Why Does Half of My House Have No Power?
Partial power loss can come from a tripped breaker, a circuit problem, or an issue with the electrical service. First find out whether the outage is only in your house.
By Everyday Home Advice Editorial Team
Partial power loss can come from a tripped breaker, a circuit problem, or an issue with the electrical service. First find out whether the outage is only in your house.
Check the neighborhood
Are neighboring homes or streetlights affected? If so, check with the electric utility.
Check the electrical panel
Look for a tripped breaker using the panel's normal controls. Don't remove the panel cover.
Check GFCI devices
If only a group of outlets is affected, a tripped GFCI may be involved.
What if a large part of the house is affected?
Losing power to a substantial portion of the home can indicate a more significant problem. Don't open outlets or panels to trace it yourself.
When should I get immediate help?
Seek prompt help when partial power loss comes with:
- Burning odor
- Smoke
- Sparking
- Buzzing at the panel
- Unusual heat
- Evidence of damaged service equipment
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