Home electrical problems are more common than you might think. Whether it’s flickering lights, tripping breakers, or outlets that suddenly stop working, these issues are often signs that your home’s electrical system needs attention. As your Erie electrician, Reigel Electrical is here to help you recognize, understand, and safely solve these common issues before they turn into costly repairs or safety hazards.

1. Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your circuit breaker trips often, it’s doing its job — preventing overloads that could cause fires. However, frequent tripping is usually a sign of overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.

Possible Causes:

• Too many appliances or devices plugged into one circuit.
• Damaged cords or outdated wiring.
• Appliances drawing more power than the circuit can handle.

Solutions:
Try unplugging a few items and redistributing devices across multiple outlets. If the breaker continues to trip, it’s time to call an Erie, PA electrician to inspect the wiring and ensure everything meets modern safety codes.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering lights are more than just annoying — they can indicate a loose connection or voltage fluctuations.

Possible Causes:

• Loose bulb or fixture.
• Outdated wiring connections.
• Major appliances causing voltage drops when they start up.

Solutions:
Tighten bulbs and test other fixtures. If the problem persists, have your Erie electrician check for faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Electrical arcing behind the walls can be a fire hazard, so don’t ignore persistent flickering.

3. Dead or Malfunctioning Outlets

Outlets that don’t work or feel warm to the touch are warning signs.

Possible Causes:

• Tripped GFCI (common in bathrooms and kitchens).
• Loose wiring or worn-out receptacles.
• Breaker or fuse issues.

Solutions:
Check and reset your GFCI outlets first. If power doesn’t return, you may have a wiring issue inside the wall. Avoid using damaged outlets and call a licensed Erie electrician to repair or replace them safely.

4. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells

Any buzzing, popping, or burning odor coming from outlets or switches is a serious red flag.

Possible Causes:

• Overheating due to loose wires or overloaded circuits.
• Faulty switch or outlet components.
• Arcing behind walls.

Solutions:
Turn off power at the breaker immediately and contact Reigel Electrical, your local Erie, PA electrician. Electrical fires can start silently, so quick action is key.

5. Light Bulbs Burning Out Quickly

Replacing light bulbs too often? That’s not normal.

Possible Causes:

• Using the wrong wattage for the fixture.
• Faulty sockets or insulation around the fixture.
• Voltage fluctuations in the circuit.

Solutions:
Double-check the wattage and switch to LED bulbs for efficiency. If the issue continues, have your electrical system tested for voltage inconsistencies.

When to Call a Professional

While some issues have simple fixes, many electrical problems are signs of deeper issues within your wiring or panel. If you notice repeated breaker trips, burnt outlets, or flickering lights across multiple rooms, call a professional Erie electrician right away. At Reigel Electrical, our licensed team provides fast, friendly, and reliable service throughout Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties.

Protect Your Home with Expert Care

Your home deserves the attention of a skilled professional who prioritizes safety and quality. From troubleshooting to full rewiring projects, Reigel Electrical is proud to be the trusted electrician in Erie, PA that homeowners rely on for honest advice and dependable solutions.

Contact Reigel Electrical today to schedule an inspection or request a free quote — and keep your home safe, efficient, and powered up for years to come.