Author: judykariuki77

Not all electrical problems in your home or business require the services of an electrician. Even when things go wrong, it’s always good to know what you’re dealing with so you can respond appropriately to the situation. Some electrical problems are caused by human error and can be quickly avoided and fixed by following general electrical safety tips and considering a few factors before attempting any electrical work.

On the other hand, blackouts occur when electrical wiring is faulty or incorrect, over time, or due to changes in environmental factors such as humidity. Whenever the power goes out in your home or office, it could be due to a faulty switchboard. So start by checking the consumer unit or switchboard, which contains the two pole breakers and terminals.

Things to Remember When Doing Your Own Electrical Troubleshooting

When you have an electrical problem in your home or office building, your first instinct may be to quickly replace or relocate electrical components, but it’s important that you first understand the root cause of the problem. You can perform electrical troubleshooting yourself by following these steps:

Never proceed to fix an unknown electrical problem

If you encounter an electrical problem you are not familiar with, remember not to touch anything that you think is appropriate, and call trusted electricians such as Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services immediately. In many cases, people have attempted to repair and replace them themselves, only to end up seriously injured or even killed.

Determine if the problem is external or internal

It is important to determine whether the electrical problem at hand is internal or external. Sometimes these problems can be caused by external errors. If this is the case, contact your electrical contractor as soon as possible, especially if electrical troubleshooting itself doesn’t help. However, if the problem is due to an internal error, it is best to call in a professional electrical engineer to fix it.

Never forget to turn off the device when troubleshooting

The first thing you should do before starting to troubleshoot any electrical system is to turn off the power switch on the main electrical panel. When troubleshooting electrical problems, put your safety first. Once done, you can turn the power back on. Forgetting this step can be potentially dangerous. So if you’re not sure how to determine the source of your problem, simply contact electrical service from a certified electrician.

Test and repair or replace as necessary

When troubleshooting an electrical system, it’s important to first identify the problem. Most of the time, a dead outlet or a flickering light bulb will cause a broken circuit breaker. There may be other reasons behind this. Try reconnecting the faulty socket or putting in a new bulb and see if that helps.

Never ignore recurring problems

If your home is already experiencing recurring electrical issues and after troubleshooting the electrical system you are unable to fix it yourself, it may be time to call in a trusted professional electrician such as Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services. In some cases, people have even had to rewire the entire house if the electrical problem persisted. Ignoring electrical problems for long periods of time can not only endanger you but can also damage your electronic equipment.

Please investigate

Although you may have heard it before, whenever you need information on an electrical issue, the internet is at your fingertips. For the layman, electrical troubleshooting has definitely become more feasible. Just look for the signs of your electrical problems and you may find many solutions. Remember to only trust content from reliable electricity companies, as there are several important safety measures that should be taken.

When should I call in an electrician for troubleshooting services?

Common wisdom in residential and commercial areas is that your first concern should be to determine the root cause of electrical problems. Most of the time, problems like this are due to improper electrical installation. This often happens when you use the services of a non-professional electrician. Be sure to invest in quality work and only hire certified electricians who know exactly what they are doing. This will help you avoid electrical repairs and replacements in the future.

Most electrical problems should always be checked by an experienced electrician. Getting involved in such issues can exacerbate the problem and cause more costs in the future. Make sure you know which electrical problems require the skills of an electrician by reviewing the following:

Flickering Lights: Are you experiencing flickering lights in your home? Your wires may be badly connected. Such problems are often referred to as “faults” or “short circuits”. Such issues require the expertise and skills of a licensed electrical contractor. They will be able to meet your needs as efficiently as possible. Otherwise, if the wiring isn’t the problem, you can try replacing the bulb yourself.

Malfunction/damaged outlet: Sometimes in your home, a plug may fall out of an outlet during use. This could be the result of an old electrical wiring system that needs to be updated. If so, remember you shouldn’t be rewiring it yourself. Electrical work like this requires the expertise of a licensed electrical contractor like Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality electrical services that are executed efficiently.

Continuous or Repeated Breaker Trips: Does your breaker keep tripping after you reset it? Then the problem might be with the wires. If not, some high-powered electrical appliances may be causing the problem. If the problem persists, please contact a professional electrical service person immediately. An electrician can fix the problem properly.

Outdated electrical wiring: Outdated electrical wiring is considered one of the leading causes of common electrical problems in the home. If your wiring is outdated, it’s time to replace it. Older homes often have aluminum buttons and plumbing. Contact a reliable electrician for replacement as soon as possible to avoid danger.

Circuit Breaker humming: As soon as you hear any buzzing from your circuit breaker, call a trusted electrical contractor immediately to investigate the problem. Don’t put this problem off, as the buzzing or humming could indicate a larger electrical problem that needs immediate attention.

Troubleshooting Common Electrical Switching Problems

Like any other electrical component, electrical switches encounter problems. In such cases, do not hesitate to call a professional and certified electrician to resolve the issue. Some solutions may even involve operating a trigger switch, requiring the skills of an experienced technician.

Not sure how to identify an electrical problem? Check out some common electrical switch problems below to familiarize yourself with the problem before the electrician arrives.

Blinking Lights

If you encounter flickering light fixtures in your home, remember to have them checked or replaced as soon as possible. You can easily fix the problem without the help of a professional electrician, but don’t forget that this can only be done if you are already familiar with electrical installations. There are several possible causes of this problem, one of which could be loose wiring, and another could be a bad bulb. If you know you buy the exact model, you can quickly swap out new bulbs. However, if that doesn’t work, call a licensed electrician right away to troubleshoot and ultimately fix the problem.

Broken wire device

Have you ever flipped an appliance switch only to find that your light fixture or appliance isn’t working? Have you ever tried to turn on the water heater and found that there is no hot water coming out of your shower? There could be a number of reasons behind these issues, but the main problem could be behind your wires. Another cause could be that your bulb has completely burned out, which is more likely to happen if you’re using unreliable CFLs. A short circuit can also be the cause of an electrical switch not working properly.

The electrical switch is hot when in use

Water heater switches and wall switches can get hot with regular use. This condition involves overloading, where it carries more power than it can handle. As with the other problems discussed above, electrical switches can also be hot to the touch due to miss-wiring. If the problem appears to endanger the safety of your family, immediately contact a professional electrician to repair the power switch, as this type of problem requires immediate attention.

Common electrical problems in the home

Before attempting any troubleshooting yourself, it’s important that you can identify common household electrical problems such as:

Overloading – This happens when a particular device is plugged into a lower-powered outlet. Always make sure that the wattage of a light bulb or other lower-powered within the wattage range of the outlet.

Power Surges – Power surges can happen for a variety of reasons. This includes everything from defective equipment to poorly laid wiring to lightning strikes.

Electric Shock – Electric shock usually happens when you turn an appliance on or off. Although the cause could be equipment or wiring, be sure to contact Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services immediately.

High Electricity Bills – Have you noticed a sudden increase in your electricity bills? This could be due to damaged wiring or circuitry.

Flickering Lights – This common household problem usually occurs when a wire becomes loose.

Circuit Breakers tripping constantly – High-powered equipment often causes circuit breakers to trip and often results in blackouts. Although this is common, be sure to call a certified electrician from Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services to resolve the issue.

Bulb burnt out – Have you ever found yourself buying a new light bulb only to burn out minutes after plugging it in? There are several reasons for this problem. The bulb may be high wattage, the circuit and power supply may be badly wired, or the insulator may be close to the bulb.

Do you have more than one of the above electrical problems? Contact Arrowtech electrical and plumbing services at 0714445566.

Electrical Installation Services in Kenya

Electrical installation projects are already stressful, but they can be even more difficult to manage, especially if not done properly. Since homes often have a lot of appliances and electrical installations, it’s best to install them properly to avoid problems in the future.
At Arrowtech Electrical and plumbing services, we can help you with all your electrical services, from the electrical installation of lighting fixtures to chandeliers to water heater installation and repair. We take care of electrical installation projects for your new home or business renovation. No matter what your needs are, we are confident to provide you with affordable prices and timely electrical installation services.

We specialize in

• Lighting installations: Lighting fixtures, bulbs, chandeliers, recessed lights, and LED light installations
• install ceiling fan
• Installing Outlets/Wall Outlets
• Installation of Electrical Switches
• Power distribution/circuit breaker panels for apartments, commercial shops, and houses.
• Electrical wiring, including home theatre wiring

We create transparent quotes for your installation projects and negotiate a full price with you, which remains the same barring unplanned surprises. Whether it’s a quick lighting installation or a commercial installation of extensions and fixtures, you can rest assured that we will save money on your project and meet the agreed delivery dates.

Lighting Fixtures – The right combination of lighting fixtures is very important to enhance the beauty and style of any home. We have a team of professional and certified electricians in Kenya who can install any lighting fixture or dimmer you like.

Ceiling Fan Installation – Arrowtech does quality ceiling fan installation for you. We also recommend the best ceiling fans for your home and make sure they are securely mounted to your roof trusses.

Electrical Installation

Outlet/wall outlet Installation – Having enough outlets and extension cords within 10 to 12 feet of the wall will make your home or office more comfortable. Let us help you cleanly install outlets in your home or office without damaging walls or existing wiring. Our experienced electricians will help you install extra outlets where you need them most.

Install a distribution board/breakout board – If you have a faulty breaker panel, you are sure to experience frequent power outages and travel around your home or office. We will replace any defective circuit breaker panels and install new distribution panels where they meet your current and future needs.

Generator Installation

Is your office Prepared for a power outage? Installing a backup generator will help you reduce downtime during a power outage. We can help you recommend and install generators and backup power systems to keep your business running smoothly no matter what.

How to Baby proof electrical Installations in your home

It is important to keep certain tips in mind to ensure that such installations are child-safe. You certainly don’t want your kids to be exposed to dangerous hazards, do you? If so, follow these simple tips:
Tamper Resistant Outlets
These tamper-resistant receptacles feature a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically closes the slot in the receptacle when the positive pole is not inserted. You can choose this type for your socket installation.

Buy Outlet Covers

This is a less expensive way to baby-proof outlets, as they snap in and cover the socket slot.
Upgrade to Deluxe Crimp Receptacle
This is a modified version of the socket cover above. These deluxe crimp sockets provide extra protection for naughty kids who love to press the switch and remove the cover at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Installation
Most major appliances and devices in Kenyan homes require electricity to operate. Therefore, careful and professional electrical installation is required to ensure the safety of everyone working with such household items. Any incorrect and improper electrical installation can cause a momentary short circuit which can lead to a power outage or even a house fire. Therefore, it is best to contact a reliable electrician for electrical installation to avoid accidents in the future.

Common electrical installation failures

All wires should be properly routed and secured securely with clips or staples. Also, make sure that these clamps don’t fit so tightly around such cables that they damage the cables themselves. This is because such faulty wires can end up causing electrical problems. On the other hand, loosely laid wires can cause such cables to overheat, which can easily lead to accidental fires. Therefore, proper and professional wiring installation is essential to ensure the safety of Kenyan residents.

Most novice electricians probably still lack the necessary knowledge to perform this type of electrical installation. As a result, they may inadvertently use the wrong size and length of wire, which can cause serious potential hazards to electrical equipment in the home. To avoid such problems, only work with experienced and licensed electricians in Kenya who are able to install cables to the dimensions prescribed by the local electricity authority. Homeowners should also only work with electricians who have completed an electrical installation course from accredited institutions in Kenya.

The cable should be well wrapped with a plastic cable, otherwise, it is easy to damage the cable. In addition, when installing electrical wiring, an electrical junction box of appropriate size should be used to protect the electrical wiring. Never accidentally open these junction boxes to avoid accidents due to contact with live wires. Therefore, these boxes should be closed tightly with metal lids for safety.
Avoid short circuits by making sure the correct circuit breakers are used in your electrical installation. Your electrician should strictly follow the guidelines for electrical installations.

Junction boxes should not have too many wires running in one place, as this can lead to overheating and house fires. So it’s best to use larger junction boxes and run the correct size cables through to avoid such accidents. Ask your electrician to check their electrical installation checklist to avoid mistakes and make sure all necessary tasks are done.

The lights may also be installed incorrectly, such as incorrect placement of live and neutral wires. A reliable electrician should always opt to use a circuit tester to make sure the wires are installed correctly.

Electrical Installation Safety Tips

Are you doing a new electrical installation? To avoid possible accidents, follow these important electrical

installation safety tips:

Remember that everything is live: Electrical equipment and installations should be handled with care, especially if they are live. There is a high risk of electric shock when handling live electrical wires. It is usually a mistake to think that only live wires are dangerous. People also often find it difficult to distinguish one type of wire from another, which makes it all the more important to handle them with care.

Turn off the power: When dealing with any electrical problem, you should always make sure that the power is turned off. This ensures your personal safety while doing electrical work. Do not turn the power switch on again until the electrical installation is complete and you want to test that the unit is working. If you hire a professional electrician to do the job, make sure they take the course as well.

Ensure Proper Insulation: Tools used to troubleshoot any type of electrical problem or electrical installation should have a “safety” handle. Check that these handles are really made of non-conductive material to ensure your safety and avoid possible accidents.

Watch your hands: Since electrical installation mostly involves manual work, don’t interfere with electrical work you’re not fully familiar with. When working with electricity, make sure your hands are completely dry. Also, be sure to wear electrician’s gloves and closed-toed shoes. Most importantly, be careful what you touch, as your hands are the main point of contact. A trustworthy and reliable electrical repair company in Kenya should know these safety rules.

Try to use only one hand: The current always flows through the chest fastest. If you use both hands at the same time, you are likely to amplify this current because your chest is between your hands. Therefore, it is recommended to always operate power tools with one hand and keep the other hand away from electrical conductors.

Electrical installation location: Before starting work, check where you are doing electrical installations. Remember, it’s important to check the viability of the location in advance. Avoid installation work in relatively cold rooms where it may be damp. Don’t take chances, make sure the place is absolutely dry and free of moisture.

Help a co-worker: Most electrical installation jobs require more than a pair of hands. It is not recommended for anyone to do electrical work themselves. When dealing with various electrical problems, you should help each other in the process. If other people come into contact with live wires, remember to turn off the main power immediately to avoid contact with people. A certified electrician from an electrical repair company in Kenya should know these basic safety rules.

Installing a doorbell is an essential piece of equipment for any property to alert owners or occupants that someone is at their door. Upon hearing the doorbell, family members decide whether it is safe to open the door and take appropriate action. Most homes in Kenya will hire an electrician to install the doorbell. Families can choose wired, wireless or smart doorbells depending on their needs.

Benefits of Installing a wired doorbell

Most households will call on the services of Arrowtech electricians to install their doorbells. However, built-in doorbells often fail after a period of use, especially if they are used very frequently.
Before planning this electrical installation, homeowners must decide whether they want to install a wired or wireless doorbell. Here are the benefits of installing a wired doorbell.

Wired doorbell

When you’re installing your doorbell or replacing your doorbell switch, you should know that it’s made up of several components that are wired together.
Replacing a wired bell is often easier because the wiring can be reused. You should avoid do-it-yourself electrical repairs, as only certified electricians are familiar with the job.

Advantages of a wired doorbell

Provide space for illuminated buttons
The button of the doorbell may not be seen at night. Therefore, many homeowners prefer to install an illuminated button that is eye-catching at night.
Homeowners who want a lighted button for their doorbell should opt for a wired doorbell as an alternative. Consider it cheaper and requires less maintenance.

Electrical Safety for Doorbells

Rewiring a wired doorbell is difficult, so that’s why good electricians are hired. Once a doorbell is installed, it can last a decade or more.
Hiring a certified electrician is your best bet as they can do all electrical repairs and even give you tips on electrical maintenance. Therefore, the maintenance of the wireless doorbell requires more time and effort.

Wireless systems are expensive

There are a few things to consider when buying a doorbell, one of which is the cost of installing the doorbell. A wireless system that uses radio frequency signals. Meanwhile, wired doorbells have a transmitter.
Wireless systems themselves are more advanced and more expensive than wired doorbells, as are electrical system repairs and replacements.

Safety

One factor that should be considered before installing a doorbell is the high level of security. A wired doorbell is more secure because it’s mostly indoors, so it’s harder to tamper with the wiring.

Actual

Since most people have busy schedules, they want to spend less time maintaining their appliances and other household items.
A quality wired doorbell installed by an electrician will usually last about 10 years.

Here are 5 ways to maintain your electrical installations in order to keep them working for a long time.
No distraction

Reasons why the doorbell you installed isn’t working

Most doorbell brands last at least ten or fifteen years, depending on the doorbell and wires. However, some homeowners are finding that the doorbell they install doesn’t work properly. Here are some reasons why the doorbell you installed may not work as it should.

Button

In some cases, dust, dirt, or insects can collect in the buttons, affecting their performance. Therefore, it is very important to know how to clean electrical installations.

chime box

Dust and dirt are also a factor in the performance of bell boxes. However, electronic devices are often damaged by heat, moisture, or other causes. A broken bell box should be replaced, which is also a sign that you need to replace the wires.

Transformer

In some cases, the transformer may not work, preventing the bell box from getting the power it needs. In most cases, the transformer must be replaced.

Wiring error

Incorrect wires are another contributing factor to doorbell failure. It’s important to find a reliable electrician who understands the various components of your doorbell.
Improper installation