Troubleshooting Tips:
If you have outlets that are not working in the following areas,
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Garage
- Exterior (Porch or Deck)
- Basement
Check for a tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacle. You may have to do a little detective work to locate them. Oftentimes, GFCI’s are in or around areas of your home where there is water or exposure to the elements.
What is a GFCI receptacle? A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI is a safety device used to protect you from shock. The GFCI will have a test and reset button located on the front of the receptacle. These buttons can be used to test the GFCI monthly as a safety precaution and to reset the GFCI when it trips. As of June 2015 GFCI receptacles are self testing, if the device fails the self test it will stop functioning and will need to be replaced.
How to find your GFCI receptacle by room: Kitchen, look behind all appliances, leave no toaster unturned. Garage, look behind that stack of boxes that has been there for 10 years. You will be surprised at how many times we will go into someone's garage and find a GFCI behind stack of something or a shelf.
How to reset a GFCI receptacle: Resetting a GFCI is a simple process of finding the tripped GFCI then pushing the reset button. If the GFCI does not reset, check your breaker box for a tripped breaker. If there are no tripped breakers and the reset button did not fix the problem then you need to call Power Plus Electrical Service.
Is my breaker tripped? If a breaker is overloaded it will "trip", thus turning the power off to the circuit. When the breaker trips the handle will be in the center position.
How to reset a breaker. Push the breaker FIRMLY into the "off" position, then back to the "on" position. Sometimes the breaker will need to be reset twice. Eaton breakers are notorious for tripping but remaining in the "on" position. All breakers will sometimes do this. So don't assume the breaker is on just because the handle is in the on position. It is best to reset all your breakers, don't trust the labeling of the breakers to be correct.
When you are experiencing “half power” (power in a portion of your home) this is sometimes caused by a problem with the power company’s wiring. Call your local power company first. They will be able to tell you if the problem is in their wiring or if there is a problem inside your home. If the problem is in your home, Power Plus Electrical Service will be happy to troubleshoot the problem and find a quick, cost effective solution.
Is your home over 40 years old?
Has your home had a major addition or renovation or major appliance added in the last 10 years?
Are you the new owner of a previously owned home?
Do your lights often flicker or dim momentarily?
Do you have circuit breakers or fuses that often trip or blow?
Are your outlet and light switch face plates hot to the touch or discolored?
Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzing from your outlets, fuse box or breaker box?
Do you have extension cords and multiple power strips permanently in use around the house?
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you probably need our services. Give us a call at 828-252-2581 for prompt service!