Should you encounter electrical problems in your rental property, including flickering lights, outlets that don’t work, or circuit breakers that trip frequently, you may be looking for solutions.
Although it’s vital to prioritize safety and think about hiring a licensed electrician for major issues, you can still attempt some troubleshooting for common electrical problems. By checking tripped circuit breakers, testing outlets, and inspecting light fixtures, you can better diagnose the problem and decide on the next steps.
Visual Inspection
If an appliance, lamp, or electrical device stops functioning, initially inspect the outlet and cord for any signs of damage. Power outlets can occasionally fail and become inactive. You might see visible damage, such as discoloration. Similarly, examine all plugs and cords for breaks, fraying, and other damage. When the outlet or cord shows damage, it’s probably time to replace them.
Try a Different Outlet
If your outlet and power cord appear undamaged, the next step is to try your lamp or device in another outlet. It’s vital to determine whether the outlet or the electrical item is at fault. If your device works when plugged into a different outlet (preferably in another room), then the outlet is the main issue.
Reset the GFCI
A common reason an outlet stops working is due to it being connected to a tripped GFCI outlet. Most outlets have 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, typically in the bathroom or kitchen, but occasionally in places 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 is not with the outlets but with a defective circuit breaker. By examining your home’s electrical panel, you can usually determine which breaker is bad. Circuit breaker boxes often have labeled circuits indicating which areas they cover. When this is the case, turning the breaker off and on again can often solve the issue. Other times, the breaker might be faulty or have a loose connection. If this is the case, the breaker will need replacing.
Call Your Landlord
Whatever electrical issue arises, make sure to notify your landlord and explain both the problem and your troubleshooting attempts. If these issues occur often, it might signal more serious electrical problems.
If troubleshooting doesn’t fix the non-working outlets, your landlord should call a professional electrician. In any situation, good communication with your Fargo property manager helps resolve electrical issues promptly.
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Originally published: April 2, 2021
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