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The most likely cause of accidentally flashing lights is that a regular bulb has been replaced with a flash bulb by accident. If that’s not the case, you should look for a bulb on the strand that is not quite seated properly and will lose its connection when it’s touched or moved.

If only half of your outlet works, there are usually two possible causes: faulty wiring or a half-hot outlet. The first thing you'll want to do is check the circuit breaker panel to ensure that it's not tripped. If your circuit breaker isn't tripped, turn off the electricity and inspect the wiring to see if anything has come loose or corroded. 

If you have a half-hot outlet, it means half of the outlet is controlled by a switch somewhere on the same circuit, which should be nearby. This is an intentional electrical design commonly found in rooms without overhead lights.

It might seem tempting to use 14-gauge wires for your outlets, as they can run a little cheaper. But, when it comes to electrical work, it’s best not to cut costs less you overload your circuit. A 12-gauge wire will ensure that you’re protecting the outlet (and your circuit breaker) from any potential overloads that might incur, as it can handle a little more amplitude than a 14-gauge wire.

While most electrical items can be plugged into a GFCI outlet, some appliances with internal or stationary motors, such as refrigerators, vent fans, and fluorescent lighting, can cause nuisance tripping. This happens because they experience a small, normal amount of current leakage, which can cause the GFCI to trip even when the appliance is working correctly. Although this is not a safety hazard, it can be inconvenient and may cause the GFCI outlet to wear out faster. For this reason, it is often better to plug these types of appliances into a standard outlet. Additionally, electrical circuits over 100 feet long can sometimes cause tripping. Some appliances, like hair dryers, have their own built-in GFCI protection, so connecting them to a standard outlet is fine.