Sometimes replacing a light switch or an outlet can be a quick job done in an afternoon. You may think looking up a ‘how to’ video on YouTube is all you need. But remember, electricity is dangerous and if you are not sure about what you are doing, it is better left to a professional. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to review before calling a professional electrician.

A common problem that can occur is circuit breaker tripping. If you find that power to certain parts of your home is constantly being shut off and requires you to use the circuit breaker to turn it back on, the line could be overloaded. Having to many appliances or electrical devices on one circuit can be too much for the line to handle and will cause the breaker to trip. To avoid this, try placing devices on a different circuit or unplugging appliances before you begin using another. If you continue to have problems you may have an issue with the circuit or one of your electrical devices. It may be best to call an electrician to diagnose the problem further.

Light bulbs must be replaced from time to time; it’s unavoidable. A common problem you could experience is dim or flickering bulbs. Turn off the power to the bulb and replace it with one you know is working properly. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the socket or the wiring and it is best that an electrician takes a look at the problem.

While there are countless problems you can experience in your home, a good rule of thumb is to stay within your comfort zone. Everyone has a different level of knowledge about electrical systems but if a problem exceeds your understanding, it is best left to a professional. If you are unfamiliar with rewiring new sockets and switches, leave them alone and call an electrician. Tampering and altering wire connections can result in serious injury if not done properly. Be very cautious if you come across an exposed wire or are constantly being shocked, you could have a major safety issue on your hands. Make sure you shut off all power to the area or appliance you are unsure about and contact a professional.

There are a lot of different portable generators on the market today, and you really want to know that you are investing in the right make and model for your needs. No, a portable generator is not an investment on the scale of a whole-house generator. However, that doesn’t mean that you want to waste money on power that you won’t need, or that it is OK to have an underpowered generator compromising your good time. That is why you should keep a few points of consideration in mind.

With a portable generator, you may choose from a few different fuel sources. Natural gas is out of the question, of course, but gasoline, propane, and diesel are all viable options. Do some research, as all offer pros and cons. Gasoline is readily available, for instance, but has a short shelf life and fluctuating prices. Propane is readily available as well, but some people may not want pressurized cans of fuel laying around. Diesel is another option to consider, though typically a bit more expensive than gasoline. Diesel engines require little in the way of maintenance and repairs, though.

The whole point of having a generator is to power any tools, appliances, and electronics that you may want to put into use at your tailgating event. If your generator is not of the right size for the job, then you will have to make compromises or potentially use alternate power sources, such as your car battery. Make sure that you are choosing a portable generator powerful enough to handle the demand that you have in mind.