In reviewing electrical problems, it is necessary to setup guidelines to be understood by both the contractor and yourself, since you both have a mutual responsibility if the electrical system is to perform properly.

The National Electric Code (NEC) and the local building codes are the established norms used by contractors in electrical installations. However, if the system is not used correctly by you as the homeowner, problems can develop. As an example, the contractor cannot be responsible for what you may plug into an electrical outlet. Some appliances, such as freezers and refrigerators, may cause your GFCI to trip.

Listed below are several common electrical problems. If the problem is found to be your responsibility, or the warranty period has expired, you will be billed for the service call and any subsequent expenses.

Problem: Lights, switches and receptacles do not work.
Acceptable Tolerance
All lights, switches and receptacles should operate as intended.

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
Check to see if outlet is on a switch. Check and reset GFCI outlets and circuit breaker. Check light bulbs and replace if necessary.

Contractor Responsibility
Repair wiring or replace defective lights, switches and receptacles to function as intended.

Problem: Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip
Acceptable Tolerance
Fuses and circuit breakers should not trip under normal usage, except in the case of ground fault interrupters, which are susceptible to moisture and/or weather conditions.

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
Check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem.

Contractor Responsibility
Check wiring to determine whether or not it conforms to electrical code requirements. Repair wiring if not in conformity.
Owner to pay for repair or change, if due to his appliance.

Problem: Lights flicker in entire house or in parts of the house.
Acceptable Tolerance
Lights should not flicker throughout entire house at one time.
Central air conditioning and heat pump condensers may cause a noticeable slight dimming on start up.
Lights may flicker or dim due to startup of some appliances or motor driven equipment.
Dedicated circuits should be used.

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
First check with the local utility company for possible defects in supply source, or for the utility switching to other utilities for supply.
Contact heating and cooling contractor to check for proper operation of his equipment.
Check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem.

Contractor Responsibility
If the local utility company or the attached equipment is not the source of the problem, the internal wiring should then be checked and repaired as necessary.
Check builder-installed motor-driven equipment for proper operation.
Check wiring for installation per electrical codes.
Change or repair builder-installed motor or motor-driven equipment if such equipment is found defective.

Problem: Recess electrical fixtures operate intermittently.
Acceptable Tolerance
Recess electrical fixtures should not operate intermittently. Recess fixtures are manufactured with a thermal cutout device that shuts the unit off should overheating occur.

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
Install proper wattage replacement light bulbs that do not exceed manufactured recommended wattage for fixture.

Contractor Responsibility
Check recess fixture to see if it conforms to the manufactures installation and insulation requirements. Replace if necessary.

Problem: Light fixtures appear tarnished.
Acceptable Tolerance
Fixtures can tarnish and lose their luster due to weather, atmospheric conditions and improper cleaning.

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
None, except follow manufacturers recommendations when cleaning.

Contractor Responsibility
Contractor has no responsibility for correction.

Problem: Smoke detectors "chirp".

Acceptable Tolerance
Smoke detectors should not "chirp".

Homeowner Maintenance Responsibility
Replace battery twice yearly and follow manufacturer's recommendation for cleaning.

Contractor Responsibility
Check detector to see if it conforms to manufacturer's installation requirements. Replace if necessary.

BACK TO TOP | BACK TO RESIDENTIAL

COMMON ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS