A light that flickers every now and then may seem harmless. Sometimes it is. A loose bulb or a fixture that needs attention can cause occasional flickering without indicating a larger electrical problem. Other times, flickering lights can be one of the first visible signs that something is wrong with a home's electrical system. The key is knowing the difference. Start With the Simple Possibilities Before assuming there is a serious electrical problem, check the light itself.

A circuit breaker that trips once in a while may not seem like a major concern. You reset it, the lights come back on, and everything appears normal again. But when the same breaker keeps tripping, it is usually trying to tell you something. Circuit breakers are safety devices. Their job is to shut off electricity when a circuit is drawing more power than it should or when another electrical problem develops. Repeatedly resetting a breaker without finding out why it is trippi

The electrical panel is not usually the most noticeable feature in a home. It sits quietly in a garage, utility area, basement, closet, or exterior location while distributing electricity to circuits throughout the building. Most homeowners rarely think about it unless a breaker trips. But homes have changed dramatically over the years. Large televisions, computers, home offices, high-powered kitchen equipment, HVAC systems, electric water heaters, workshops, pool equipment,