Sometimes replacing a light switch or an outlet can be a quick job done in an afternoon. You may think looking up a ‘how to’ video on YouTube is all you need. But remember, electricity is dangerous and if you are not sure about what you are doing, it is better left to a professional. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to review before calling a professional electrician.

A common problem that can occur is circuit breaker tripping. If you find that power to certain parts of your home is constantly being shut off and requires you to use the circuit breaker to turn it back on, the line could be overloaded. Having to many appliances or electrical devices on one circuit can be too much for the line to handle and will cause the breaker to trip. To avoid this, try placing devices on a different circuit or unplugging appliances before you begin using another. If you continue to have problems you may have an issue with the circuit or one of your electrical devices. It may be best to call an electrician to diagnose the problem further.

Light bulbs must be replaced from time to time; it’s unavoidable. A common problem you could experience is dim or flickering bulbs. Turn off the power to the bulb and replace it with one you know is working properly. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the socket or the wiring and it is best that an electrician takes a look at the problem.

While there are countless problems you can experience in your home, a good rule of thumb is to stay within your comfort zone. Everyone has a different level of knowledge about electrical systems but if a problem exceeds your understanding, it is best left to a professional. If you are unfamiliar with rewiring new sockets and switches, leave them alone and call an electrician. Tampering and altering wire connections can result in serious injury if not done properly. Be very cautious if you come across an exposed wire or are constantly being shocked, you could have a major safety issue on your hands. Make sure you shut off all power to the area or appliance you are unsure about and contact a professional.

“SOLID” was the word Ken used to describe himself.  He is a man of character who always finishes what he starts and keeps his word.  A true humanitarian and dedicated businessman, Lebersfeld accepts this award with humble gratitude.

He continues to work six days a week, providing a “solid” foundation for his employees, as well as his younger siblings and cousins who work at Capitol Lighting.  They know–if there is a problem, whether personal or business–Ken would be there wholeheartedly and in full force.  He does nothing half-way.  And, perhaps that is why he is at the helm and has become the strong-hold of a family lighting business that has strived to be the best for over 90 years.

Security lighting is a great way to protect your home from intruders at night—but only when it’s working properly! Malfunctioning security lights may stay on longer than they’re supposed to, not turn on when they should turn on, or face a number of other problems that prevent them from working effectively. The following is a guide to troubleshooting security lights for some of the most common issues people face. Here’s what to do if you have the same problems!

Motion sensor lights are designed to come on when they detect movement and shut off after a few minutes when everything stops. But sometimes, motion stops and the lights stay on—usually as a result of a spike in current.

The first step in troubleshooting security lights with motion sensors that won’t shut off is to check if the time interval has been changed. Most motion sensors allow you to set a length of time for the light to stay on, usually anywhere between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. If the interval has been changed and the lights are staying on for too long, change it back to the time you want.

If that doesn’t work, go outside during the day and see if there’s anything in range of the motion detector that might be constantly moving, like a flag or even an animal nest (you might even look outside at night and see if you can see anything). If you don’t see anything, try shutting the lights off at the breaker, then restarting them.

Lights that won’t shut off are bad enough, but what about lights that won’t turn on? One common reason this happens is that artificial light is coming in from another source and is mimicking daylight, preventing the sensor from activating properly. Try to find where the light is coming from, and cover or change the direction of the sensor to avoid the light.

The underlying issue behind constantly flickering lights may vary depending on a number of factors, including whether the problem is only occurring with a single bulb or more than one at a time. If it’s only a single bulb, carefully check it to see if it’s secure in its fitting. If it is, try replacing it with a new bulb. If that doesn’t work, call an electrician for a security light repair.

This one isn’t as common as the others on our list, but in the past we’ve had customers whose security lights have been faulty when the weather was damp, rainy, or snowy. This is usually the result of low quality motion sensors, which can be temperamental in very hot or very cold weather. The certified, DC-area electricians at Kolb Electric recommend spending a little more upfront to get a quality product that you’ll be able to rely on for years with little need for security light repair.

Spring is the time of year that everybody loves to spend outside. We are finally free of the freezing temperatures brought on by winter, but still have a few months before the oppressive heat of the summer rolls into town. Because people are often cooped up all winter, the desire to be outside is very strong. Spring is the perfect time to catch up on any yard work or remodeling that you have been planning, to ensure that your home is ready for hours of outdoor entertaining. But you should always be aware of the threat your electrical system could pose if you are not absolutely careful.

Here are a few tips for staying safe around your electrical systems this spring: