How To Identify Causes of Electrical Circuit Failures

I have two circuits in my home that will go off but the circuit breaker does not trip off as if a loss of power: Checklist to Help Identify the Cause of Electrical Circuit Loss.

Lost Power to Electrical Circuits
Electrical Question: I have two circuits in my home that will go off but the circuit breaker does not trip off as if a loss of power.

• I have had two electricians and power company try to figure it out.
• Outlets were checked and two breakers were replaced, a new meter was installed, the posts in the electrical box were all checked and tightened.
• I’m still having the problem. Everyone seems to be stumped!

Any suggestions or ideas as to problem would be so helpful.

This electrical wiring question came from: C Ann, a Homeowner from Kentucky.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question C Ann.

Application: Troubleshooting Electrical Circuits.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

How to Identify the Cause of Electrical Circuit Loss

C Ann, Here are some things to check when an electrical circuit looses power to help identify the cause:

• When the circuit is interrupted is there a loss of both the hot and the neutral.
• Do the circuits stop working at certain time of the day.
• Is there a pattern that can be identified with the loss of power.
• Is there other electrical equipment that is related to this pattern.
• When the circuit restores power does is this event have a pattern as well.
• Are there any automated controls in the home for items such as the water heater, hot tub or similar equipment.
• Has the circuit wiring been identified and are there any junction boxes, if so have they been inspected.

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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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