
Electrical troubleshooting and repair
Tripping breakers, dead outlets, flickering lights and mystery problems, tracked down methodically and fixed safely.
Electrical troubleshooting and repair: an overview
Electrical problems are frustrating because the cause isn’t always where the symptom shows up. A dead outlet might be a tripped GFCI in another room; flickering lights might be a loose connection at a fixture, in the panel or at the service. Troubleshooting is the process of finding the real cause instead of replacing parts until something works.
We start by listening: what happens, when, and what changed recently. Then we test, trace circuits and inspect connections until we find the problem. Once we know the cause, we explain it and the repair options before doing the work.
Some symptoms are urgent. If you smell burning, see scorching or sparks, or a panel or outlet is hot, turn off the affected breaker if it’s safe and call. If there’s fire or immediate danger, call 911 first.
What’s included
What this work typically covers. Your scope depends on your home and equipment.
Tripping breakers
Finding overloads, short circuits and failing breakers.
Dead outlets and switches
Tracing open circuits, GFCI and AFCI issues.
Flickering or dimming lights
Checking connections, fixtures and the service.
Warm or buzzing devices
Locating overheating connections and failing devices.
Storm and surge damage
Evaluating equipment after storms, flooding or surges.
Code corrections
Fixing problems found during inspections or home sales.

Call right away if
- You smell burning or see scorch marks
- Outlets, switches or the panel feel hot
- Breakers trip repeatedly and immediately
- Water has reached electrical equipment
- You get a shock from a fixture or appliance
Why homeowners call Kelm for troubleshooting & repair
Licensed electrical contractor
Work is performed under TECL #21849, and owner Clint Kelm is a Texas Master Electrician (TMEL #510665).
Permits handled
We tell you when a job needs a permit and inspection, and we take care of both.
Part of a full-service family
Plumbing, standby generators and construction are handled by the Kelm family of services, which makes multi-trade projects simpler.
Local to Santa Fe
We’re based in Galveston County and work across Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties.
How it works
From your first call to a finished, tested job.
Call
Describe the symptoms and when they happen.
Investigate
We test and trace the circuit.
Explain
You hear the cause and the repair options.
Repair
Licensed repair done to code.
Verify
We confirm the problem is resolved.
Troubleshooting & Repair FAQ
Common questions about this service.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Common causes include overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground faults and worn breakers. Testing tells which.
Can I reset a breaker that keeps tripping?
Resetting repeatedly can be unsafe. If it trips again right away, leave it off and call.
My outlets stopped working after a storm. Why?
It could be a tripped GFCI, a breaker or damage. If water was involved, have it inspected.
Do you do pre-sale repairs?
Yes, including corrections listed in a home inspection report.
Get an estimate for troubleshooting & repair
Tell us about your home and the work you need. We’ll follow up by your preferred method.
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