Many people don’t outrightly realize they have a low voltage issue. They experience flickering lights, appliances unexpectedly shutting down, short cycling, and damage to electric devices. Most fix the apparent problems without realizing it’s just a temporary solution to a more significant issue. Here are seven possible reasons why you may have low voltage in your house.
Old Wiring
If the wiring in your house is old, it could be a reason why you’re experiencing low voltage. When the insulation on the wiring deteriorates, it‘s more susceptible to voltage drops. It means that not all of the electricity will be able to pass through.
When the wiring is outdated, you’ll also find other components, such as the electrical panel, that can’t handle the electrical load sent through the line. Consider an electrical panel upgrade in Westwood, MA to update the wiring.
Overloading the System
Do you have too many appliances plugged into one receptacle or entire circuits that are constantly in use? If the answer is yes, then there’s a chance your house may experience low voltage. Avoid overloading circuits or receptacles and plugging high wattage appliances into a plug with lower wattage.
Insufficient Breakers or Fuses
If your breakers are insufficient, you’ll experience low voltage in parts of the house on that particular circuit. You can upgrade to a higher wattage breaker or replace fuses with compatible breakers. If you’re not sure, consult an electrician before making any changes to your electrical system.
Lightning Strikes
Did you know that lightning strikes are a common reason many experience low voltage at home? When lightning hits your house or nearby trees, it can interrupt the flow of electricity to your house. It can damage wiring or cause a short circuit. You should have the problem fixed immediately by a professional because it could lead to a fire or damaged equipment.
Overloaded Main Power Generator
Your main electricity supply may experience an increase in demand, causing the voltage to drop in some homes. This happens especially in the afternoons when everyone is using appliances.
Also, when it’s hot and the AC is on, the overall load may be too much for the power supply to handle. The voltage drop can be brief, but it’s often enough to cause problems like flickering lights and damaged appliances.
Get an electrician to install additional breakers if your main power generator is the problem. Additionally, use energy-saving appliances and turn off lights you’re not using. You can also use electrical devices such as washing machines in the morning or late at night instead of in the afternoon.
Weather Conditions
If there’s a lot of humidity in the air, you might experience low voltage. Adjust your appliances and the dimmer switches on any lights that flicker during the evening. Also, consider using LED lights that are more efficient and less likely to flicker or dim during humid weather conditions.
Note that high moisture levels inside your house can affect your appliances. The condensation can cause short circuit damage to devices and electrical wiring.
A Distance From the Main Power Generator
Homes located further away from the main power plant may experience low voltage. If you’re experiencing this problem, talk to an electrician about installing additional power lines. Also, when the conducting wire connected to your house is too thin, you might experience low voltage. Besides, as your energy consumption goes up over the years, you may have to upgrade the electrical system.
Always Seek Professional Advice
As you will realize, it’s not always easy to detect low voltage issues. You might think you need to replace appliances while the real problem is somewhere else. Get a professional assessment of the electrical system in your house before opting for any solution.
