Electrical Help Center
Answers to common electrical problems homeowners experience in Phoenix homes.
Hi, I'm Jason. You're probably here because you are experiencing an electrical issue and wondering whats going on, if you should be concerned, or should you call someone. I'm here to answer exactly that.
Electrical problems can seem confusing or even scary to some people, but a lot of that just comes from not understanding why a circuit is behaving the way it is. I will share with you my insights from a storied career of service work, remodeling, and troubleshooting to best help you make your decision.
Important note: The information provided here is intended for general educational purposes only. Electrical systems can be complex and potentially dangerous to work on. Any electrical work in your home should be performed by a licensed electrician and in accordance with local codes and regulations. If you are unsure about an electrical issue, it is always safest to consult a qualified professional.
Why are my lights flickering?
Lights flickering is one of the most common service calls I get. And there is a wide range of possibilities for the cause, which is something that will end up being a theme in this section. However, over the years, this is what I've found to be the most common culprits. 1. Incompatible dimmers. Not all lights work with all dimmers. Some lightbulbs are even non-dimmable, so as soon as you try to bring the light through a dimming cycle, it will strobe and eventually burn itself out. Other dimmer issues include magnetic and ELV dimming, which require their own special transformers to work correctly. 2. Faulty bulb/LED Yes, sometimes it's just as simple as a bad bulb causing your issue. You should always check a socket with another bulb that you know works before making any calls. 3. Loose Neutral Termination This is the big one, and the hardest to sniff out. Power works in an Alternating Current circuit, which requires and ungrounded (or hot) conductor, and a grounded (or neutral) conductor. When the hot is damaged or disconnected, its as simple as something doesn't have power, but if the neutral has issues, it can show in strange ways, including funky voltage readings, voltage on the neutral wire itself, and slow heating and arcing of the wire over time. A lot of older homes have j-boxes throughout the home, especially the attic, that have been added on to many times over the years, often with less than stellar craftsmanship. This can be especially dangerous if the home has aluminum wiring, which has a much higher chance arcing and potentially starting fires. If any of those conditions are met, it is imperative that you have a qualified and licensed electrician diagnose the issue before any further damage can occur.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Understanding why breakers trip is knowing how they work in the first place. Standard breakers are designed to trip in two different fault conditions: overcurrent and fault current. Overcurrent occurs when you run too much power on a single circuit. This happens a lot in kitchens when multiple small appliances, such as air fryers, are ran at once. Once the power exceeds the threshold of the breaker, it is designed to trip to prevent damage on the wiring itself. This is often fixed by staggering usage of certain appliances, or using a separate circuit to run it. It can be extremely dangerous to size up the breaker as a workaround, because the wiring itself is unable to handle that increased current, leading to overheating and melting the insulation. Fault current is an umbrella term for several events that could be taking place. In standard breakers, this typically means a short-circuit fault. Short-circuits occur when a hot touches a grounded surface or wire, generating massive amounts of heat and energy in whats called an "arc". This condition is very dangerous and should immediately be handled by a licensed electrician. If you reset a breaker and it instantly trips again, you are likely experiencing this issue. Other fault currents are detected by newer types of breakers, including arc-fault and ground-fault circuit breakers. We will discuss more about ground faults in a later section.
Why is my outlet not working?
Another huge chunk of service calls in my career have been dealing with exactly this. Also, get ready for another "it can be a lot of reasons" explanation. This is how I diagnose a non-functioning outlet in the field. 1. Half-hots A half-hot is an outlet that has been connected to a switch. Half of the outlet receives full power, while the other one only gets power when the switch is turned on. Typically, these are designated by being flipped upside down relative to the rest of the outlets in the room, and the plug on the top is reserved for switching. I have seen it every other which way too, so don't worry if its not obvious. If you have a plug tester, plug it in to the outlet thats not working and flip every switch in that room. If it still doesn't come on, the issue may be deeper. 2. Damaged outlet Sometimes an outlet just reaches the end of its life and it needs to get replaced. Generally after 30-40 years of service, you need to start thinking about replacing the devices in your house, especially if they get regular use. Other times an imperfect install can lead to the premature wear of an outlet, usually with loose or faulty connections with the wiring. If your home has aluminum wiring, it is especially important to make sure your devices are rated for aluminum wiring, or spliced with copper using properly rated aluminum-to-copper wire connectors. 3. Dead Circuit If you've already ran through your breakers to see if any are tripped, you may have a break in the line elsewhere in the circuit. This often affects multiple outlets or lights in the home, and can be caused by numerous factors. At this point, it is highly recommended to contact a licensed electrician to track down and repair the source of the issue.
Why is there a burning smell coming from my panel?
If you are experiencing a burning smell coming from your panel, immediately stop and contact a licensed electrician. You may be experiencing a system failure that needs to be diagnosed by a professional before moving forward. Trying to work on an issue like this yourself can open you up to hazardous situations such as shocks, burns, and even electrocution. Be safe, calm, and allow your electrician to deal with it in the proper manner.
Why does my GFCI outlet keep triping?
GFCI outlets are designed to trip when they detect even a small imbalance in current between the hot and neutral wires. Their entire job is to shut the circuit down quickly if electricity is leaking somewhere it shouldn’t be, which helps prevent shock hazards. Because they are very sensitive, they can trip for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common ones I see in the field. 1. Moisture This is probably the most common cause, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets. GFCIs are required in areas where water is present, and even a small amount of moisture can create enough leakage current to trip the device. This could come from things like condensation, water getting into an outdoor box, or a wet appliance being plugged in. 2. A problem somewhere downstream GFCI outlets often protect other outlets further down the circuit. If a GFCI trips and you can’t immediately see why, the issue may actually be at another outlet, light fixture, or device connected further along that same circuit. I’ve seen situations where a garage outlet trips because of something plugged in on the back patio. 3. A faulty appliance Sometimes the issue isn’t the outlet at all, but the device plugged into it. Appliances with motors or heating elements can develop small internal faults that leak current to ground, which the GFCI detects. If the outlet trips repeatedly, try unplugging everything from the circuit and resetting it. Then plug devices back in one at a time to see if the problem returns. 4. A worn-out GFCI Like any device, GFCIs don’t last forever. Over time they can become more sensitive or fail internally. If the outlet trips frequently with nothing plugged in, the device itself may simply need to be replaced. If a GFCI continues to trip and the cause isn’t obvious, it’s best to have the circuit inspected. Because these outlets are designed to detect electrical leakage, repeated tripping can sometimes indicate a wiring issue that needs to be addressed.
Why do my lights dim when the A/C kicks on?
This is another issue I see fairly often, especially in Phoenix where air conditioners run frequently. A small amount of dimming when a large motor starts is actually normal. Air conditioning compressors draw a very high amount of power for a brief moment when they start up. This is called inrush current, and it can momentarily pull voltage down on the circuit. However, noticeable or excessive dimming can point to a few different issues. 1. Normal motor startup (minor dimming) Air conditioners use large compressors, which are essentially powerful electric motors. When the compressor first starts, it can draw several times its normal running current for a fraction of a second. This brief surge can cause lights to dim slightly, especially if the lighting circuit shares wiring paths with the AC circuit. If the dimming is very slight and only lasts a moment, it may simply be normal motor startup. 2. Voltage drop in the electrical system If the wiring feeding the panel, the AC unit, or parts of the home is undersized or has long runs, the startup current from the AC can cause noticeable voltage drop. This can make lights dim throughout the house when the unit starts. Older homes sometimes experience this more often because electrical systems were designed around smaller loads than modern homes typically have today. 3. Loose electrical connections Loose connections anywhere in the system — inside the panel, at breakers, in junction boxes, or at service equipment — can amplify voltage fluctuations when large appliances start. This is one of the more serious possibilities, because loose connections can generate heat and lead to electrical damage over time. If dimming appears suddenly or becomes worse, the system should be inspected. 4. Utility supply fluctuations Sometimes the issue is not inside the home at all. Large loads starting in nearby homes or fluctuations on the utility distribution system can occasionally cause brief voltage dips. This is less common, but it does happen. When to have it checked: Small, momentary dimming during AC startup can be normal. However, you should consider having the system inspected if: • lights dim significantly • multiple rooms are affected • the dimming lasts more than a second • the problem has recently become worse • lights flicker repeatedly while the AC runs In those cases, a licensed electrician can check for voltage drop, loose connections, and other system issues.
Why is my EV charger not working?
As EV chargers have become more common, this has started showing up more often on service calls. The good news is that many times the issue isn’t the charger itself, but something simple somewhere in the system. Here are a few of the most common things I check when a charger stops working. 1. Tripped breaker This is the first place to look. EV chargers draw a significant amount of power, and if something on the circuit isn’t quite right the breaker may trip to protect the wiring. Sometimes the breaker will be obviously tripped, but other times it may sit halfway between on and off. Try switching the breaker fully off and then back on again to reset it. If the breaker trips again immediately, there may be a deeper issue that needs to be diagnosed. 2. Charger fault or internal safety lockout Most modern EV chargers have built-in protection systems. If they detect overheating, grounding issues, or communication faults with the vehicle, they may shut themselves down and display an error code. Many chargers have indicator lights or a phone app that can tell you what the fault condition is. Checking the charger’s manual or app can sometimes point you in the right direction. 3. Ground fault protection EV chargers include ground fault protection similar to what you see in GFCI devices. If the charger detects current leaking somewhere it shouldn’t be, it will shut down to prevent shock hazards. This can be caused by damaged cables, moisture, or occasionally by issues in the vehicle itself. 4. Wi-Fi or smart charger issues A lot of newer chargers rely on apps, Wi-Fi connections, or utility programs for scheduling and load management. Sometimes the charger is technically working but the software has locked it out or is waiting for a scheduled charging window. A simple reset of the charger or checking the app settings can sometimes resolve this. 5. Wiring or installation issues In some cases the problem can be related to the electrical circuit feeding the charger. Loose connections, incorrect breaker sizing, or voltage drop can cause chargers to shut down or behave unpredictably. If the charger repeatedly faults or stops working, it’s worth having the installation inspected to make sure everything is operating safely and within the equipment specifications. If your EV charger suddenly stops working and resetting the breaker or charger doesn’t solve the problem, the system should be checked by a qualified electrician to determine whether the issue is in the charger, the vehicle, or the electrical circuit supplying it.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
Electrical panels are the central point where power from the utility is distributed throughout your home. Like most major components in a house, they don’t last forever, and over time they can become outdated or undersized for modern electrical demands. Here are some of the common signs that it may be time to consider a panel upgrade. 1. Breakers trip frequently Occasional breaker trips can be normal, especially if a circuit is overloaded. But if breakers are tripping regularly under normal use, it may indicate that the electrical system is struggling to keep up with the demands of the home. Modern homes use significantly more electricity than houses built decades ago, and older panels were not always designed for today’s loads. 2. You still have a 100-amp service Many older homes were originally built with 60-amp or 100-amp electrical services. While these systems may still function, they can become limiting when adding modern appliances, electric vehicle chargers, hot tubs, or workshop equipment. A 200-amp service has become the standard for most modern residential electrical systems. 3. The panel is full If every breaker space in the panel is already occupied, it can make adding new circuits difficult or impossible without modifications. Sometimes tandem breakers are used to make room, but in many cases the better long-term solution is upgrading the panel to provide additional capacity. 4. The panel is outdated or a known problematic model Some older panels are known for reliability or safety concerns. If your home still has equipment such as Federal Pacific or certain older Zinsco panels, many electricians recommend replacement because of documented failure rates in their breaker mechanisms. 5. You are planning major electrical additions Installing an EV charger, adding air conditioning equipment, remodeling a kitchen, or building an addition can significantly increase the electrical load of a home. In these situations, the existing panel may simply not have the capacity to safely support the new equipment. 6. Visible signs of wear or overheating If a panel shows signs of rust, heat damage, melted insulation, or a persistent burning smell, it should be inspected immediately. These can indicate serious electrical issues that need to be addressed right away. If you’re noticing one or more of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean the panel must be replaced immediately, but it may be worth having the system evaluated to determine whether an upgrade would improve safety and capacity for the home.
Still not sure what's going on?
Electrical problems can have several causes, and sometimes diagnosing them requires testing the system directly. If something in your home’s electrical system doesn’t seem right, it’s always safest to have it inspected.
Four Walls Electric provides troubleshooting and electrical service throughout Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria, as well as surrounding areas.