This page contains thrifty tips and advice to help you with electrical repairs around the home.
Not Getting Power But Circuit Breaker Was Not TrippedElectrical problems can be difficult to diagnose, especially when it isn't a simple case of resetting the breaker. This is a page to troubleshoot the issue of not getting power but the circuit breaker was not tripped.
Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit ProblemsWhen the breaker is not tripped, but your circuit is not working, it can be a serious problem. It may be best to consult an electrician. This page is about troubleshooting electrical circuit problems.
Adding More Electrical Outlets to an Old Fuse Box?This is a page about adding more electrical outlets to an old fuse box. Older homes often do not have the number of electrical outlets we are currently accustomed to.
Power Out in One Room?This is a page about power out in one room. Trying to determine the cause of a power outage in one room can be confusing especially if the breaker has not tripped.
Removing a Stuck Light BulbThis page is about removing a stuck light bulb. You need to be careful not to break the glass when removing a stubborn bulb.
Dishwasher Tripping a Circuit Breaker?This is a page about dishwasher tripping a circuit breaker. It is frustrating when trying to run your dishwasher repeatedly trips the breaker. Troubleshooting the cause can be daunting.
Outlets in One Room Don't WorkThis is a page about outlets in one room don't work. Identifying the various circuits in a room can help you troubleshoot electrical problems when some outlets stop working.
Outlet Stopped Working After It Rained?Sometimes, circuits can break or outlets can stop working when it rains or if they get wet. This is a serious problem and should be addressed by an electrician. This page has advice for when an outlet stopped working after it rained.
Outlet Making Crackling Popping Noise?If you have an electrical outlet that is popping or making crackling noises, you should have an electrical service it as soon as possible. This situation is highly dangerous and could result in a house fire. This is a page about outlet making crackling popping noise.
Changing a 15 Amp Outlet to 20 Amps?This page is about changing a 15 amp outlet to 20 amps.It is important to know the electrical wire and breaker switches requirements for different kinds of outlet needs.
Light Bulb Socket Sparked and Smoked?This is a page about light bulb socket sparked and smoked. Certain electrical problems are more disturbing than others and may require quicker action to determine the cause and make repairs.
Troubleshooting Why a Circuit Breaker Keeps TrippingDetermining the cause of the overload of the electrical circuit is essential. This page is about troubleshooting why a circuit breaker keeps tripping.
No Power to Circuit After Changing Switches?This is a page about no power to circuit after changing switches. Replacing electrical switches may best be left to a professional electrician to make sure it is done properly.
Power Goes Out When Using MicrowaveThis is a page about power goes out when using microwave. If your power goes out when you turn on your microwave the breaker is getting overloaded. It is best to have an electrician look at the issue.
Could Bad Outlets Damage TV and Other Electronics?Two 2 fairly new TVs and a DVD recorder burned out, but were working great before I moved. Also, there are several bad outlets in the new place. Can this be related? Can bad outlets cause these to stop working all together?
Using a Potato to Remove Broken Light BulbWith the power off, a safe way to remove a broken light bulb is with a raw potato. This is a page about using a potato to remove broken light bulb.
Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping Breaker?Electrical breakers are a safety device designed to keep your home and appliances safe in the event of electrical overloads. Air conditioning units are a common cause of a breaker tripping. This page is about when an AC unit trips the breaker.
Too Many Rooms on the One Breaker?I have a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. It's a 20 amp and there is a lot of stuff plugged into that one breaker. In fact, there are three bedrooms full of stuff. Should I replace the 20 amp breaker with a 30 or 40 amp?
Can't Reset GFCI Outlet?I have an outdoor GFCI outlet that won't reset. An orange light stays lit, but the reset button will not pop out the test button. I just noticed this recently when the outdoor landscape lighting wouldn't come on. What are some possible causes of this?
Getting Plugs to Stay in Outlets?This is a page about getting plugs to stay in outlets. It can be very frustrating when an electrical outlet no longer keeps your power cord plugged in.
GFCI Circuit Breaker Won't Reset?It is extremely frustrating trying to determine why a GFCI breaker in your home won't reset after tripping. There are a few common reasons this might occur and you will want to pursue the possibilities until you identify the cause.
Power Out in Half of an Apartment?This is a page about power out in half of apartment. If the power is out is half of your apartment, there is a problem with the loads going through the breaker. Your landlord is responsible for this repair.
No Power After Installing New Ceiling Fan?This is a page about no power after installing new ceiling fan. Small electrical projects are often done by homeowners, but when there is an issue it can be difficult to determine the cause.
Fixing Fluorescent LightsThis is a page about fixing fluorescent lights. Before tossing out a fluorescent light that seems to be broken, try some of these tips to repair it.
Hampton Bay Pull Chain Switch Replacement?How to replace the broken chain pull switch on a Hampton Bay ceiling fan?
Two Prong Plug to Three Prong Extension Cord?I recently purchased a new portable electric Kobalt "inflator", i.e., air compressor. Its power cord for 120-volt household current has a 2-prong plug with one prong thicker than the other, as is common/required nowadays.
No Power to New Chandelier and Switches?I installed a chandelier and caused a short which tripped the breaker, 2 times. I already know why the short was caused and I fixed it, but now the 2 switches (3 way switches) to the chandelier have no power and neither does the chandelier wires. The outlets that are connected to the same breaker do work. Any ideas?
Repairing a Light Fixture?Repairing a light fixture is often a simple project but some issues will require an electrician. Always turn off the power first before working on any electrical fixtures or outlets.
Turning on Electric Stove Turns Lights Off?I turn the stove on and my hood light goes off and bedroom power goes out, but the stove keeps working.
Breakers Tripped When Changing Dryer Plug?I was changing the plug for my dryer, in an older home I just bought. My circuit box is not labeled well. I thought the correct breaker was off. Guess it was not. As I pulled the wires through the plug box. Sparks went everywhere. If flipped a 15 amp breaker. And half way flipped the main 100 amp breaker. Will it work again if I just replace the 2 breakers? Or could more be wrong?
Electrical Repair Assistance for Low Income Homeowners?I need help with my electrical outlets. Do you know of any programs that provide electrical repairs?
Bathroom Ceiling Light Not Working?The overhead light in my bathroom stopped working. The outlet in the room still works. I changed out the switch on the wall and changed the lightbulbs with no improvement. I took the light out and it does not show any electricity coming from it. How what I fix this?
Troubleshooting an Electrical Circuit?So the lights at my mom's house turn off if the dryer isn't on. I checked the breakers and everything seems normal. I'm wondering what could be the problem?
Electrical Issues After Installing a New Breaker?I shut off the main and put a new breaker in to win a 30 amp line to an outlet (capping the old wires completely). When I turned the main back on, my microwave isn't running at full power, or so it seems.
Troubleshooting Electric Clothes Dryer Connection Problems?If the outlet or power cord for you dryer are not working properly this may be a job for a homeowner with some wiring skills, otherwise it is best to call a repair service or electrician. This is a page about troubleshooting electric clothes dryer connection problems.
Main Breaker Keeps Tripping?I am wondering why my main circuit breaker switch won't stay on for all my power in my house?
Plug Won't Stay in New Electrical Outlet?The plug keeps falling out of a brand new outlet.
Hallway Light Doesn't Work When It Rains?The light in my hallway works normally, but when it rains I've noticed it doesn't work then. After the rain the next day or hours later it works again. What could be the problem?
Electrical Circuit Not Working After Adding a Light Switch?Unfortunately some seemingly minor DIY electrical repairs have unforeseen consequences. You add a new switch only to have the entire circuit stop working. This is a page about electrical circuit not working after adding a light switch.
Troubleshooting Fusebox Problems?Problems in the fusebox can cause issues throughout your home. Always use caution when working with electricity and consult an electrician before attempting your own repairs. This is a page about troubleshooting fusebox problems.
Repairing Power Surge and Storm Damage to Home Wiring?We had a bad storm come through and knock out our power. It came back on, but in order for it to work, we had to reset the breaker box for each switch. Once we did that, we found that several of our power strips burnt and melted, so we unplugged all of them and reset again to get all lights back on.
Lights in Bedrooms Not Working?Trying to determine the cause for an electrical issue in your home can be a difficult process. If fixtures in different rooms on the same circuit are not working it could be the breaker. This is a page about lights in bedrooms not working.
Troubleshooting an Electrical Circuit?The fuse that controls the dryer sparks when the breaker flips. I changed all the breakers and all the little switches so that it will new, but nothing happens. It won't work, could it be the wiring?
Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit Problem?I have tried to install 5 new fans in a bedroom. They were all different makes and in all cases all of the fans have burnt out the moment I turned them on. The voltage in the ceiling is 120.
Breaker Trips When Outside Motion Light Shuts Off?A tripping circuit breaker is indicative of an electrical issue that you will want to define and resolve. It may be the breaker itself, the wiring, or the motion sensing light. This is a page about the breaker trips when outside motion light shuts off.
Bathroom Fan Surges On and Off?This is a page about fixing a bathroom fan that surges on and off. There are numerous reasons that the fan might be surging on and off. Here are some tips to diagnose the issue.
Changing a Breaker to One With a Lower Amperage?How do I change a 60 amp, 220 breaker to 20 amp, 110 breaker in my breaker box?
Outlet Doesn't Work When Light Is On?This page contains advice for when an outlet doesn't work when the light is on. Sometimes an outlet, that shares wiring with a light switch, doesn't work properly when the light is turned on. As with all wiring and electrical issues, it is best to have an electrician look at it. If left unfixed, it may lead to a fire.
Changing a Light BulbChanging a light bulb is relatively easy. Things to keep in mind to prevent injury include, allowing the bulb to cool down and using care when attempting to remove a stuck bulb. This is a page about changing a light bulb.
Light Switch Not Controlling Outlets?I recently changed out the outlets and switches in a three rooms. The switches controlled the outlets for a couple of days even though I didn't break the tabs(s). Now the light switch is not controlling the outlets. I went back and broke one tab off on one outlet, but it still doesn't work.
Rewiring a Fluorescent FixtureSometimes it becomes necessary to rewire an existing fixture. For example you may want to change how many switches can operate the light. This is a page about rewiring a fluorescent fixture.
Using One Outlet in a Room Disables the Other?Troubleshooting electrical problems on a circuit can be challenging. This is a page about using one outlet in a room disables the other.
GFCI Outlets Not WorkingIf your Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is not working, you may need to contact an electrician to repair it. This is a page about GFCI outlets not working.
Half of House Electrical Not Working?If half of your home does not have power, you may have a breaker that is getting overloaded. Contacting a certified electrician to troubleshoot and repair your electrical issues is often recommended. This is a page about half of house electrical not working.
GFCI Outlet Keeps TrippingDetermining the cause of a malfunctioning GFCI outlet may require some sleuthing. This is a page about GFCI outlet keeps tripping.
Breaker Arced When Installing New Wire?This is a page about breaker arced when installing new wire. An inexperienced homeowner can experience unexpected results when trying to work on a home electrical wiring project.
Overhead Ceiling Fan Light Not Working Properly?This is a page about overhead ceiling fan light not working properly. When an electrical fixture does not work as expected you may need the help of an electrician.
Troubleshooting Dimming House Lights?This is a page about troubleshooting dimming house lights. When lights get dim or flicker, the trouble may go as far as the power company's lines to your house. It is best to get advice from a licensed electrician.
New Garage Door Opener Trips Breaker?This is a page about new garage door opener trips breaker. While many homeowners can complete easy electrical projects in their home, when problems result diagnosis can be daunting.
Power Only Works When Stove is On?This is a page about power only works when stove on. Troubleshooting unusual electrical problems can be difficult for a homeowner.
Electrical Outlet Stopped WorkingThis is a page about electrical outlet stopped working. Troubleshooting the reason an outlet has stopped working is the first step to your repair or replacement decision.
Lights Don't Work in Hot Weather?This is a page about lights don't work in hot weather. Changes in temperature can have an effect on your electrical system.
No Power to RV's Breaker Box?This is a page about no power to RV's breaker box. You may need to have an electrician look at your RV if you have to power getting to the breaker box.
Electric Outlet Feels Hot?This is a page about electric outlet feels hot. If your electrical outlet feels hot to the touch it would be best to turn off the breaker and call an electrician immediately.
TV Shuts Off When Lights Are Turned Off?This is a page about TV shuts off when lights are turned off. Odd or intermittent electrical circuit problems can be difficult to track down.
Outlets Stopped Working?I was sitting in my room listening to some nice soothing music then the music just went off. I checked the outlets, three out of the five outlets, in the same room, are not working. i flipped the breakers, however the three outlet are still not working.
Kitchen Light Switches Not Working Properly?My kitchen light can be turned on/off by 2 different switches. It use to work fine. Now, it can be cut off by either switch anytime, but it can only be cut on by the switch that was used to cut it off. Is this faulty switch? Light?
Replacing a 200 Amp Breaker Box?This is a page about replacing a 200 amp breaker box. A major electrical job is often best left to a licensed electrician.
Repairing a Wall Heater?My father's house has a wall heater and chandelier on the same circuit. I came over and I heard a sound, like bacon on the stove, coming from the wall heater. I don't know year or model, but it looks older than 30 years. I shut off the breaker to the circuit, but don't know what to do next?
Changing a Light Bulb in a High Ceiling?This is a page about changing a light bulb in a high ceiling. It can be a challenge to remove the cover and to reach the light when the ceiling is very high.
GFCI Keeps Tripping?A friend has a GFCI outlet located directly below her main panel; mind you nowhere near water. She has her Christmas lights on the outside of the house, now the lights are plugged into an outside outlet that is in perfect shape, but they keep going out.
Troubleshooting a Voltage Drop?This page is about troubleshooting a voltage drop. If you experience reduced voltage in your electrical service, it is important to consult an electrician.
Water Heater Tripping Breaker?I have a brand new Whirlpool electric water heater, wired on 9-3-2013. One of the two 15 amp breakers trips after 7 minutes of operation. Internal temperature reset does not trip.
Lights Not Working?This is a page about lights not working. Tracking down the cause of your overhead lights not working can be a frustrating process.
Incandescent Bulbs Burning Out Quickly?This is a page about incandescent bulbs burning out quickly. Light bulbs have a projected lifespan. If they seem to be burning out too quickly you may need to do some sleuthing to determine the cause.
Pool Keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker?This is a page about pool keeps tripping circuit breaker. Troubleshooting the reason why a circuit breaker keeps tripping, while necessary for safety reasons, can be time consuming and frustrating.
Kitchen Lights Don't Work When it Rains?This is a page about kitchen lights don't work when it rains. There are several causes for electrical problems with household lightening. Finding the source of the problem may be difficult and require calling an electrician.
Replacing a GFCI Outlet?This is a page about replacing a GFCi outlet. GFCI outlets are required by code outdoors and anywhere near water, such as in a bathroom. These outlets can be replaced by the handy homeowner, by following the proper steps.
Buying the Correct Circuit Breaker?This is a page about buying the correct circuit breaker. The circuit breaker in your home breaker box is an essential part of your electrical system and an important safety component.
Breaker Keeps Tripping?I have a 1927 2 1/2 story home. The electric was updated in 2005. There is a breaker that supplies the upstairs hallway light and outlet, a light and one outlet in bedroom #1, a light and one outlet in bedroom #2, a light and one outlet in a 3rd bedroom, a outlet in the downstairs living room, and the front porch light (which is a covered porch). I wake up most mornings and that circuit is tripped. I reset it and most times it is fine for three days then it just trips. Then there are times I'll reset it and it won't trip for a week or two. I've shut off every breaker and just left that breaker on by itself and determined everything it operates. I've gone to every outlet it operates and unplugged all items and it still trips the breaker from time to time. Stumped in Ohio!
Repairing an Electric OutletThis is a page about repairing an electric outlet. Troubleshooting the cause of an outlet not working can help define how to repair it.
Removing Stuck Light Bulb Adapter?I have a standard to mogul base stuck in the mogul socket. What can I do to get the adapter out of the mogul socket?
Breaker Tripped and Outlets Not Working?My circuit breaker tripped while I was shampooing the carpet in the family room. This breaker has 2 switches on it which control the power in the family room and the garage.
Replacing Electric Circuit Breakers?How hard is it to replace a circuit breaker in the panel?
Troubleshooting Power Outages to Appliances and Receptacles?All of my major appliances keep shutting off along with some receptacles. The circuit breakers don't flip and power comes back on.
Can Heavy Load Cause a Circuit Breaker to Wear Out?If a circuit breaker carries a heavy load (80% of rated) for years, can it cause the breaker to "wear out"?
Refrigerator Tripping Breaker After Power Outage?Our electricity was out for a few days, due to hurricane Irene. When power came back on the refrigerator started to run and ran long enough to make ice in the freezer. This morning it quit running.
Replacing a 50 Amp with a 60 Amp Breaker?Can a 50 amp breaker be replaced with a 60 amp with no re-wiring needed?
Air Conditioner Breaker Will Not Reset?What is the cause for an AC breaker not resetting? The fan runs, but compressor unit outside will not?
Lights Dim When AC Comes On?The lights in my bedroom are dimming when the AC kicks on and while it is running. They are on the same circuit breaker. Do I need to change all of the breakers?
Amperage Limits of MCB Circuits?If you have a 3 phase 16amp mcb how many amps does it actually take to trip it? This may sound like an odd question, but under a fault at what amperage does it trip? It's not 16.
Multifunction Printer on 15 Amp Circuit Dims the Lights?My brand new multifunction printer dims the lights! It does this in different rooms which are on different breakers, all at 15 amps. It's a new house, so I know the wiring isn't a problem.
Buying Quick Fix Electrical Spacers?A while ago, actually probably years ago, I saw a product advertised and thought, "Oh, that sounds like it might be a needful thing to some people." and then promptly forgot what it was called.
Troubleshooting Electrical Problems After Lightning Storm?We recently had a severe storm with a lot of lightning. Apparently lightning tripped a breaker causing the house to lose power. The power company, which found and reset the breaker. Every light and outlet upstairs is working. I have no power to the basement area.
Kerosene Heater Will Not Start When Plugged Into Outlet?I have an old kerosene heater that will not start when it is plugged into the outlet. I've changed the spark plug, and put in fresh kerosene.
Converter Shut Off When I Plugged in the Vacuum?My converter shut off when I plugged the vacuum in. How do I get it back on?
Too Many Rooms on One Circuit?I plugged a space heater in my livingroom and 20 minutes later all of the plugs on that one wall stopped working. Two days later, I decorated my outside with Christmas lights.
Water Heater Trips and/or Heats Up Breaker?Yesterday while my water heater was on the main breaker tripped. The water heater is being supplied off a 30 amp breaker on the main breaker. When I examined the main breaker it was burnt.
Outlet On Former GFCI Circuit Does Not Work?My outlet in the garage is not working; this happen one time before. We had a reset switch in the bathroom and it fixed it, but since then we have put a regular plug in the bathroom, so now there's no reset. What do we do?
What to Do With an Unused 220 Circuit?I've recently removed two base board heaters and thermostats, it's a 220.What can be done with this circuit?Is it OK to end in a junction box?
Can I Replace a 20 Amp Breaker With a 30 Amp to Stop Overloading Problems/?I have 3-out lets with #12 wire overloading a 20 amp breaker. Can I replace with 30 amp?
Stove Not Working After Circuit Tripped?A circuit breaker (double) for the stove in my house has tripped 3 times in the last week. The first two times, it reset. The last time, it will click off and back on, but the stove will not come on. What should I check? Could it be the appliance or circuit breaker?
Water Shorted Out Power In House?If you can see the picture, water got in the power supply of hot water tank. Now I've only got power in like a quarter of my house. What happened or what should I do?
Fixing a Circuit Breaker?There is this one circuit breaker in my 1979 mobile home that continuously trips and it always has every since I was a little kid back when it was my dad's home. We usually just unplug something along the circuit, switch the breaker back on, and it stops for awhile. This morning it started tripping over and over even though nothing new has been added to that particular circuit. So I went through and turned off or unplugged everything except one lamp in the living room. It still keeps tripping the breaker even with just the one lamp on it!
Identifying Type of Lightbulb?Fixture too high to remove bulb to see what kind to replace with. Short of hiring a handyman twice; once to remove bulb and purchase new ones and again to replace bulb in fixture, is there any way to tell what kind, size of bulb to use? The bottom of bulb is flat and it's small so I'm stumped
Circuit for Lighted Ceiling Fan Stopped Working?I have a light switch that turns on a ceiling fan, it has worked for years, but now when I flip it to on, the ceiling fan and light does not come on. I have replaced the ceiling fan, but that did not fix it. I replaced the switch and cover, that didn't fix it either. I tested the wires, and it showed up as no voltage. What could the problem be and why would it just suddenly stop working?
Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem?When my basement lights are lighted, my hall outlet stops working as well as my exterior lights stop working. The switch to the exterior lights is located in the hallway. How do I correct the problem?
Hampton Bay Pull Chain Switch Replacement?How to replace the broken chain pull switch on a Hampton Bay ceiling fan?
