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The most common electrical faults and their solutions
It is something that can happen. Suddenly an electrical fault leaves us without electricity for a while, and it seems as though the world has come to a complete halt. We are going to list the most common electrical faults and, most importantly, what to do about them.
The electrical installations in any home or building require proper maintenance to work safely and efficiently. It often happens, however, that faults arise which, unless they are detected and repaired in good time, can put your domestic appliances at risk and even endanger the people living there.
Keeping our installations in good shape is important to avoid making our home unsafe and to ensure that our domestic appliances work correctly. That is why we are showing you the most common types of faults that can occur in a domestic electrical installation, so that you can identify them and spot any issues before they can develop into serious problems.
Which electrical faults can cut off my supply?
A power surge
We all know what this is. Every home has a power limit defined in their contract. When this limit is exceeded, the increase in the voltage triggers the fuses, the power supply reaches its limit and then cuts off. This happens when we plug in more electrical appliances that we should at the same time, because we are trying to do too much, or when we turn on appliances that use more power. The ICP (Circuit breaker) will be switched off.
Fault in the electric water heater
This is a very common fault that triggers the circuit breaker in the electric panel, cutting off the supply. One of the most common faults is caused by water coming into contact with the element.
Problems with the distribution cables
These are caused by old or damaged wires carrying the electricity from where it is generated to where it is consumed.
Loss of insulation
This is another electrical fault caused by damaged materials, and it is also quite common. In this case, it is the material that insulates the electric current that does not protect the installation as it should. It is caused by age or a lack of maintenance and can often occur with older domestic appliances. One indication of this is the familiar spark that can be seen when we touch a plug or electrical device.
Short-circuit
A short-circuit happens when two wires with different polarity touch each other, causing a sharp spike in the electric current. This phenomenon generates heat and can trigger fuses or automatic circuit breakers.
Short-circuits are normally caused by cables in poor condition, defective connections or damaged devices. They are a problem that, if not repaired correctly, can cause a fire in the installation.
That is why it is so important to find the exact place where the contact fault is occurring. They are normally easy to spot, such as a bare wire or one that gives off small sparks. We have to change or replace the part in question. If you are not sure, or don’t know how to solve it, the safest option is to contact a specialist who can guarantee that your system is completely safe.
Electrical fault in the grid
This is a general fault and may be caused by elements that we cannot control, such as bad weather or traffic accidents. We need to be patient and wait for the technicians to sort it out.
Scheduled cuts
This is not a real electrical fault, but a cut in the power supply for a specified time, controlled by the company, to improve the service or make some necessary adjustments. We are normally warned in advance about them.
Circuit breaker triggered: when the installation warns us
Circuit breakers are safety devices that cut off the electricity supply when there is a leakage of electricity. If this device is triggered repeatedly, it may indicate that there are problems in the installation or the devices that are in use. Electricity leaks are dangerous as they increase the risk of electrocution.
Checking the condition of your domestic appliances regularly and making sure there are no damaged wires is the best way to avoid power failures. If the problems persist, an electrician can run tests to detect possible leaks in your installation.
Blown fuses: the benefit of safety
Fuses protect electric circuits from overloads. When a fuse blows, the current is probably too high for the safety of the circuit. It could be due to an overload or a short-circuit.
When this happens, it is important to replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage. If the problem persists, you must check the load that the circuit can bear and correct any overload or malfunctioning device.
Malfunctioning plugs: check the mains connection
Plugs or sockets that do not work properly are a common problem in many homes. This may be due to loose connections, faulty wiring or overloaded lines. Any plugs that emit sparks or heat up when used may be dangerous as they are a fire hazard.
Most of the time, checking the wire contacts in the plugs in question is the right solution. If they are loose or damaged, tighten the connections or replace any faulty components.
Problems with light fittings: safety above all else
Any bulbs that flicker, go out without warning or do not work correctly may be caused by a bad contact in the lamp fittings or by low quality bulbs. Using bulbs that are not compatible with the light fittings or the installation can also increase the risk of overheating.
Always make sure that you use the right bulbs for the light fittings and the installation. Make sure that the connections are good and, if necessary, repair or replace any faulty elements.
How to solve some electric faults
It is easy to correct an increase in voltage. You need to turn off or unplug the domestic appliances that consume the most, turn off the power supply at the fusebox and wait a few seconds before turning it back on, starting from the left and leaving the main switch until last. If the power does not come back after doing this, you will have to contact a qualified electrician to check everything properly. If the power does come back on, but the circuit breaker is triggered repeatedly, the best solution is to increase the power supply in your contract.
When there are short-circuits or faults in the electrics or wiring, you must call a technician as soon as possible to prevent serious damage. We have said it many times before, but an electric fault can cause a fire in your home. The electrician who comes must check the electrical installation to see if any wires need to be changed, or the whole installation. They can also check our appliances if we suspect that they might have blown the fuses. Any of these steps are complex and require knowledge of electricity, so it is best not to take any risks.
The best solution is an inspection by an expert
The most common electrical faults, such as short-circuits, overloads or problems with plugs can be serious safety risks if they are not tackled in time.
Carrying out regular checks and getting help from a professional electrician is essential to maintain the electrical installation in good condition. This is how we can prevent accidents and make sure that our devices and domestic appliances are working properly.
At Endesa, we can offer you the best technical support with our 360 Electricity Protection service, which you can contact whenever you need it and have an emergency electrician come to your home in under 3 hours if the problem is urgent, or in a maximum of 48 working hours if it is not urgent - in either case, the visit and first three hours of labour costs are free.
You can also enjoy our repair service for your domestic appliances (washing machines, dryers, fridges, freezers, extractor hoods, dishwashers, ceramic hobs, cookers and electric ovens), as well as locksmiths, plumbers and glaziers. It also includes electricity supply payment protection insurance.
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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