Why Electrical Outlets Do Not Have Full Power

Why do my Outlets not have Full Electrical Power? How to Troubleshoot Electrical Power Problems. © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Electrical Problems That Cause Abnormal Power
Electrical Question: Why do my outlets not have full power?

Electrical Problem #1: My outlets are not making full electrical power.

• I had my kitchen microwave plugged in and a few days ago it just would sort of bog down when I turned it on. I thought it was broken so I bought a new one. Well, the new microwave is doing the same thing. So I thought I would plug it into other outlets, but the same thing is happening.
• When the refrigerator turns on the lights in the house fluctuate. Also worth noting, a few days ago there was a funny “shorted out” smell coming from the room with the breaker box. I removed the breaker box cover and all the wires are exposed and I don’t see anything that looks burned or out of sort. Any advice?

Background: Sam, who is a Handyman in Texas.

Example #2: My power equipment only runs at 1/4 speed or less and if I turn the lights off I lose all the power.

• My shed has 2 circuits, one for lights and one for receptacles. The circuits are 15 and 20 amps.
• I recently have lost power unless both circuits are on.
• When I do have power I am unable to operate any power equipment because they run at 1/4 speed or less.
• If I turn lights off  I have no power to the receptacles.
• I have 110 volts to the circuit breakers and the same to the receptacles only when lights are on.
• This a small workshop. I began having problems when my air compressor had problems which I have discarded.

Any help much needed! Thanks.

This electrical wiring question came from Paul in Maryland.

Example #3: Some of my outlets lost full power, there is only a little power.

• I have 4 outlets that lost power all of a sudden, no fuses blew.
• The outlets have a little power but not enough to run anything.
• I rewired one outlet with new wire and outlet, its the only one running to 1 fuse right now and it still has only a little power.
• I disconnected other outlets that aren’t working from fuse box still not working, rest of the house is fine

This electrical wiring question came from Carl in New York.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring questions Sam, Paul and Carl.

How to Troubleshoot an Electric Power Problem

Application: Electrical Troubleshooting a Outlet Circuit Power Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced – This electrical testing process is best performed by a Certified Electrician or a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or the electrical utility company.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the electrical wiring and the access to the circuits and wiring to be evaluated.
Precaution: This is a project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specific tests of the electrical circuits.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require a permit and inspections.

Common Causes of Partial Electric Power

The electrical questions above describe the symptoms of a problem within the circuit wiring. Listed below are the most common causes of lost power or partial power.

Examples of  the Typical Causes of Lost Electrical Power

• Voltage Feedback Causes Partial Power
  The electrical system most likely lost one leg of power so the circuits are feeding voltage back through one leg of a 220volt circuit that is turned on.
• The Cause of Lost Power or Dim Lights
  The electrical panel may have a faulty connection either with one of the main power lines, or a problem with the neutral, however this is typically a fault with one of the main power lines.
• Possible Fault with the Electric Panel Main Breaker
  It may be that the main breaker for the panel is partially tripped, or the breaker may be faulty.
• Possible Problem with the Main Electrical Utility Wires
  Another possibility is that one of the main power lines from the electrical utility provider may be faulty. If this is the case, then the electrical utility company should be notified about the problem. If the problem is with their side of the electrical service they would need to inspect their electrical wires and make any necessary repairs.
• Inspecting the Electrical Circuit
  The lost portion of electrical power will need to be identified by inspecting various circuits and components of the home electrical system.
• Repairing Burnt Wires
  When burnt wiring connections have been located at either a terminal connection or within an electrical splice the repairs will need to be made according to code and using the appropriate parts, including a replacement receptacle outlet, new wire, and wire connectors.

See More about How to Troubleshoot Home Electric Power Problems

• How to Test and Repair Electrical Wiring
  
  

• 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.
  
• Outlet Wiring
  
  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.
• Electric 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.
• Home Electrical Wire
  
  Electrical Wire for the Home
  Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.