If you’ve been left in the dark, what should you do when you lose power or the lights go out?
In North Brisbane nearly everyone has experienced loss of power either at home, or at work. Sometimes it’s simply a supply issue on the street that is totally out of your control.
However, it could be something you could troubleshoot and potentially resolve yourself or narrow down the reason for the power fault saving you money when the electrician arrives.
To find out more about loss of power to your home continue reading below or get in touch with Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400.
What to do when the lights go out or there is no power
When you find yourself with no power or lights, the first step is to grab a torch and head outside (or inside for cabinets/cupboards) and check your switchboard.
Switchboards can be confusing to the average home or business owner, so let’s breakdown what you’re looking for.
- Firstly, check all switches are on (usually in the upright position). Most commonly in power loss it is the safety switch that has tripped the power, in which case we want to identify the safety switch and ensure it is on and working.
- Safety switches can also be known as an Earth Leakage Device or Residual Current Devices (RCD’s).
- These devices will have a “push to test” button on them. If you cannot see or find a “push to test” button, then it is not a safety switch. The switchboard pictured below does not have a safety switch in place.
If you do not have a safety switch installed it is highly recommended to contact Armitage Electrical to install one.
Checking the Safety Switch
If you find that the safety switch is in the down or off position, try to reset it (safety switches can be stiff so don’t be afraid to apply medium pressure to reset it).
If the switch does reset and stay on, you may have simply overloaded it by running too many appliances at once.
If your safety switch does not stay on, look around the house inside and outside and unplug all electrical items. Keep in mind hard to get to or hidden power points, under kitchen benches or outside for water tanks etc.
Determining the cause of a tripped Safety Switch
Once all electrical items are unplugged, go back to the switch board and try to reset your safety switch.
If it stays on, you more than likely have a faulty appliance, so go back around plugging each item in one by one. If the safety switch trips when you plug in a particular item, it is likely your appliance is faulty and requires maintenance or replacement.
If your safety switch does not reset after all items are unplugged, you may have a fault in either the safety switch or the wiring within your home or office and you will require an electrical contractor such as Armitage Electrical to rectify the fault.
Important steps to remember
- Check switchboard – make sure everything is in the upright position.
- Try to reset the safety switch – a safety switch has “push to test” button.
- Unplug all appliances inside and outside the house, keeping in mind hidden power points.
- Try to reset the safety switch again – you may need to use medium force to reset.
- If fault continues contact Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400 for advice.
What should you do when you lose power or the lights go out?
If you are unsure about the loss of power at your home or business and need some advice, call Cameron on 1800 230 400 or submit an online inquiry here to find out more.
Armitage Electrical are your fully qualified and licensed, trustworthy, professional and reliable electricians North Brisbane.
With all-inclusive up-front pricing, Armitage Electrical provides the highest quality electrical, maintenance or repairs on hot water systems, switchboard and mains upgrades, and pool and shed wiring for your home North Brisbane.
For an electrician you can trust to get the job done right, call Armitage Electrical on 1800 230 400 or enquire online here.
