced into a grounded circuit. Its soldered connections may melt if too much current flows through them. Rewire or disconnect any circuits covered with building insulation; it causes this wiring to overheat.

Armored Cable (Bx)

The successor to knob and tube. A flexible steel sheath covers hot and neutral wires, which are insulated with cloth-covered rubber. The sheath provides a ground, so grounded receptacles are easy to retrofit.

Caveats: Sheath must be anchored securely to a metal outlet box. Check condition of insulation every five years or so; it degrades over time, as shown above, or if too much current is allowed to flow through the circuit.

Two-Wire Plastic-Sheathed Cable

An early PVC-insulated (Romex) wire.

Caveats: Plastic is easily damaged. Grounded receptacles cannot be retrofitted to this wire.

Where to Find It

Electrician: Allen Gallant Gallant Electric Waltham, MA 781-862-4636

Aluminum-to-copper connector: Twister #65 Ideal Industries Sycamore, IL 800-435-0705 www.idealindustries.com

Looking for more help with repairs around your home? A home warranty may help. Check out the This Old Houses Reviews Team’s in-depth reviews on:

• Best home warranty
• American Home Shield reviews
• First American Home Warranty reviews
• Select Home Warranty reviews
• Choice Home Warranty reviews
• Amazon Home Warranty reviews

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TechBullion

7 common electrical problems and solutions.

Electrical issues in homes and workplaces can be daunting, often causing frustration and posing safety risks. Understanding common electrical problems and their solutions can save time, money, and prevent potential hazards. This guide delves into the seven most common electrical problems, offering practical solutions and expert advice to keep your electrical systems running smoothly.

Electrical problems are a common occurrence in many households and commercial buildings. From flickering lights to frequent power surges, these issues can range from minor annoyances to serious safety hazards. Identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. 

This blog post explores seven common electrical problems and provides solutions to help you maintain a safe and functional environment. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, understanding these issues can help you know when to call in professional help, like the Top electricians in Kent WA , and when you can safely tackle a problem on your own.

1. Flickering Lights

Problem: Flickering lights can be a sign of a minor issue like a loose bulb or a more significant problem such as faulty wiring.

• Loose Bulb: Ensure the bulb is screwed in tightly.
• Faulty Wiring: If the flickering persists, check the wiring connections. Loose wires can cause intermittent connections, leading to flickering lights.
• Dimmer Switches: Ensure that dimmer switches are compatible with the light bulbs being used.

2. Frequent Power Surges

Problem: Power surges can damage electrical appliances and are often caused by lightning strikes, faulty appliances, or bad wiring.

• Unplug Devices: Disconnect any devices not in use, especially during a storm.
• Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors to safeguard your appliances.
• Professional Inspection: If surges are frequent, consult a professional to inspect your wiring and electrical panels.

3. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Problem: Circuit breakers trip to protect your home from electrical overloads. However, frequent tripping can indicate a problem.

• Identify the Cause: Overloaded circuits are a common cause. Distribute your electrical load by plugging appliances into different circuits.
• Replace Damaged Appliances: Faulty appliances can cause trips. Identify and replace any damaged devices.
• Upgrade Electrical System: If the issue persists, your electrical system may need an upgrade to handle the current load. Consulting the Top electricians in Kent WA can provide professional insights and solutions.

4. Dead Outlets

Problem: Dead outlets are not only inconvenient but can also be a sign of a larger electrical issue.

• Check the Circuit Breaker: Reset the tripped circuit breaker if necessary.
• Test GFCI Outlets: Press the reset button on GFCI outlets to restore power.
• Inspect Wiring: If the outlet remains dead, there may be a wiring issue that requires professional inspection.

5. High Electrical Bills

Problem: Unexpectedly high electrical bills can be due to several factors, including inefficient appliances, leaking power, or outdated wiring.

• Energy Audit: Conduct an energy audit to identify energy wastage.
• Upgrade Appliances: Replace old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient models.
• Smart Devices: Use smart plugs and timers to control energy usage.

6. Light Bulbs Burning Out Quickly

Problem: Light bulbs that burn out quickly can be frustrating and may indicate underlying electrical issues.

• Check Bulb Wattage: Ensure you are using the correct wattage for your fixtures.
• Inspect Fixtures: Loose connections in the fixture can cause bulbs to burn out quickly.
• Voltage Check: High voltage can shorten bulb lifespan. A professional electrician can check and adjust the voltage.

7. Electrical Shocks

Problem: Electrical shocks, though minor, are a serious concern and indicate potential electrical faults.

• Inspect Appliances: Faulty appliances can cause shocks. Unplug and inspect them for damage.
• Check Outlets: Loose or damaged outlets can also cause shocks. Tighten or replace them as needed.
• Professional Help: Persistent shocks require professional inspection to identify and rectify the underlying issue.

What should I do if my circuit breaker keeps tripping?  

If your circuit breaker frequently trips, start by reducing the load on that circuit. Unplug some devices and see if the problem persists. If it does, there might be a short circuit or other wiring issues that need professional attention.

Why do my lights flicker when I use certain appliances?  

Flickering lights can occur when heavy appliances draw a large current, causing a voltage drop. Ensure that the wiring can handle the appliance’s load. If the problem continues, it may indicate an issue with your electrical panel or wiring that needs professional evaluation.

How can I prevent power surges?  

Use surge protectors to safeguard your electronics. Unplug devices during storms and ensure your home’s wiring and grounding are up to code. Frequent surges may require a whole-house surge protector or a professional inspection of your electrical system.

Why are my electrical outlets warm to the touch?  

Warm outlets can indicate a serious issue such as overloaded circuits, loose wiring, or faulty devices. Unplug any devices from the outlet and consult a professional electrician immediately to prevent potential fire hazards.

Electrical problems can range from minor inconveniences to significant safety hazards. By understanding these common issues and their solutions, you can ensure a safer and more efficient electrical system in your home or workplace. Regular maintenance, timely upgrades, and consulting professionals like the Top electricians in Kent WA when needed can help prevent and resolve electrical problems effectively. Stay proactive and vigilant to keep your electrical system running smoothly and safely.

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