There are so many components that support the functioning of your electrical system. An electrical system is responsible for the light emitted from your chandelier or pendant. So, an issue in one or two of the components could lead to a blackout. Everyone hates power blackouts. I mean, the inconvenience attached to it can be devastating. Aside from experiencing a full blackout, homeowners sometimes encounter a partial blackout. But why do homeowners lose power to half their house? It can be challenging to find out the main reason you have lost power to half your home. So, you might have to call your electrician to help you find out the problem. In this article, we look at some of the reasons that can cause a partial power outage.
Evaluate your electrical panel to identify any issue
The first step would be to check your breaker panel. In most instances, you can lose power to half your house because of a destroyed circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are useful in controlling electrical currents. Thus, when not functioning correctly, your electrical circuit is vulnerable to carrying excessive current from malfunctioning electrical equipment. When you locate your breaker panel, you can always identify a damaged circuit breaker through a blown fuse.
Also, if you notice any discolorations on your switch, it may indicate a damaged circuit breaker. It would be best if you turn off any electrical devices to promote safety as you do this. Fixing the issue is not tedious. You can conduct a DIY project or call your electrician to proceed with repairing the circuit breaker.
Additionally, note that there must have been an appliance that caused your circuit to overload. Or dead outlets that don't work when you plug an electrical appliance into them. If so, try identifying it so that you can fix it. Otherwise, your electrical circuit is likely to overload again. You can do this by connecting every electrical equipment at a time. In the end, you’ll find the one responsible for the electrical current overload.
Reset the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Another one of the main reasons you can lose power to half your house is a damaged GFCI. The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter facilitates the proper balance of the electrical current. Thus, if you find no fault in your circuit breaker, check your GFCI. In case you don’t know, the GFCI is mostly located on the socket. They appear as two buttons that are black and red. However, not all sockets in the house have this feature. Once you find the GFCI, click the point named ‘reset.’ Your lights would be back if the GFCI was the leading cause of the partial power outage.
A damaged circuit breaker and GFCI are the significant reasons for a partial power shortage. Even so, there are many other causes of partial blackouts. So, if you notice that you are experiencing neither of the above problems, employ a dependable electrician to help you identify the source of the problem.
Detailed steps for fixing a partial power outage
Step one
Turn over all the circuit breakers once you get to your electrical panel with a sudden quick movement. Then, ensure that you switch off the main breaker and turn it on after some time. Doing this enables you to sort out any issues present in all your breakers.
Step two
After you turn on the main breaker, find out if you are still experiencing a power outage. In some instances, the power outage would have ended. However, if there is still no power in some of your rooms, you have to replace your breakers. It would be best if you contact a professional electrical contractor. Consider hiring electricians from AK Electrical LLC. They are simply the best.
Step three
Look for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter in all your sockets. Often, they appear as two buttons of red and black color. Identify and click on the reset button. Do this for every socket with a GFCI. Your problem should get resolved after this if the primary source of the issues was the GFCI. If you don’t regain power in your household, seek professional assistance from a dependable electrician.
Step four
Suppose you suspect a more serious issue behind the partial power outage, do not conduct a DIY project. Always look for the best electricians in your area to fix the problem for you.
Dependable electrical contractors from AK Electrical LLC
Ultimately, whenever you lose power to half of your house, it indicates that something is not right. So, always look for the primary source of the problem first. Often, partial power outages result from damaged circuit breakers and GFCIs. However, if the problem is beyond you, hire a professional electrician from AK Electrical LLC.
Here at AK Electrical LLC, we have the best electrical contractors who can fix all types of problems. They help you identify the primary source of the power outage and set it as well. Do not hesitate to call us in case you lose power to half your house. Furthermore, you can always reach us at any time of the day.