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Steps to Restoring Power to an Electrical Circuit

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How to Restore Power to a Faulty Electrical Circuit: Steps to Restore Power to an Electrical Circuit – Here are some steps to take to restore power to a circuit – Make sure that the circuit is clear. It is important to identify and disconnect anything that was being used when the circuit stopped working.

How to Restore Power to an Electrical Circuit

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Electrical Question: I thought I blew a circuit breaker by overloading a circuit but the breaker didn’t trip but I still have no power to the light or outlet.

What do I look for?

This electrical wiring question came from: Chris, a Handyman from Kansas City, MO.
Additional Comments: Great site, very helpful.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.

How to Restore Power to a Faulty Electrical Circuit

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the problem circuits, turn them OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring and checking for electrical splice problems.

Steps to Restore Power to an Electrical Circuit
Chris, here are some steps to take to restore power to a circuit:

  • First, make sure that the circuit is clear. It is important to identify and disconnect anything that was being used when the circuit stopped working.
  • If a device was plugged into an outlet when the circuit stopped working then unplug the device because there is a possibility that the device has an electrical problem.
  • Disconnect anything that may have been used when the power stopped working.
  • Identify the circuit breaker and push it all the way into the OFF position, then back into the ON position.
  • If the power does not restore and the circuit supplies power to an area such as a garage, kitchen, bathroom or outdoor area then there may be a GFCI outlet that is part of the circuit that has tripped off and requires to be reset by simply pressing the RESET button.
  • If the circuit power is still not restored then the circuit breaker should be turned off and labeled, then a series of inspections and tests will be required starting from the affected device and possibly several other devices until the problem has been identified and the necessary repairs.

IMPORTANT
Inspections and repairs are best provided by a knowledgeable licensed qualified electrician.

More about Home Wiring:

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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.

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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.

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


2 Comments


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Comments

2 Responses to “Steps to Restoring Power to an Electrical Circuit”
  1. phil conway says:
    July 21, 2011 at 3:57 am

    I have a question about wire, I have heard that using aluminum wire with copper wire is a fire hazard.
    please explain.

    • Dave Rongey says:
      July 23, 2011 at 2:17 am

      Phil,
      If copper and aluminum wires must be spliced together there are approved methods and materials that may be used. Smaller wire gauges such as #12 and #10 may be spliced together using CU/AL approved wire connectors where a anti-corrosion compound is used. Larger wire sizes may be spliced using a variety of lugs or terminals and anti-corrosion compound depending on the application. When installing aluminum conductors as service feeders or larger circuits where permitted, the bare wire portion of the aluminum conductors should be coated with an approved anti-corrosion compound and tightened to the proper torque specs.
      Aside from the concern of corrosion, another concern about using aluminum wire is that the metal is softer and when there is a load present the wire may become warm, which can produce expansion and contraction of the aluminum conductor. If the connection is not made well then the expansion and contraction can eventually create a loose or bad connection that could eventually create arcing which can produce a number of hazardous conditions.
      However when approved materials are used and approved methods are followed one will greatly reduce to possibility of a problem when using aluminum wiring where installing aluminum wiring is permitted.
      I hope this helps you.
      Dave