Why Electrical Power is Lost to Half the Circuits
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Electrical Panel and Circuit Problems: Part of my house power is out. I checked outlets and no power was found. Typical Causes of Electric Circuit Problems. © By: Dave Rongey |
Home Electrical Power Failures
Electrical Question: Part of my house power is out. I checked outlets and no power was found.
- I went to the breaker box and tested power coming out of each breaker and found that every other one had power and and every other one didn’t have power. This included testing the 4 breaker main switches, which 2 of the 4 had power and 2 didn’t.
- I removed the breakers from the panel and ohm tested them. Two breakers seemed to work properly (open then switch to closed). Two showed very little chance or difference which ever position the switch was in.
- I switched the wires from one to the other and different power worked. So it seems the breakers are bad. However this seems very strange to me that the would go bad.
- The whole panel and breakers are only 8 yrs old.
Any thoughts or further ideas would be great.
This electrical question came from: Travis, from Orange, California.
Additional Comments: Great site and it did help.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Travis.
Electrical Panel and Circuit Problems
Application: Intermittent Electric Power Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced – Should be performed only by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and may require the local utility company or electric service provider.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Multimeter.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and troubleshoot and inspect electrical circuits and electrical system components.
Precaution: Depending on the symptoms, identify the main panel or panel circuit in question, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Burnt or damaged electrical wiring and circuit components should be replaced with new electrical materials of the same voltage and amperage rating.
Typical Causes of Electric Circuit Problems
- Electrical Problems in the Panel
- There are a few conditions that may cause half of the power to not work in a home.
- Some brands of electrical panels are prone to having failures especially in the summer time when electrical loads are high which causes problem due to expansion and contraction with electrical parts which could lead to a deteriorated connection, which then causes arcing, which can then lead to damaged electrical components and the loss of electrical power to part or all of the electrical service.
- Tripped Main Breaker
- Main circuit breakers may trip into the OFF position, and sometimes only half of the 240 volt power will trip OFF while the other phase of power remains in the ON position.
- A tripped main breaker may be caused by circuit over load or other circuit problems.
- Faulty Main Breaker
- Main circuit breakers may fail as well causing the same condition where half of the power is lost while half remains ON.
- Electrical Circuit Testing
- Before considering replacing circuit breakers it is best to have the condition thoroughly tested by a qualified licenses electrical contractor as it is not recommended that a homeowner perform work in an electrical panel.
See More about Troubleshooting Home Electrical Problems
Understanding Electrical Testers
When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Home Electrical 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.
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