Why Summer Heat May Cause Problems with Electrical Circuits

What is causing a problem with my electrical power in my home? Guide to Troubleshooting Electric Circuit Problems.

Problem With Electrical Circuits

Electrical Question: What is causing a problem with my electrical power in my home?

Jay, a Homeowner from San Diego, California asks:

• I have been having a problem when I run the vacuum and plug it in on the west side of my condo, the west side power goes out but then comes back on (by itself) after 5-10 seconds (which I never heard of). I worked around this by plugging it in on the east side of the condo since the cord reaches, problem solved.
• Well, now with the heat, I have been using my portable A/C and experienced the same thing. I cannot use an extension cord for that plus it must be near the door so I can use the exhaust portal.
• Now today I came home from work, did not leave anything on except the fridge, oven/stove and microwave, also the TV & DVR were plugged in but turned off. When I got home, everything was off, then a few seconds and it would try to come back on and turn off again like the circuit breaker was auto-resetting. I went in the guest bedroom and their was no noise at the circuit breaker panel when the East side would come off and immediately turn off. I unplugged every single thing including the fridge, microwave, oven & all lamps, no power at all being used on the east side including nightlights. I turned on the stove and same thing, I was hoping that was my problem.
• I unplugged the stove and plugged in the microwave above it, worked fine. I unplugged the microwave and plugged in the fridge, power went out. I unplugged the fridge and turned on the surge protector for the TV/DVD and power went out. And again, the items would shut down then restart after 10 seconds then shut down almost immediately then restart.
• Any ideas? This is a multi-unit condo, I am on the 3rd floor. I have never lived anywhere where the power will go out then come back on.

Additional Comments: Great website!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jay.

Home Electrical Circuit Problems

Application: Electric Power Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed 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.

Guide to Troubleshooting Electric Circuit Problems

• Jay this sounds like a connection problem at the electrical panel with one of the main incoming electrical lines, most likely the neutral wire, or it could be a main circuit breaker that has a deteriorating connection with an internal  panel component.
• This is a very common electrical problem that occurs when the outside temperatures rise which will cause the electrical loads (air conditioning, etc.) to increase, thereby causing expansion and contraction of the electrical components, especially those components which are aluminum type materials and or aluminum wire.
• This electrical problem will require testing and troubleshooting starting at the electrical panel that feeds your home electrical circuits. This is a problem that requires an experienced qualified licensed electrician.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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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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