If you experience electrical problems in your rental, like flickering lights, dead outlets, or frequently tripping circuit breakers, you might be curious about solutions.
While it’s crucial to prioritize safety and think about hiring a licensed electrician for major problems, you can try some troubleshooting for common electrical issues. By following steps like checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, you can gain a better understanding of the issue and make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Visual Inspection
If an appliance, lamp, or electrical device stops functioning, initially inspect the outlet and cord for any signs of damage. There are times when a power outlet malfunctions and stops working. Signs of damage, like discoloration, may be noticeable. Similarly, look over all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, and other damage. If there is damage to the outlet or cord, 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 necessary to ascertain if the outlet or the electrical item is the cause of the problem. If your device works when plugged into a different outlet (preferably in another room), then the outlet is the main issue.
Reset the GFCI
An outlet often stops working because it is linked to a GFCI outlet that has tripped. The majority of outlets come with 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, most often found in the bathroom or kitchen, but sometimes in more obscure locations 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
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the outlets but with a faulty circuit breaker. You can often locate the bad breaker by examining your home’s electrical panel. Circuit breaker boxes often have labeled circuits indicating which areas they cover. In such cases, flipping the breaker off and then on again can often resolve the problem. In other instances, the breaker might be defective or have a loose connection. If this happens, the breaker will need to be replaced.
Call Your Landlord
Regardless of the electrical issue, be sure to inform your landlord about the problem and the troubleshooting steps you’ve taken. If these issues occur often, it might signal more serious electrical problems.
If your troubleshooting efforts don’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord must hire a professional electrician. In any case, clear communication with your Tampa property manager is the key to quickly resolving electrical problems.
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Originally published: April 2, 2021
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