Electrician testing a residential wall outlet with a multimeter while troubleshooting an electrical problem
Electrical Troubleshooting

Something electrical
doesn't make sense?
We'll find out why.

Dead outlets, flickering lights, breaker problems, partial power loss, or electrical issues that simply don't make sense — Hodgen Electric methodically traces the problem to its source.

Start With the Symptom

What is your electrical
system doing?

You don't need to diagnose the problem before calling. Tell us what you're seeing, hearing, or experiencing and Hodgen Electric can investigate from there.

  • 01

    Dead Outlets

    An outlet or group of outlets suddenly stops working.

  • 02

    Flickering Lights

    Lights dim, flicker, pulse, or behave inconsistently.

  • 03

    Breaker Problems

    A breaker trips repeatedly or a circuit will not stay powered.

  • 04

    Partial Power Loss

    One room or part of the property loses power while everything else remains on.

  • 05

    Non-Working Circuits

    Lights, outlets, or equipment connected to a circuit stop functioning.

  • 06

    Something Just Seems Wrong

    Intermittent or unusual electrical behavior without an obvious explanation.

Find the Source

Don't guess.
Trace it.

The visible problem isn't always where the electrical issue begins. Troubleshooting means following the circuit, testing the right points, and narrowing down the source before deciding what needs to be repaired.

  1. 01Symptom
  2. 02Test
  3. 03Trace
  4. 04Identify
  5. 05Repair
Electrician using a multimeter to test breaker terminals inside an open residential electrical panel

The problem you see
may not be the problem.

A dead outlet can involve more than the outlet itself. Flickering lights can have several possible causes. A breaker that keeps tripping is telling you something. Proper troubleshooting looks beyond the symptom to identify what is actually happening.

  • Test before replacing
  • Trace before assuming
  • Repair the source
What We Look For

Finding the why
behind the problem.

  • Loose Connections

    Connections can loosen or deteriorate and cause intermittent electrical behavior.

  • Circuit Problems

    A circuit may have a fault, interruption, overload, or another condition requiring investigation.

  • Outlet & Switch Issues

    Devices themselves may fail or reveal a problem elsewhere in the circuit.

  • Breaker Issues

    Repeated tripping or abnormal breaker behavior may require further diagnosis.

  • Wiring Problems

    Damaged, aging, or improperly connected wiring can contribute to electrical issues.

  • Electrical Capacity Issues

    Some problems may be related to what the existing electrical system is being asked to support.

From the Field

Strange electrical behavior
after a storm.

One customer contacted Hodgen Electric after experiencing unusual electrical behavior following a thunderstorm. After tracing the problem, Hodgen identified a loose connection and restored the circuit.

  1. 01Strange behavior
  2. 02Troubleshoot
  3. 03Loose connection
  4. 04Circuit restored

Some electrical problems
shouldn't wait.

If you notice burning odors, visible scorching, smoke, sparking, unusually hot electrical components, or another condition that appears immediately dangerous, avoid interacting with the affected equipment and seek appropriate professional assistance.

The Process

From “something's wrong”
to knowing why.

  1. 01

    Listen

    Start with what you've noticed and when the problem occurs.

  2. 02

    Investigate

    Inspect and test the relevant parts of the electrical system.

  3. 03

    Trace

    Follow the issue beyond the visible symptom when necessary.

  4. 04

    Identify

    Determine the likely source of the electrical problem.

  5. 05

    Repair

    Discuss and perform the appropriate electrical repair when within the agreed scope of work.

Common Questions

Electrical questions,
answered plainly.

Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Repeated breaker trips can have several possible causes. Electrical troubleshooting helps determine what is happening on the circuit before deciding on the appropriate repair.
Why are my lights flickering?
Flickering can result from different electrical conditions, ranging from individual fixtures or connections to broader circuit issues. The source should be properly diagnosed rather than assumed.
Why did only part of my house lose power?
Partial power loss can involve a circuit, breaker, connection, or other electrical issue. Hodgen Electric can investigate the affected area and trace the problem.
Can you troubleshoot an electrical problem if I don't know what is causing it?
Yes. You do not need to know the cause before contacting an electrician. Describe what you are experiencing and troubleshooting can begin from the symptoms.
Electrician checking a ceiling fixture connection with a voltage tester in a home at evening
Ready When You Are

Still trying to figure out
what's wrong? Let's find the source.

Tell Hodgen Electric what your electrical system is doing and we'll help determine the next step.