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We’ve all been in the same situation – we’re leisurely sitting in our homes watching television or catching up with some work on our computers when suddenly the lights throughout the house go out. Before you can scream “blackout”, there are a few things you as a homeowner can do if your home loses power. Follow these tips from Kim Hancock of Mike Counsil Electric in San Jose on what to do when your home loses power. Knowing the difference between a power overload and a full blackout can help you determine whether you should call a San Jose residential electrician. Before picking up that phone, make sure to check for the following indicators.

• Check the circuit breaker to make sure it is not just a blown fuse.
• Pay attention to what the service panel looks like and if there is any deterioration or moisture in the system.
• If there has been an increase in the amount of amps used, it could indicate an improperly working system rather than a blackout.
• Another indication of a faulty system is if the outlets feel warm.
• Check where the blow out occurred. If it is localized to a specific room or area, it indicates a blow fuse rather than damage to the whole electrical system.
• If there has been any flickering in the lights or appliances in the days leading up to the loss of power, or an increased energy bill in recent months, this could indicate a faulty system that has been overloaded. Since energy is not being used properly, it starts to drain the system and increases the overall amount of energy you use.

The signs above could indicate a system overload due to a faulty set-up, an older system, or an improperly wired electrical structure. A system overload is less serious than a fully blown system or a total blackout, which means that it is not always necessary to call a San Jose electrician. If the loss of power is not as simple as indicated above, call a San Jose residential electrician to fix and analyze your system. Whether the loss of power is due to a neighborhood-wide surge, or your own faulty electrical system, making certain that your home is safe is of the highest priority. Improper wiring and faulty electrical systems can be dangerous and lead to an increased fire risk. To protect your home and keep its electrical system safe, contact a San Jose residential electrician when you lose power or if you suspect anything is not working properly. Having peace of mind for your home and the convenience of an efficient system is not something you should gamble with.

Kim Hancock

Mike Counsil Electric

1915 O’Toole Way San Jose, CA 95131

Phone: 480-268-5015