Why Several Electrical Circuits May Not Be Working
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How to Troubleshoot Home Electrical Circuit Problems – If the full power is not restored then it is very possible that your electrical service may have lost one side of the electrical power to the electrical service panel. © By: Dave Rongey |
Possible Cause of Multiple Circuits Failing
[ad#block]Electrical Question:I blew a circuit breaker earlier today and fixed it but now I still have electrical problems.
- But ever since my fridge furnace garage and dryer will not work!
- I flipped all the circuit breakers multiple times.
- Why are certain things not working?
Background: Gillian, a Homeowner in Michigan.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gillian.
How to Troubleshoot Home Electrical Circuit Problems
- Gillian, make sure that the circuit breaker that has blown has been fully turned off then back on.
- If the full power is not restored then it is very possible that your electrical service may have lost one side or one leg of the electrical power to the electrical service panel.
- Voltage tests will need to be made by a competent electrician to identify the problem and then perform the necessary repairs.
The Following will assist you troubleshoot your electrical wiring:
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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.
- Circuit Breakers
- House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
- Circuit Wiring
- Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
- 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.
- 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.
- Electrical Newsletters Archive
- Ask The Electrician Electrical Newsletters Archive
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
The following may also be helpful for you:
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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Hi Greg,
Typically I start troubleshooting at the last outlet that has normal circuit power, and there is usually a connection that is lost at that location. Make sure you are checking the neutrals as well. If you are testing from hot to ground with a volt tester, and you are not testing from hot to neutral you will miss a possible problem where the neutral has been lost, which will cause the circuit to appear to be OK, when in fact it is not.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
Thanks for the reply. I’ve checked the outlets and they are OK. I’ve checked power to the other outlets and they each are about 120v but zero on the other three outlets. All the outlets have been upgraded in the past so there’s no backstabbing. Not sure what else to check.
Air Conditioner Electric Circuit Repair
Hi Greg,
Depending on the size of the air conditioner, it may add quite a load to an outlet circuit, and that is why many AC units require a dedicated circuit. Vacuum cleaners can require upwards of 12 amps, which can also place a considerable load on a shared outlet circuit. With both of these items running on the same circuit the circuit will definitely become overloaded, and in the process cause the wiring and outlets of the circuit to overheat, which can cause faulty wiring connections at one or more outlets. The outlets where the air conditioner and vacuum cleaner were plugged into should be inspected and repairs made as needed.
I hope this helps,
Dave
I have the old screw in fuses still and had one blow. I had an air conditioner plugged into an outlet and went to use a vacuum from another outlet that is on same circuit and it blew. I replaced it but only 3 out of 6 outlets on that circuit are working now. Also the new fuse is very hot in the panel. Is it possible a neutral got disconnected but at the same time the fuse blew?