If you’re experiencing a partial power loss in your house, it could be due to any number of different reasons. From tripped circuit breakers and GFCI outlets to overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, or electrical panel issues, all of these common problems have the potential to cut power to specific parts of your home.
The good news is that some of these causes are easy to identify and resolve with basic troubleshooting. However, others will require professional electrical work to locate and repair safely.
So if you’re having power loss problems, here is everything you need to know about what might be causing it, how you may be able to fix it, and whether or not you’ll need professional help.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Partial Power Loss in a House?
There is no single explanation for every partial outage, and the likely causes can vary depending on whether the partial outage occurs in a specific room, group of outlets, or even with a single appliance.
There are a wide variety of different issues that could potentially be causing partial outages, and understanding the most common causes is a great first step to help you decide whether you are dealing with a simple trip or a more serious problem.
Has a Circuit Breaker Tripped?
A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common causes of a partial power loss in a house. Breakers are designed to interrupt electricity when a circuit experiences conditions that could create an electrical problem, so if you’re experiencing partial outages, it could be that your breaker is just doing its job.
All you have to do to confirm this is check your electrical panel to see whether one of the breakers has moved into the tripped position. If so, simply flip it back and everything should go back to normal. But if the breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, our guide to common reasons a circuit breaker keeps tripping can help you better understand what might be causing the problem in the first place.
Could a GFCI Outlet Have Tripped?
A GFCI outlet is designed to shut off electricity when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current, which is an incredibly important safety feature in moisture-prone areas of the home like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements.
When a GFCI outlet trips, it can also protect multiple receptacles downstream, which is again an essential safety feature, but it also means that one tripped outlet could shut off power to several more down the line. In most cases, checking accessible GFCI outlets and pressing the reset button is all it takes to get the power back on.
Is the Circuit Overloaded?
Another common cause of partial power loss in a home is a simple overloaded circuit. Plugging too many electrical devices into the same circuit can exceed the electrical demand the circuit is designed to handle, causing the breaker to trip in response and leave part of your home without power.
This is a simple fix in the short term, and usually only requires you to unplug some devices to reduce the electrical load before you reset the breaker. However, if the breaker continues tripping under normal use, it may be time to call a professional who can identify and fix the root cause of the problem.
Could Loose or Damaged Wiring Be Responsible?
Loose electrical connections and damaged wiring can also cause a partial power loss in the house. A problem at a receptacle, switch, junction, or any other electrical connection can interrupt electricity to devices located farther along the circuit.
These issues are more difficult to diagnose because much of your home’s wiring is concealed behind walls, ceilings, and other finished surfaces. But our team of certified electricians can trace the affected circuit and determine where the electrical connection has been interrupted.
Could the Electrical Panel Be Causing the Partial Power Loss in Your Home?
Problems inside your electrical panel can also cause certain circuits or areas of your home to lose power. A faulty breaker, loose connection, or aging panel as a whole can interrupt the flow of electricity without causing a complete outage.
Because electrical panels contain energized components, troubleshooting beyond checking for a tripped breaker should be left to an electrician. We can inspect the panel, identify the source of the problem, and determine whether a repair or replacement is needed.
How Can You Troubleshoot Partial Power Loss Safely?
If you’re experiencing a partial power loss in your house, there are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot and potentially solve the problem, and a good place to start is with your electrical panel. If it’s just a one-time circuit breaker trip, flipping the switch back on may be the only thing you need to do to solve the problem.
The same thing goes for power loss caused by a tripped GFCI outlet. If it’s just a one-time trip, hitting the reset button is all you need to do to restore power. That being said, if an outlet or circuit trips again, it’s likely a sign that there is something larger causing the problem.
When Does Partial Power Loss Require an Electrician?
If your basic troubleshooting efforts don’t solve the problem, it’s probably time to call the professionals at New London Electric.
We provide professional diagnostic testing and home electrical repairs for every part of your home’s electrical system. Whether it’s a simple fix or you require a larger upgrade, our team is here to explain all your options and get rid of your partial power loss problems for good.
Contact New London Electric Today
Are you experiencing partial power loss in your house? Give us a call.
Our team of certified electricians is always here to answer your questions and is always here to help you solve the partial power loss problems in your home. We’ll even offer you a free estimate and work closely with you to find a convenient time to schedule your initial inspection.
Whether it’s your whole home or only a partial power loss, dealing with issues like these is a huge inconvenience, but our team is always here to help. So, don’t put up with your power loss issues any longer. Contact New London Electric and take the first step toward making your electrical issues a thing of the past today.
