General Electrical Inquiry – Seeking Advice on Electrical Repair Services

[EelectricLLC000]

Hello everyone,


I’m the owner of Estevez Electric LLC, and we’re a team of licensed electricians providing a range of electrical repair services. I’m hoping to tap into the collective knowledge here on Mike Holt’s Forum.


What are some of the best practices you follow when diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues? Are there any tools or techniques you find indispensable when working on residential and commercial electrical systems?


I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you have to improve efficiency and safety in the field.


Thanks so much!

 

[junkhound]

best practices you follow when diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues
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Hardest part of any problem is getting a good description of what the issue manifestation is. Customer description of 'it is not working' is pretty pathetic try to be on site hwen the issue occurs with appropriate test equipment.

often you need to leave a data logger on site for a few days , etc..

 

[qcroanoke]

Customers don't always tell the truth or don't remember correctly when you ask questions like did you change anything before this began?

 

[James L]

Customers don't always tell the truth or don't remember correctly when you ask questions like did you change anything before this began?

I agree with this. And it's just mind-boggling why somebody would tell blatant lies when it doesn't do anything but cause more trouble and time.

 

[CoolWill]

A service electrician should have a good grasp on theory. Understanding why electric circuits behave the way they do goes a long way when troubleshooting. A service electrician should also have some experience wiring new construction. It helps immensely to be able to visualize how the original installer probably ran the wiring.

 

[James L]

There is a correct pathway of discovery when it comes to troubleshooting and diagnosing. But it's not always perceived as kind.

#1 step - do not let any user or customer run you down a rabbit trail with what they think is the problem. That's the best way to just get into a big waste of time

#2 - ask questions that will lead you to a simple discovery of the facts. It doesn't have to be in any particular order, But there are a half dozen or so. Questions you can ask that will point you in the right trajectory:

What exactly is not working?
How long has this been not working?
Has there been any work done recently?

If it's an intermittent problem:
Does this happen at the same time every day?
Have you noticed that this happens when you have something else turned on?

And don't forget the dumb questions:
Have you changed the light bulb?
Are you sure it's plugged in?

Ask as many questions as you can, and don't be afraid to get outlandish with the questions. They may seem stupid, but anything you can find out that's going to help you.

 

[Jraef]

#2 - ask questions that will lead you to a simple discovery of the facts. It doesn't have to be in any particular order, But there are a half dozen or so. Questions you can ask that will point you in the right trajectory:

This:
Is very important to always start with what you DO know before leaping into what you DON’T know.