How do you tell if the outage is only at your house?
You can tell whether an outage is only at your house by looking outside. If neighbors have lights on and yours are off, the problem is likely inside your home, such as a tripped main breaker. If the entire street is dark, it is a utility outage.
Check the panel next. A main breaker that has tripped sits in the middle or off position, and resetting it once is reasonable if there is no sign of trouble. If it trips again, stop and call a licensed electrician.
Also check partial outages. If only some rooms are dead, a branch breaker or GFCI outlet may have tripped, which is a house issue rather than something the utility can fix.
What should you do while the power is out?
While the power is out, unplug sensitive electronics, turn off the thermostat or leave the air conditioner switched off, and keep one light switch on so you know when power returns. Avoid opening the refrigerator more than necessary and never run a generator indoors.
Turning off major loads helps because power often returns with a surge. If dozens of homes restart air conditioners at the same moment, the grid and your equipment both feel it.
Wait a few minutes after power returns before turning the AC back on. This gives pressure in the system time to equalize, which protects the compressor.
Why do outages happen more during monsoon season?
Outages happen more often during monsoon season because dust storms, high winds, lightning and downed lines stress the grid between mid June and the end of September. Heavy summer cooling demand adds more strain, so a storm on a hot evening can knock out power quickly.
Wind can bring down branches and trees onto lines, and lightning can damage equipment at your home even when the outage is short. Surges often arrive as the power cuts out or comes back.
Surge protection at the panel and a plan for medical devices, food and cooling are worth thinking about before the season starts, not after the first storm.
When is a power problem an electrical emergency?
A power problem is an electrical emergency when you see sparks, smell burning, hear buzzing from the panel, notice a hot breaker or outlet, or see a downed line. Stay away from the area, keep others back and call the utility or 911 for downed lines.
A hot or buzzing panel needs immediate attention from a licensed electrician. Do not remove the panel cover, and do not keep resetting a breaker that trips repeatedly.
Vortech's licensed electricians handle home electrical emergencies, including damage after outages and storms, once the utility confirms the problem is on your side of the meter.
Who is responsible for a power outage repair?
The utility is responsible for the lines and equipment up to your meter, and you are responsible for everything after it. A downed service line or failed transformer belongs to the utility, while a damaged meter base, panel or home wiring needs a licensed electrician.
The dividing line is the meter. If the weatherhead on the roof or the meter base is damaged, the utility may need to disconnect power before an electrician can make repairs.
Photos of any damage help with insurance claims. Keep a record of what failed and what was repaired, along with permit information when it applies.
More questions: Electrical Emergencies and Power Outages: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered