7 Electrical Solutions If Your Appliances Go Haywire

There's nothing more frustrating than an appliance that suddenly stops working. Whether you're in the middle of cooking an elaborate meal or about to blowdry your hair for a big date, appliances have a way of always ceasing to operate at the very time you need them to be functional the most. If you find yourself with an appliance that has stopped working, don't panic. Instead, consider these seven electrical solutions that you can use should your appliances go haywire.

Check That It's Properly Plugged Into The Wall

Yes, this might sound like a total no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how often this might solve your problem. Check that the appliance hasn't become unplugged from the outlet. If your appliance is connected to a surge protector, check that it's turned on. In the event of the aforementioned blowdryer example, try resetting the the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) button, which is the button on the small box attached to the device's plug. Devices that use high surges of electricity and are often used near water or in bathrooms are required to have these safety mechanisms, but they can often be erroneously tapped when the device is in use. (Before GFCI buttons on blowdryers became a legal requirement in 1991, there were a whopping 18 blowdryer deaths a year in the United States!)

Check the Circuit Breaker 

Sometimes if an appliance experiences a surge or malfunctions, it can result in a tripped circuit breaker. This is actually a good thing, in a way. A tripped circuit breaker simply means that the safety mechanism designed to prevent the circuit from overloading did its job efficiently and prompted an automatic shut-off. If you're only experiencing a power outage in one area of your home, a tripped circuit is likely to blame. If you discover a tripped circuit, reset it on your circuit breaker by flipping the switch off, waiting 30 seconds and then toggling it back to the "on" position.

Check the Power Cord

A frayed or damaged power cord is often to blame for appliance malfunctions. If you observe exposed wires, tears or any other form of damage on the power cord, unplug the device immediately. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it could potentially destroy your device. Many people have accidentally ruined laptops and phones by using frayed power cables, which can't properly control the voltage surging from the power outlet to your device. While obtaining a new phone or laptop charging cable is pretty simple, you might need to contact the manufacturer to replace a frayed cord for larger devices.

Try A Different Outlet

In many cases, the problem might not stem from the appliance itself but rather from the electrical outlet to which it is connected. If an appliance is malfunctioning, try plugging it into a different outlet, preferably one in a different room or area of your home. If it operates correctly in the new outlet, then you can easily identify the issue with the outlet you were previously trying to use. You can try rebooting the circuit, but if this doesn't fix the issue, it could be a wiring issue, in which case it's advisable to call an electrician. Faulty wiring can prevent many hazards and you shouldn't attempt to fix the problem yourself. Connection is everything in this situation so be sure to establish a good one within your home.

Try Troubleshooting The Device Itself

While a malfunctioning or inoperable appliance often occurs due to an electrical issue, sometimes it can be a problem with the device itself. If you have your owner's manual handy, try consulting that before you rush off to call an electrician or attempt to reset the breaker again. Many modern appliances have automatic shut-off features as safety mechanisms; for example, laundry dryers will automatically shut down if the vents become clogged with lint in order to prevent fires.

Call The Manufacturer 

If you suspect it's a problem with the device itself but can't find your owner's manual - or the copy you have doesn't offer the answers you need - try calling the manufacturer. Most major appliance companies have customer service numbers that offer consumers assistance should their devices malfunction. Not only can the manufacturer help to guide you through the steps of troubleshooting your device, but they can check if there are any recalls or known issues with your specific model.

Call an Electrician

If you've ruled out the device as an issue and none of the above tips are working, then it's probably time to call an electrician. While it might be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself for free, keep in mind that there's a reason why electricians go to school to learn their trade. Dealing with electrical wiring, especially if it's faulty, can be very dangerous. Instead of putting your health and safety at risk, contact a professional who knows what they're doing.

It can be frustrating when an appliance stops working, especially if you can't right away identify the source of the issue. However, if you follow these tips, you can figure out what the problem is and determine a solution to get your device up and running again.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Audio Video Artistry