Electrical problems in your home are common and can vary a lot in degree of severity and the amount of damage they can cause. The solution to most problems is to call a licensed electrician and have them solve the problem, which will guarantee the best result possible while always keeping you out of harm's way. However, for some issues, it is possible for you to save some money by solving them on your own. There are a few things you should know about repairing common electrical issues in your home.

Frayed cables

Most of your home's electrical equipment that you can repair on your own consists of cords and cables. You need to make sure that all cables and cords that you're using are whole and that they haven't become frayed in the ends. If you do find cords or cables that are frayed, you need replace them. You can also repair them with electrical tape or wire nuts, though they may not last as long. When considering electrical tape or wire nuts, you may need to consult a certified electrician to determine where it's most suitable to use them. Frayed cables are a fire hazard, as they can short-circuit and cause sparks. If you're not comfortable cutting into cables, you can either replace the cable entirely or hire an electrician to do it for you.

Breaker going off

Electrical equipment that causes your breaker to go off should be examined closely. Look for damaged cords. If you can't find any, you should unplug the equipment that is causing the problem and try to plug something else into the same outlet. If the breaker still goes off, there's something wrong with the outlet. In this case, you'll need the help of an electrician. If it doesn't, then there's something wrong with the equipment itself. Try to plug it into other outlets that allow higher voltage. If it still causes the breaker to switch, you should consider replacing the equipment.

Faulty appliances

Another common electrical issue is faulty appliances that are giving you small shocks as you try to use them. This is especially common with refrigerators. If this is the case in your home, you should unplug the refrigerator after emptying it and investigate the insulation around the refrigerator's wiring. Examine closely around the outlet and where the cable runs into the appliance. If the insulation has become worn out, you could replace it. If you focus on the places around your cable and outlet, the operation doesn't have to become very expensive. However, with faulty insulation, the refrigerator will function poorly, and you might do best in replacing it altogether.