The house has gone dark, or maybe just part of the house. The initial panic of “What do I do?” has passed, and you’re in investigative mode. Why are the lights out? Is there something you can do to fix it? Is this an electric company issue? This checklist is designed to help you determine the next steps to restoring power to your Maryland home.
On this page:
Lights Went Out - Is It You or Everyone
Should I Call A Lights Out Electrician?
When To Call For Lights Out Electric Services
Protect Your Home From Loss of Electricity
The Lights Went Out in Maryland - Is It You or Everyone?
The first thing to do when the lights go out is determine if the entire house is “in the dark.” If so, you’ll need to determine if it’s just you or if homes nearby are experiencing the same issue. Consulting with your neighbors or building management can provide valuable insights. By inquiring about their status, you can quickly determine whether the outage is widespread or localized to your property. If multiple neighbors are also affected, it's likely a larger issue that the power company is addressing.
In addition to speaking with your neighbors, checking your electric company's website or outage map is another essential step. These resources often provide real-time updates on outages in your area. By signing up for alerts, if available, you can receive proactive notifications if the grid goes out, saving you time and effort in troubleshooting.
If your neighbors have electricity and there's no reported outage from the electric company, but your lights went out, it's clear that the issue lies within your home. This could be due to a faulty circuit breaker, blown fuse, or other internal electrical problem. In such cases, it's crucial to proceed with caution. You may need lights out electric services, but there are a few safe steps you can take to determine if it’s time to call an electrician.
My Lights Are Out - Should I Call A Lights Out Electrician Near Me?
If you find the power is out to certain outlets, but the overhead lights are functioning, there's a good chance you're dealing with a tripped GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or a faulty breaker/fuse in your electrical panel.
To troubleshoot this issue, begin by inspecting your circuit breaker or fuse box. This is typically located near the main entrance of your home. Carefully examine the breakers and fuses, looking for those with a red indicator or in the "off" position. If you find a tripped breaker, simply flip it back to the "on" position. If you live in an older home with a fuse box, you'll need to replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
Once you've addressed the breakers and fuses, test outlets using a working appliance. Plug the appliance into different outlets to determine whether they work in some areas but not others. If you encounter outlets that are still without electricity, check for the presence of GFCI outlets. These outlets have a "test" and "reset" button. If the GFCI outlet has tripped, press the "reset" button to restore the connection.
If you’ve lost partial power in your home, including lights and outlets, and cannot isolate a tripped breaker, it might be time to call in a lights out electrician in Maryland.
When To Call For Lights Out Electric Services Near You in Maryland
If you’ve reached this point, have no electricity to any plugins or lights, and your neighbors are unaffected—you may need some help to continue—but some observations can be useful when you call our lights out electric services team.
When inspecting electrical wiring or looking for signs of damage, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Always approach electrical components with caution and avoid touching anything that appears damaged or exposed. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular area, it's best to give us a call; in some cases, we have lights out electricians near you and can stop by right away to check things out.
One of the most common indicators of electrical problems is the presence of burn marks, frayed wires, or unusual odors around outlets, switches, or fixtures. These signs can signal that the wiring is damaged or overloaded. Additionally, be sure to check outdoor fixtures and wiring for any damage caused by weather, pests, or other factors.
Overloaded circuits can also lead to electrical hazards. To prevent overloading, unplug unnecessary appliances and avoid using high-load appliances simultaneously. Pay attention to the circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers promptly. If breakers continue to trip frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying electrical issue that requires our professional attention.
Remember, when dealing with electrical components, safety should always come first. If you notice any signs of damage, unusual odors, or frequent circuit trips, don't hesitate to contact a licensed electrician near you for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs. If at ANY time you feel like your home is unsafe, maybe you’re seeing smoke or smelling a burning odor, switch your breakers off at the circuit box and leave the home. You can call the fire department to come check things out as well.
Haas & Sons Can Help Protect Your Home & Property From Loss of Electricity in Maryland
If the lights went out in Maryland, being stuck in the dark can be disruptive and inconvenient, but there are steps you can take to minimize their impact when it’s caused by the electric company and is not isolated to your home. One effective strategy is to invest in backup solutions.
Generators are a popular choice for providing electricity during outages. Portable generators can be used on essential appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and lights. However, for whole-house coverage, a whole-house generator is recommended. These generators automatically start when the electricity goes out, ensuring continuous electricity supply to your entire home.
Battery banks are another option for storing energy and providing backup electricity. They come in various sizes, from portable units that can run small appliances to large-scale systems that can support the entire house. Battery banks can be charged using solar panels or grid electricity and can provide service during outages or when grid electricity is expensive.
Haas and Sons electricians can play a crucial role in setting up your Maryland home to run with these features. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable backup electricity solution. Their expertise includes:
- Generator installation: Haas and Sons can safely install and connect your generator to your home's electrical system.
- Battery bank integration: They can integrate battery banks into your existing electrical system, ensuring a seamless electric supply during outages.
- Electrical upgrades: They can upgrade your home's electrical system to accommodate backup electric solutions and ensure safe and efficient operation.
By working with Haas and Sons, you can ensure that your home is well-prepared to handle lights out situations and provide you with reliable electricity even in emergency situations.
When the lights go out in your Maryland home, it's important to take a systematic approach to troubleshooting the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can determine whether the outage is widespread or localized, and whether it's something you can address yourself or if you need to call a lights out electrician.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you encounter any signs of damage, unusual odors, or frequent circuit trips, don't hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Haas and Sons Electricians are available to provide expert guidance and solutions to ensure your home's electrical system is safe and reliable.
