A SIMPLE GUIDE FORTroubleshooting Half of
House Losing Power

Learn to troubleshoot when half of your house loses power with our expert guide. From checking circuit breakers to consulting professionals, discover step-by-step solutions to restore electricity safely and efficiently. Ideal for homeowners seeking to quickly address partial power outages for Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and Prince William Counties.

A SIMPLE GUIDE FORTroubleshooting Half of
House Losing Power

Troubleshooting Half of House Losing Power

Step 1:

Check Your Circuit Breakers

Locate Your Electrical Panel: Begin by finding your home’s electrical panel, which is typically located in a garage, basement, or utility room.
Inspect the Circuit Breakers: Look for any circuit breakers that have flipped to the “off” position or are stuck in the middle, indicating a trip.
Reset Tripped Breakers: Carefully flip any tripped breakers entirely to the “off” position and then back to “on.” This may restore power if a simple overload causes the issue.

Step 2:

Identify GFCI Outlets

Find GFCI Outlets: These are safety outlets with test and reset buttons commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas.
Test and Reset: Press the “reset” button on any GFCI outlets. A tripped GFCI in one part of your home can affect power in another area.

Step 3:

Check for Signs of Overload

Appliance and Lighting Check: Consider if turning on a particular appliance or light coincides with the power loss. Overloading a circuit can cause partial power outages.
Redistribute Power Load: Unplug unnecessary appliances or devices from the affected area and plug them into different circuits to balance the load.

Step 4:

Inspect Main Power Supply

Main Breaker Check: In your electrical panel, the main breaker controls your home’s power. If it’s tripped, it could affect half your house or significant sections.
Reset Main Breaker: If safe, flip the main breaker off and then on. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with this step, seek professional help.

Step 5:

Evaluate External Factors

Neighborhood Power Outage: Check with neighbors to see if they are experiencing similar issues, which could indicate a problem with the utility service rather than your home.
Weather Conditions: Severe weather can affect electrical power lines and infrastructure, leading to partial or complete power outages.

Step 6:

Seek Professional Assistance

Contact an Electrician: If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, or you’re uncomfortable performing them, it’s time to contact Peter, our licensed electrician. A more complex issue could be within your home’s wiring or electrical panel.
Utility Company Consultation: If you suspect the issue is on the utility’s side and neighbors are also affected, contact your local utility company.

GET HELP

⚠️WARNING⚠️

Safety Precautions

Electrical Safety First: Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical issues. Avoid touching exposed wires, and don’t attempt repairs you’re not confident in or qualified to perform.
Power Surge Protection: Consider using surge protectors for sensitive electronics to prevent damage from sudden power returns once power is restored.

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By following these steps, you can systematically troubleshoot when half of your house loses power, helping to identify whether the issue is something you can remedy or if professional help is needed. Remember, when in doubt, always opt for the safety and expertise of a qualified electrician.