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5 Common Electrical Issues in Apartment Buildings

Electrical issues in apartment buildings can quickly escalate into costly repairs and potential liability concerns. By addressing electrical problems early, you can save money and avoid possible lawsuits and safety violations. Discover the most common electrical issues your tenants may face and how to assess them without risking you, your tenant, or your property’s safety.

Top 5 Common Electrical Issues in Apartment Buildings

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights are among the most noticeable electrical problems in an apartment building. Depending on the underlying cause, the issue can be simple or complex and dangerous.

In most cases, the problem results from overloading circuits. Tenants might have too many appliances or devices drawing power from the same circuit, leading to dimming or flickering lights when high-demand items are in use. To fix the problem, tenants must spread the electrical demand and avoid plugging too many high-demand devices into a single circuit. Property owners can help prevent overload by ensuring enough outlets and a strong electrical supply throughout the unit.

A more dangerous situation arises from loose or faulty wiring. Loose or faulty connections can result in intermittent power flow, causing flickering lights. The problem is a significant fire hazard and requires immediate attention.

Investigating the scope of the electrical issues in the apartment building and monitoring the patterns of flickering or dimming can help identify the underlying cause. If the problem occurs in a single unit and coincides with using a specific appliance, it is likely a result of an overloaded circuit. Alternatively, if the issue affects multiple units and displays no discernable pattern, it is likely loose or faulty wiring. Bolt Electric can assess the system to determine the culprit.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers protect your building’s electrical system by cutting power to specific circuits to avoid overload risks and damage. Despite their protective design, frequent breaker trips are a sign of trouble. Not only are regular power disruptions frustrating for tenants, but they are also a sign of possible fire hazards and system damage.

Frequent tripping can signal circuit overload, short circuits, ground faults, or faulty breakers. Overloads typically occur because tenants are overusing outlets. Overusing can eventually lead to damaged appliances, electrical shocks, and fire.

Short circuits occur when hot and neutral wires accidentally touch, resulting in a power surge. The short is a sign of possible wiring problems or faulty appliances. Like short circuits, ground faults are common electrical issues in apartment buildings, typically occurring in older properties with outdated systems. The fault occurs when hot wires contact a grounded surface, like a metal appliance or plumbing, and direct the current away from the intended path.

Overloads, short circuits, and ground faults can all cause injuries or fires. A less dangerous cause of frequent breaker tripping is a faulty breaker. It is a less common cause, but not impossible.

3. Warm or Sparking Outlets and Switches

Outlets and switches shouldn’t be warm to the touch and should never spark. Like other electrical problems, loose connections, circuit overloads, and other wiring issues can cause these issues.

Warmth and sparking are severe safety hazards and often signify dangerous conditions. You must act immediately and restrict access to the outlet. Turn off the power supply to the affected outlet and call Bolt Electric to assess the system.

If loose wiring is the culprit, arcing is a real threat and concern. Electrical arcs can reach roughly 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a fraction of a second. To put that into perspective, the sun’s surface is around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, an electrical arc is over three times hotter than the sun’s surface.

Sometimes, electrical issues in apartment buildings occur out of sight, so you must also watch for discoloration of outlets and switches. When outlets or switches develop a brownish or blackish hue, it is a telltale sign of overheating and requires immediate attention.

4. Outdated or Ungrounded Outlets

Many multi-story and residential properties in New York City are pre-war. While the older structures are beautiful and characteristic of the city, they often lack necessary electrical upgrades for modern tenant demands. If you are unsure if your property is up to code or capable of handling modern electrical needs, look at the outlets, especially those in bathrooms and kitchens.

Modern building codes require grounded outlets, like GFCI or standard three-pronged outlets. If your property primarily has two-pronged outlets, it is an indicator that the electrical system needs upgrading.

You can also contact Bolt Electric to schedule an inspection of your property’s electrical system. The company will send a licensed electrician to assess the system and determine whether it is up to code.

5. Strange Noises and Odd Smells

Unusual noises and smells are warning signs of electrical issues in apartment buildings. Sometimes, you and your tenants may not experience any noticeable changes in the power supply or see any evidence of electrical problems on face plates. In many cases, the first warning sign might be a quiet buzzing from an outlet, switch, or electrical panel, or you might notice a plastic-like or chemical burning smell near an outlet — a telltale sign of overheating wires or components close to catching fire.

Do not take strange smells or buzzing noises lightly; they often indicate a significant fire threat. It is vital to pinpoint the problem and resolve it. Do not attempt to resolve the issue on your own. DIY approaches to electrical systems are dangerous and often illegal.

How To Resolve Electrical Issues in Apartment Buildings

Annual Service Contracts With Bolt Electric

Electrical issues in apartment buildings can be safety and fire hazards. Only licensed electricians are qualified to handle these problems in NYC. Bolt Electric is a reputable and licensed service in the state of New York and only works with qualified electricians. Contact Bolt Electric at 212-734-5000 to schedule a service call or inspection and ask about our annual service contracts so you never miss routine maintenance and mandated inspections.