December 19, 2011 By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under No Power

2 Comments

Cause of No Power to a Home Electrical Circuit

Causes of No Power to an Outlet or Light Circuit

• The hallway lights have no power. One outlet in the living room has no power.
• The doorbell ringer, and smoke detector, located in the hallway, are not working.
• I have replaced two circuit breakers,three outlets, and two light switches.
• I have no idea whats going on.

This electrical question came from: Rick, a Homeowner from Georgetown , Kentucky.
See more about Home Wiring for Kentucky

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

Identifying the Cause of a Lost Power to an Electrical Circuit

• Rick, if this is a problem that affects more than one circuit then the problem may be at the panel.
• However from what you are describing the problem is most likely at a main junction box where there may be a burnt wire connection, which is commonly the neutral that has burnt loose because of a deteriorating connection over time.
• This calls for going through a process of troubleshooting in order to identify the problem.
• The problem may be located in a ceiling light fixture junction box where the light fixture is mounted close to the ceiling.
• The heat from the light fixture can travel up into the junction box and cause the insulation of the electrical wring to become brittle and eventually an electrical splice may come apart and fail.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical circuit:

• Circuit Wiring
• Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
• Electrical Outlets
• Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
• Types of Electrical Testers
• Using Electrical Testers

electrical outlet wiring

• Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

electrical circuit

• 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.

circuit breaker

• 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.