Power loss is frustrating, whether it's in one outlet, a single room, or your entire house. It could be something as simple as a tripped breaker, or it could signal a more serious electrical issue like faulty wiring. Whatever the cause, knowing how to troubleshoot and when to call in professionals can save you from potential hazards. At Sparky Electric & Solar, we’re here to help. Here's what to do if the lights go out—and when to call for help.
I Lost Power in My House. What Do I Do?
Check Your Circuit Breaker
Before anything else, head to your circuit breaker panel. A tripped breaker is the most common cause of power loss. Reset any breakers that have been tripped by moving them all the way to the "off" position and then back to "on." Many homes also have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets, which trip to prevent electrical shocks. If your outlet has a “Reset” button, press it to restore power.
Feel for Overheating
If you feel an outlet that’s unusually hot, it could be a sign of trouble. In this case, it’s crucial to turn off the breaker for that area and contact Sparky immediately. We’ll inspect the outlet to prevent overheating from becoming a more dangerous issue, like an electrical fire.
Inspect for Overloaded Circuits
If too many devices are plugged into one circuit, it could overload and cause partial power loss without tripping the breaker. Unplug unnecessary devices and redistribute the load. If your home needs more outlets or circuits to accommodate modern electrical demands, we can help by balancing your circuits to avoid future overloads.
Watch for External Power Issues
Sometimes, the issue might not be inside your home at all. External power problems, like a downed transformer or damage to the main power line, can cause power outages. If you suspect an external issue, contact your utility provider. If the power company rules out any external problems, Sparky is here to step in with expert diagnostics to get to the bottom of your power loss.
As one of the leading solar power companies in Sacramento, we understand how to integrate solar systems with the grid to ensure your energy supply is stable and efficient, even when there are grid issues.
When power outages happen frequently, it may be time to consider backup power options. At Sparky Electric & Solar, we offer a variety of solar battery storage solutions to keep your home running even during grid outages. By pairing your solar panel system with a battery storage unit, you can store excess energy and power critical appliances like your refrigerator or HVAC system during an outage. Contact our solar contractors in Sacramento today!