5 Common Electrical Problems in Singapore
In Singapore it is common to face electrical problems. This is because almost every home in Singapore is full of electrical appliances and equipment! We rely on electricity so much on a daily basis that everyone is bound to face an electrical problem at any point in time. Overlooking electrical problems at home can put the entire family at risk, therefore it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences. Good news is, be rest assured as you can respond safely to these power issues and restore the comfort and safety of your home by hiring a licensed electrician. If you happen to experience any of the following electrical problems, make sure to seek assistance from Winway Home Services in Singapore.
Here are the five most common electrical problems in Singapore homes that need a good electrician.
Power Trip
A circuit breaker is a switch that provides electrical safety by interrupting current flow once an issue or fault like overheating or excess current is detected. If too many high power consuming items are drawing power from the same source, there are chances of your breakers getting tripped – it’s a good sign, though, as it means your home is protected. On the other hand, if it frequently happens, something is wrong and it can be an indication of another electrical problem, such as home wiring.
Light Switches
Light switch issues is common in Singapore or everywhere globally, as long as you have are using electricity. There are some common reason behind damaged light switches.
Sometimes it is caused by a broken mechanism. Signs of mechanical failure include the switch not turning on regardless of how many times you flip it. The faulty switch could be caused by a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker or a loose wire in the socket. If there are any mechanical issues, the switch will likely need to be replaced, and should always be installed by a professional, as doing it yourself risks shock and injury.
To confirm whether a light switch is functional or not, an electrician is needed to test the wall socket using a power tester or voltage meter to determine its cause. If the light switches feel warm or hot, the electrician needs to run the same test to determine if the bulbs are getting less or more than the required voltage.
When there is spark or noise when you try to switch on your switch, it is an immediate sign to get an electrician in Singapore to diagnose any underlying problems with your electrical switch.
Flickering Lights / Over Bright Lights / Over Dim Lights
Say you have 2 lights with the same model, but one appeared to be brighter or dimmer than the other, there could be technical problems on the power panel itself. If the bulbs are of different wattage, there would be no issue. However, if there is a problem in the power panel, you need to call a professional to settle it.
Other than that, if flickering is restricted to one lamp or fixture, it could be because light bulb is in too loosely and the socket isn’t making proper contact with the bulb, and that can cause intermittent flickering. You may wear a glove and screw the bulb in more tightly to see whether flickering stops. If it still flickers, turn off power to the bulb and remove it. Check to see if contacts may be bent away. It is possible you may be able to pull up on the contact in the socket. Replace the bulb and turn power back on. If it continues to flicker, the problem could be with the cord or wall outlet, if so, the switch would have to be replaced.
Exposed Wiring
Exposed wires should be taken seriously. Until you are certain the wire is not live, you should treat the wire as if current is running through it. They can be detrimental to your family’s safety if ignored as they pose fire and electrocution hazards.
Isolating the exposed wire is advisable in order to identify what caused the wire to become exposed. If it is a puncture in a wire’s insulation, it is an easier fix. If it is a loose electrical connection, you should look for how the wire was pulled from the electrical fixture.
In short, when you notice an exposed wire, you must first turn off the connection to the affected circuit. Better yet, call a professional to fix it for you.
Sparked/ Dead Outlets
If you experienced sparked outlet, simple reason may be because you are diverting fast-moving electrical current into it when you plug in an appliance. This causes a quick draw on the available power, which results in a brief flash. When outlets have too much heat built up inside them, the insulation around the wires can melt, causing short circuit and potential electrical fire.
If you run into a dead outlet, it may be subject to a bad connection, which could’ve caused it to stop working. Besides, if an outlet’s box can’t provide enough power, the outlet will cease to work.
To fix a dead outlet, it is always advisable to engage an electrician in Singapore. Always bear in mind that electrical outlets are surrounded by live wires and should never be worked on without training.
Simple Advice to Readers
When you encounter electrical problem, first and foremost, stay calm. Identify the problem and try to figure out the root cause before seeking assistance from an electrician. For instance, each time you see that an electrical appliance isn’t working, you don’t need to pick your telephone to call an electrician immediately. Begin by checking whether it is turned on before you conclude it is an electrical fault. Try to fix an alternate device into the same circuit to see whether you will get distinctive results. Other than that, you can try and see whether the problem is constraint to only one appliance in the house or entire system. With all these inputs, you will help the contractor to understand better your electrical problem as well.
For safety purpose, at whatever time you need to add electrical fixtures to your home, you may engage an electrician in Singapore. When in doubt or unsure of the process, don’t hesitate to call an electrician. Creating a protected and safe environment at home where your family can enjoy and relax should always be a top priority.
Winway Home Services offers various electrical services such as appliances installation, HDB house wiring, old house re-wiring, switch replacement, power trip troubleshooting and many more. Feel free to Whatsapp us for further enquiry.