Question – Electrical Troubleshooting Practices

Electrical troubleshooting requires testing procedures to find the problem.

If I lose power from the outlets in the two bedrooms, but the lights in these rooms are still working, why would an electrician take out the lights and mess around with the wiring, especially the light in the hall?

One method of wiring is what is known as “Top Down Wiring”. This is where the power feeds are installed through ceiling boxes, typically used for light fixtures. Due to the heat produced by some light fixtures, this can contribute to loose connections with wiring inside these boxes. The electrician was most likely tracing the circuit and looking for the cause of the power being lost to the outlets.

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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.