24 Alabaster St, Monash ACT 2903
Open 24 hours
24 Alabaster St, Monash ACT 2903
Open 24 hours
Post Image
30 Jan, 2025
Posted by Overflowsolutions
0 comment

Common Electrical Problems in Canberra—and How to Handle Them

Have you ever found yourself scrambling for a torch during a sudden blackout? Or maybe you’ve had to jiggle a light switch repeatedly, hoping the flickering overhead bulb would finally settle down? If you’re nodding in agreement, you’re not alone. Here in Canberra, electrical problems can creep up on anyone—especially with our unpredictable weather and a variety of home ages and styles.

Below, we’ll run through some of the most common electrical hiccups Canberrans face, plus a few tips on what to do about them. As always, if you’re unsure or the situation looks risky, it’s best to call in a licensed electrician in Canberra for a safe and lasting fix.


1. Power Outages

Canberra’s famous for its sudden storms, which can bring down power lines or cause local outages. But sometimes, your home might lose power for reasons that aren’t weather-related. Damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit could be at fault. If you notice that the rest of the street has electricity while you’re in the dark, it’s time to check your circuit breakers or fuse box. If everything looks normal but you’re still without power, consider reaching out to our 24/7 Emergency Electrician Services for immediate help.

Quick Tip: Keep a couple of spare torches with fresh batteries handy. You’d be surprised how often people go hunting for candles—only to find they can’t locate a lighter or matches.


2. Flickering Lights

Flickering lights might be the first sign that your electrical connections need a check-up. It could be as simple as a loose bulb or a more serious wiring issue. Sometimes, older Canberra homes still have original wiring that doesn’t keep up with modern appliances. If you’re tightening a bulb and it’s not resolving the flicker—or if multiple fixtures start going on the blink—it’s time to schedule a professional inspection with our Expert Electrical Repairs team.


3. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers trip to protect your home when there’s too much current flowing through a circuit. This often happens if multiple high-demand appliances (like washing machines, dishwashers, and hairdryers) run at once. While it’s tempting just to reset the breaker every time, frequent tripping isn’t something to ignore—it can lead to overheating or even electrical fires. An electrician can help balance your circuits or advise if you need a switchboard upgrade for better power distribution.


4. Overloaded Outlets

With modern life comes a lot of gadgets. Laptops, TVs, phone chargers, gaming consoles—the list is endless. If you’re using too many devices on a single power board, you risk overheating the outlet and potentially creating a fire hazard. Spread your devices across different sockets or talk to us about adding new outlets where needed. It’s a safer and more convenient option than constantly juggling plugs.


5. High Electricity Bills

Sometimes, an unexplained spike in your energy bill is just down to a cold Canberra winter—or a scorching summer pushing up air conditioning use. But it could also point to inefficiencies or hidden faults in your electrical system. Faulty wiring and power surges may contribute to inflating your bill. If you notice a persistent jump in your monthly statements, our team can conduct an energy audit and even suggest upgrades—like moving to LED lighting with our Lighting Upgrades service—to help you save in the long run.


6. Old or Faulty Wiring

Some suburbs in Canberra still have houses built decades ago with outdated wiring. Over time, insulation degrades and joints loosen, often falling short of modern safety standards. If you’ve recently moved into an older property or suspect your wiring hasn’t been touched in ages, it’s wise to have it inspected. You’ll sleep better knowing your electrical system is both safe and efficient.


When in Doubt, Call a Pro

Working on electrical repairs yourself might seem like a weekend project, but in most cases, it’s not worth the risk. Our regulations exist for a reason: to protect you and your property. A fully qualified electrician has the training, experience, and tools to diagnose the real issue and fix it properly from the outset.

Contact Watts Needed Electrical today, and let’s keep your lights on and your worries off—no matter what Canberra’s unpredictable weather throws at you.

Contact

Nathan Douglas
+61 401500541
info@wattsneeded.com.au

Licensed Electrician Canberra & region (ACT & NSW)
NSW 320702C
ACT 2017950
ABN 37 717 236 156

Ask Your Question