Oftentimes, when your home loses power, it is easy to pinpoint why. An electrical storm or perhaps a tree limb takes down a power line. But what to do when you experience a partial power outage in your home? It can be problematic trying to pinpoint the exact cause of why some parts of your house have power and others don’t. Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric has been diagnosing and resolving electrical issues in the Lubbock, Texas area since 1934, so we can certainly help you figure out this puzzle. Let’s take a look at what may cause a partial outage and what you can do to remedy the situation.

POWER OUTAGE

When you experience a partial power outage, there are areas you should check out to see if they are the root of the problem.

1. Inspect breaker panel. If you have a partial power outage, the culprit can likely be found in the breaker box. A circuit breaker can be tripped into the off position when it is overloaded or short-circuited due to faulty wiring or a faulty electrical appliance. Check the panel to see which switch is tripped or if a switch is discolored. Turn off all appliances, turn the main breaker off/on, then try to turn the blown breaker switch back on. You may have to plug in appliances one by one to see if one of them is causing the overload or the fuse may simply be blown and in need of replacement 
2. Check GFCI. The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your home could also be triggering the partial outage. The GFCI is designed to shut off the power when there is an imbalance or overload between the circuit conductors and electrical appliances. You can identify this switch by looking for two buttons (usually red or black) on both halves of a socket. Depress the button marked reset and – if this is the reason for the outage – the power should be restored.

TIME TO CALL AN ELECTRICIAN

A partial power outage usually indicates that there is a problem with your home’s electrical system. Many times, the troubleshooting tips we outlined above will resolve the issue; but if it doesn’t, it’s time to call a professional, certified electrician. Our Lubbock electricians are trained to diagnose and repair any and all electrical issues. By letting the licensed technicians tackle the problem, you can rest easy knowing potential hazards are being taken care of. Also, keeping your electrical system regularly inspected and maintained will make sure it is working the way it should. Call today and ask about our Armstrong Service Agreement Plan. Specific ASAP membership levels include regular electrical inspections and discounts on parts and labor. Got an electrical issue? Better Call Armstrong!