5 Most Common Electrical Problems
Robert Lombardo • December 18, 2023
A guide to identifying and solving electrical issues.
At Higher Point General Contracting, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge about common electrical issues. By understanding these problems, you can better manage your home's electrical system and ensure its safety and efficiency. Here are the five most common electrical problems we encounter and how to handle them:
1. Frequent Electrical Surges
Electrical surges can occur for a variety of reasons, including damaged power lines, faulty appliances, or bad electrical wiring in your house. While an electrical surge only lasts a microsecond, frequent surges can damage the electrical components connected to your home, degrading their life expectancy significantly.
To address this issue, try removing any cheaply made devices or powerboards from the outlet to see if this prevents the surges. If not, it might be time to consult with a professional as the issue could lie in your home's wiring.
2. Overloaded Circuits
Overloading happens when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, exceeding its capacity. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip, shutting off all the power to that particular circuit.
The best solution here is to distribute your electrical devices across different circuits. Avoid using multi-plug adaptors on a single wall socket, as they can quickly lead to overloads.
3. Sags and Dips in Power
Like surges, sags and dips in your electrical supply can often be attributed to devices connected to your power grid that are faulty or made with substandard materials, and draw a lot of power when they're turned on.
The first step in troubleshooting this issue is identifying and unplugging the offending device. If you're unable to identify the problematic device, or if the sags and dips continue, it might be time to call in a professional.
4. Light Switches Not Working Properly
If you've moved into a house and find light switches that don’t seem to activate anything at all, this might be a sign of poor workmanship or faulty wiring. In some cases, it could also mean the switches have been superseded and fixtures removed.
In such a situation, we recommend consulting with an experienced electrician who can identify whether it's a wiring issue, or if the switch or outlet needs replacing.
5. Circuit Breaker Tripping Frequently
High wattage items like microwaves and hairdryers can trip circuit breakers, particularly when other power-consuming items are used on the same source. A circuit breaker is designed to protect you and your home, so when it trips, it's a sign that it's doing its job.
Look at what you were using when it tripped. If it was a hair dryer, try using the low setting. Alternatively, limit the electrical usage on a single circuit while high watt devices are in use.
In conclusion, while some minor electrical problems can be solved with a little know-how, others signal more serious issues that require professional help. At Higher Point General Contracting, we're always ready to assist with your electrical needs. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help dealing with your home's electrical issues.
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We’re excited (and honestly pretty honored) to share that Higher Point General Contracting has been nominated again for the 2026 Montco Happening List — and yes, we’re coming in as the reigning winners from 2025! Being recognized once was huge. Being nominated again means even more. What Is the Montco Happening List? If you’re not familiar, the Montco Happening List is an annual, community-driven recognition program that highlights the best local businesses, people, and places across Montgomery County and the surrounding region. What makes it special is this: - Businesses are nominated and voted on by the community - Winners aren’t chosen by a panel or algorithm - It’s about real experiences, trust, and reputation From restaurants and boutiques to professional services and contractors, the Happening List is a snapshot of who the community genuinely loves and relies on. Why This Nomination Matters to Us Winning in 2025 was a milestone for Higher Point — not because of a title, but because it confirmed something we care deeply about: our work resonates with the people we serve. Being nominated again for 2026 tells us that: - Our clients remember the experience, not just the finished project - Our attention to detail, communication, and craftsmanship matter - The relationships we build are as important as the work itself As a locally owned general contracting company, everything we do is rooted in this community. We work in your homes, your neighborhoods, and your spaces — so being chosen by you carries real weight. What the Happening List Says About Local Businesses The Happening List isn’t about being the biggest company or the loudest brand. It’s about: Consistency Trust Quality Showing up when it matters To be recognized alongside so many great local businesses is something we don’t take lightly. How to Vote for Higher Point Voting is simple and only takes a minute: Visit the Montco Happening List voting page (click) Find the category for General Contracting / Home Services Select Higher Point General Contracting Submit your vote Every vote truly counts — and every single one is appreciated more than we can say! Thank You for Being Part of Our Story Whether you’ve worked with us on a renovation, a custom build, a smaller project, or you’ve simply followed along and supported our work — thank you. Being in the running again is because of you, and we’re incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values thoughtful, well-done work. Here’s to another year of building better and hopefully bringing home the title again in 2026.
