Do-It-Yourself Electrical Repair
for Residential Landlords

For do-it-yourself landlords, performing electrical repair work definitely requires a basic knowledge (and respect) for electricity and how it behaves.

Even a residential rental property that has up-to-date wiring throughout can still develop problems with its electrical system from time to time. The following are some of the most common electrical repair problems that occur with residential electrical systems…

• Faulty Light Switches - Over time, the contacts within light switches can wear out and cause the switch to fail. Replacement of the switch is needed to correct the problem. The switch must be replaced with the same type (single pole or three-way) and must have the same amperage and voltage rating.

  If the house has aluminum wiring, then only switches that are marked CO/ALR can be used. Before replacing a light switch, always shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box and then test the circuit (at the switch) to make sure power is off.

• Blown Fuses - Fuses can be either "Plug", "Type-S", or "Cartridge" types. A blown Plug or Type-S fuse can be identified by a discolored window and melted link. To replace these fuses, terminate power at the main disconnect in the panel and replace the fuse with an EXACT DUPLICATE. Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amperage rating. Also, make sure that you are standing on dry ground at all times. This is required whenever working with electricity.

  Cartridge fuses do not show signs that they've failed - they must be tested to determine if they've failed.

• Tripped Circuit Breakers - A circuit breaker that has carried more current than its rated capacity will "open" by tripping to the reset position to stop the flow of electricity. To close most circuit breakers, flip the switch to the full "OFF" position and then to the full "ON" position. If the breaker still trips, then there is a fault somewhere in the electrical circuit that must be corrected to eliminate a dangerous condition.
• Faulty Receptacles - Receptacles (power outlets) also have interior contacts that can wear out over time and cause the unit to fail. Replace a faulty receptacle with its exact duplicate and wire it the same way as the old one was wired.

  If the house has aluminum wiring, then only use receptacles that are marked CO/ALR. Before replacing a receptacle, always shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box and then test the circuit (at the receptacle) to make sure the power is off.

• Defective Light Fixtures - If an incandescent light fixture doesn't work, the problem is either a bad bulb, socket, circuit, or light switch. First, check the bulb and then the circuit breaker to make sure it's not tripped. If they're both good, test the light switch.

  If the switch is good, the problem then exists with the light fixture's wiring or socket. For this situation, replace the fixture with one that has the same type of mounting. As always, shut off the power to the light fixture unit at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box before working on the light.

The above do-it-yourself electrical repair jobs are the most common that residential landlords can experience. By acquiring some basic knowledge and working safely, you can perform these jobs yourself and save big money by doing so.

For more in-depth information about do-it-yourself electrical repair, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. You'll find detailed, step-by-step instructions and drawings that show you how to make many kinds of residential electrical repairs. It's a great resource that will surely maximize your success as a residential landlord.