Troubleshooting
What is your electrical doing?
Pick the symptom that matches. Each page explains what usually causes it, what you can safely check yourself first, and when it's time to stop and call.
Some electrical problems end with a GFCI outlet that tripped in another room, or a breaker that just needed resetting once. If a quick, safe check fixes it, good. You keep your money and your evening.
If the checks don't fix it, you'll at least be able to tell us exactly what's happening, which makes the visit faster. None of these checks involve opening a panel or touching wiring, and none ever should.
Safety first
- Smoke, flames, or a burning smell you can't locate: get everyone out and call 911 from outside. Don't go back in to find the source.
- A downed or sagging wire: assume it's live. Stay at least 30 feet away, keep people and pets back, and call 911 and your electric utility.
- A shock or tingle from a faucet, tub, appliance or switch: stop using it and call. Water near an outlet, a panel or a cord: don't touch it, and keep away until the power to that area is off.
- Breaker keeps tripping It trips again as soon as you reset it, or every time the microwave runs. What to check
- Lights flickering or dimming One room, the whole house, or when something big turns on. What to check
- Outlet not working A dead outlet, or a GFCI that won't reset. What to check
- Half the house has no power Some rooms dead, others fine, or lights oddly bright and dim. What to check
- Burning smell, buzzing or a hot outlet Warm cover plates, scorch marks, a panel that hums. What to check
- Got a shock or a tingle From a switch, an outlet, an appliance or a faucet. What to check
- Fuse box or old panel Blowing fuses, an insurance question, or a panel brand you've heard about. What to check
- Storm damage to the service line The wire to the house is down, or the mast is pulled off the wall. What to check
Need an electrician?
Call Sky High Electric and tell us what's going on. Serving all of Huntington County, Indiana and the surrounding areas.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.