Problem: Circuit breaker trips when high-wattage items are in use.
Diagnosis: Overload on the circuit.
Solution: Either limit the use of high wattage items such as microwaves or hair dryers on the same circuit or have an electrical contractor install a separate circuit dedicated to heavy wattage appliances.

Problem: Receptacle stopped working.
Diagnosis: Loose connection due to a back-wired receptacle (wires connected directly to the back of the receptacle instead of being wrapped around the screw).
Solution: Have an electrician locate and replace all the back wired receptacles in the home. In some cases the source of the problem is not a back wired receptacle but a loose neutral connection – this too will also require professional handling.

Problem: No electrical power in the home.
Diagnosis: Loose connection at the point where the power company wires feed to the service wires in your home. This faulty connection can also be located further out, somewhere along in the power companies system.
Solution: Hire a professional electrician to locate and repair the loose connection. Until the problem is fixed, refine from using any 220V appliances such as your electric cook-top or range, central AC or electric dryer.

Problem: Fishy smelling receptacle/switch.
Diagnosis: A seriously damaged electrical device.
Solution: Don't ignore the fishy odor as it signals a serious electrical problem. Turn the power off to the smelly appliance and immediately call an electrician for a prompt solution.

Problem: Spikes and Surges
Diagnosis: Spikes are brief bursts of extra voltage while surges are longer bursts of too much voltage. Both have the ability to destroy electronics instantly or overtime. Both can be caused by external disturbances like storms, or by automatic or manual turning off of microwave ovens, air conditioners, coffee makers or power tools.
Solution: Have electricians install plug-in surge protectors to safeguard individual electronic items against surges, spikes, electrical noise and outside disturbances.

Problem: Sags, dips and power outages.
Diagnosis: Sags and dips are short periods of low voltage while power outages or blackouts are periods of no electric power. While sags and dips can be caused when an electrical appliance draws power as it is switched on, blackouts are usually the result of harsh weather, damaged equipment of the power company or short circuits in the home. Sags, dips and outages can cause data loss or damage to computers, answering machines, microwaves, and faxes and other electronic devices that use memory.
Solution: Have an electrical contractor install Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. UPS units operate "online" to filter out power disturbances and provide free flowing electricity during normal conditions. UPS units are equipped with battery backup systems in case of a blackout.

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