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.
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. By checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, you can better diagnose the problem and decide on the next steps.
Visual Inspection
If an appliance, lamp, or device stops working, start by inspecting the outlet and cord for any damage. Sometimes, a power outlet will fail and stop working. You may notice visible signs of damage, such as discoloration. Likewise, inspect all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, or other damage. If the outlet or cord is damaged, it’s probably time for a replacement.
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. It’s vital to determine whether the outlet or the electrical item is at fault. 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 feature a reset button. If you don’t see it, the reset button is on another outlet in that 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. Often, you can find the faulty breaker by inspecting your home’s electrical panel. Many circuit breaker boxes are labeled to indicate which circuits connect to which areas of the house. If so, flipping the breaker off and back on can often fix the problem. Sometimes, the breaker itself might be faulty or have a loose connection. If that occurs, the breaker must be replaced.
Call Your Landlord
Whatever type of electrical problem you face, ensure you call your landlord and explain the issue and what you’ve done to troubleshoot it. Frequent occurrences of these issues may indicate more serious electrical problems.
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 Santa Monica property manager helps resolve electrical issues promptly.
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