Steps to Restoring Power to an Electrical Circuit
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How to Repair an Electrical Circuit when there is No Power: Steps for Repairing an Electric Circuit and Restoring Power when a Circuit has Lost Power. |
How to Repair an Electrical Circuit when there is No Power
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I thought I blew a circuit breaker by overloading a circuit but the breaker didn’t trip.
- I still have no power to the light or outlet.
- What do I look for?
This electrical wiring question came from: Chris, a Handyman from Kansas City, MO.
Additional Comments: Great site, very helpful.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.
How to Restore Power to a Faulty Electrical Circuit
Application: Lost Electrical Power
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the problem circuits, turn them OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring and checking for electrical splice problems.
Steps for Repairing an Electric Circuit and Restoring Power
Chris, here are some steps to take to restore power to a circuit:
- Clear the Electrical Circuit
First, make sure that the circuit is clear. It is important to identify and disconnect anything that was being used when the circuit stopped working. - Unplug Electrical Devices
If a device was plugged into an outlet when the circuit stopped working then unplug the device because there is a possibility that the device has an electrical problem. - Disconnect Circuit Equipment
Disconnect anything that may have been used when the power stopped working. - Identify the Circuit
Identify the circuit breaker and push it all the way into the OFF position, then back into the ON position. - Checking for a GFCI
If the power does not restore and the circuit supplies power to an area such as a garage, kitchen, bathroom or outdoor area then there may be a GFCI outlet that is part of the circuit that has tripped off and requires to be reset by simply pressing the RESET button. - Circuit Inspections and Evaluations
If the circuit power is still not restored then the circuit breaker should be turned off and labeled, then a series of inspections and tests will be required starting from the affected device and possibly several other devices until the problem has been identified and the necessary repairs.
IMPORTANT
Inspections and repairs are best provided by a qualified electrician who can assist you when there has been lost power.
More about Home Wiring:
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers
Home Electrical Circuits
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
Home Circuit Breakers
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
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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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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| How To Splice Electrical Wires | Moving an Electric Range Circuit |
I have a question about wire, I have heard that using aluminum wire with copper wire is a fire hazard.
please explain.
Phil,
If copper and aluminum wires must be spliced together there are approved methods and materials that may be used. Smaller wire gauges such as #12 and #10 may be spliced together using CU/AL approved wire connectors where a anti-corrosion compound is used. Larger wire sizes may be spliced using a variety of lugs or terminals and anti-corrosion compound depending on the application. When installing aluminum conductors as service feeders or larger circuits where permitted, the bare wire portion of the aluminum conductors should be coated with an approved anti-corrosion compound and tightened to the proper torque specs.
Aside from the concern of corrosion, another concern about using aluminum wire is that the metal is softer and when there is a load present the wire may become warm, which can produce expansion and contraction of the aluminum conductor. If the connection is not made well then the expansion and contraction can eventually create a loose or bad connection that could eventually create arcing which can produce a number of hazardous conditions.
However when approved materials are used and approved methods are followed one will greatly reduce to possibility of a problem when using aluminum wiring where installing aluminum wiring is permitted.
I hope this helps you.
Dave