Troubleshooting

Fast, Accurate Electrical Diagnosis You Can Trust
When something goes wrong with your electrical system, guessing is dangerous—and delays can lead to bigger problems. Bob’s Electrical provides expert residential electrical troubleshooting throughout North Bend and The Valley, helping homeowners identify and resolve issues quickly and safely. With more than 35 years of hands-on experience, Bob has the skills, tools, and intuition to get to the root of complex electrical problems that others miss.
Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, tripping breakers, dead outlets, or strange electrical behavior, Bob provides thorough on-site evaluation and long-lasting repairs. All work is done by Bob himself—no subcontractors, no guesswork, and no unnecessary upsells.
Troubleshooting Services Include
Electrical troubleshooting requires experience, precision, and patience. Bob doesn’t guess—he diagnoses. Services include:
- Breaker Testing & Circuit Load Evaluation: Find out why a breaker won’t stay reset
- Outlet Voltage Testing: Check wiring integrity, polarity, and ground
- Switch Malfunction Diagnosis: Isolate faulty switches or backstabbed connections
- Lighting Circuit Review: Identify fixture or wiring failure points
- Panel Evaluation: Look for loose lugs, burnt breakers, or improperly landed wires
- Neutral/Ground Isolation: Detect grounding issues that create shock or flicker risks
- Device & Fixture Testing: Identify if the problem lies in the wiring or the device
- GFCI/AFCI Function Testing: Confirm protection devices are working properly
- Thermal Scanning (if needed): Detect hot spots in wiring or panels
All findings are explained clearly and honestly—no jargon, no fear tactics, just straightforward information and actionable solutions.
Common Electrical Issues We Diagnose
Not all electrical problems are obvious—and many signs can point to multiple possible causes. Bob uses a methodical approach, starting with visual inspection and system testing, to trace each issue to its source. We commonly troubleshoot:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Outlets or switches that don’t work
- Breakers that trip repeatedly
- Partial power loss in certain areas
- Buzzing or humming panels
- Sparking outlets or switches
- Burning smells from outlets or fixtures
- Loose wiring or junction boxes
- Warm or discolored receptacles
If something doesn’t feel right with your power system, it’s time to call a licensed electrician who specializes in residential service.
When to Call for Troubleshooting
Some electrical issues can wait—but many require immediate attention. Call Bob if you experience:
- Lights that flicker when appliances turn on
- Outlets that spark when you plug something in
- Breakers that trip with no clear cause
- Switches that feel hot or make crackling sounds
- Sudden power loss to part of your home
- Appliances that shut off or reset unexpectedly
- Electric shocks when touching appliances or fixtures
- Unexplained spikes in your electric bill
Delaying diagnosis may increase fire risk or damage appliances. Bob’s fast response and deep knowledge prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Troubleshooting Old and New Electrical Systems
Whether your home was built in 1950 or 2020, Bob has the knowledge to troubleshoot electrical systems of every generation. We understand the quirks of:
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Aluminum branch wiring
- Split-bus panels
- Smart switches and Wi-Fi devices
- Modern AFCI/GFCI combination circuits
- Solar tie-ins and EV charger load issues
Modern systems may behave differently—but foundational knowledge of electricity never changes. That’s why experience matters.
24/7 Emergency Troubleshooting
Electrical issues don’t just happen during business hours. That’s why Bob’s Electrical offers 24/7 troubleshooting services in North Bend and surrounding areas. If you’re dealing with:
- Sudden power loss
- Sparking or overheating outlets
- Panel buzzing or smoking
- Breakers that won’t reset
- Electrical smells or smoke
Call immediately. Bob responds quickly, inspects the problem in person, and provides safe, effective repair on the spot or same day.
Straightforward Repairs After Diagnosis
Once we identify the issue, Bob offers clear, cost-effective repair options. Repairs may include:
- Replacing damaged outlets or switches
- Upgrading worn breakers
- Rewiring faulty or unsafe connections
- Adding or relocating circuits
- Correcting reversed polarity or grounding faults
- Replacing shorted fixtures or lighting components
- Updating improper splices or wire junctions
No unnecessary panel upgrades or service changes unless they're truly needed. You get what’s required—and nothing more.
Get Help with Your Electrical Problem Today
If your home’s electrical system is acting up—or you suspect something isn’t working the way it should—call Bob’s Electrical today. We’ll diagnose the problem, explain your options, and make the necessary repairs with safety and honesty as our top priorities.