Who this site is for
This page is intended for individuals who prefer to troubleshoot and resolve issues independently before seeking professional assistance, potentially avoiding unnecessary costs.
Many times throughout my career as an electrician, I've responded to power issues only to find that the solution was as simple as resetting a breaker or GFCI, or clearing a readily apparent short circuit. This often leaves the customer feeling chagrined by the straightforward nature of the repair, and me in the position of having to levy a charge for minimal effort. The intention behind these troubleshooting pages is to equip you with the knowledge to identify and resolve these common problems, thereby hopefully saving you from an unnecessary and expensive service call.
These helpful pages, featuring tips, tricks, and troubleshooting guides, will provide methods for addressing common electrical problems within the home.
Problems
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Test tools
Voltage Tester
When checking for live voltage, a tester with vibrational feedback can be highly advantageous.
Be aware that some electronic testers may exhibit a brief delay in their readings. For measuring resistance or continuity, multimeters are generally the best tool.
Regardless of the equipment used, always pay close attention to the voltage ratings and maximum ratings. Read warning labels and Instructions if provided.
Multimeter
A multimeter is a versatile testing device that can measure various electrical properties, including AC/DC voltage, current (amperage), and resistance (ohms). It's invaluable for diagnosing more complex electrical issues, checking battery levels, verifying component integrity, and precise voltage readings. Digital multimeters (DMMs) are most common today.
Inductive Pen (A.C. Voltage Detector)
Also known as a non-contact voltage tester, an inductive pen is a go-to device for a rapid safety assessment of whether an AC circuit is live. It's important to note that these pens are designed for alternating current, making them unsuitable for testing direct current sources like batteries or the DC output of power adapters. Carrying an inductive pen enables you to verify the presence of electrical power, provided you've confirmed the tester is functioning correctly by testing it on a known live circuit.
Amperage Measurement (Clamp Meter)
With an ammeter, you can measure the amount of current flowing through your wires. This is particularly helpful for looking at motor loads, like refrigerators or washing machines, as these appliances tend to draw varying amounts of current over time.
You can utilize this meter to measure the current (or amperage) consumed by your air conditioner, refrigerator, and other appliances. Compare these measurements to their nameplate ratings to determine if there are any discrepancies in the amount of current.
Because the current draw of many devices isn't constant, you might need to record readings over a period of 24 to 72 hours to truly understand the electrical demands on the circuit.
Continuity Testing
Continuity testing checks for a complete path for current to flow between two points. Most multimeters have a continuity setting that beeps if there's a closed circuit (low resistance). It's used to check fuses, find breaks in wires, test switches, and verify connections. Power must be OFF when performing continuity tests.
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Comments (5)
Meredeth on June 28, 2025 2:09 p.m.
We purchased an outdoor electric sauna and had Gordon install it. It was a lot of planning since we were also having our yard landscaped; he worked with the timeline of the landscaping the get electric run under ground. Then came back later, even with delays of delivery for sauna and finished hooking everything up. During this time we also decided to purchase an EV and needed the outlet for charging. He worked out a connection that allows us to run the EV charge or the sauna. It’s a great set up and exactly what we wanted.
Jodi on June 23, 2025 3:13 p.m.
I hired Gordon to replace switches and 1 GFI outlet he did a great job! He was really respectful and kept the area clean.
Richbueno on June 22, 2025 8:15 p.m.
I had mister hampton repar my doorbell and he did a grate job so he replced the floor under my sink in the kitchen and I was so impressed with his work I would recommend him for any job he clean up after he was done I give mister Hampton a A rating
Mike and Mary on June 21, 2025 8:57 p.m.
We hired Gordon to run electrical for our new hotub. He was efficient and professional. Gave us a fair price. We have had zero issues with the install. We will definitely use him again for future electrical work. We highly recommend him.
Helena l bustamante on June 21, 2025 1:04 p.m.
Gordon was sufficient and on time everyday! He was professional and got the job done in the time he alotted me