How to check your breaker box during an outage
If you're experiencing a partial or complete power outage, the issue may be on your side of the meter. Follow these straightforward steps to check your circuit breakers and potentially restore power on your own.
1. Inspect Breaker Box
Begin by locating your breaker box, usually located in your garage. First, make sure there’s no heat coming from the fuse box. If there is, contact an electrician before proceeding.
2. Check the Breakers
If the breaker box feels normal, check that all switches are in the "on" position. Look for any breakers that appear out of place, which can indicate they have tripped. A tripped breaker will often look different from the others—either in the middle position or showing a red/orange indicator.
3. Reset the Breaker
- To reset a breaker switch, you need to:
- Find the breaker switch that is in the middle position or has a red or orange indicator.
- Move the switch all the way to its ‘off’ position.
- Then, move it back to ‘on’. You should hear a click when the breaker is reset.
4. Test the Power
Check to see if the lights came back on. If the power is still out, move on to the next step.
5. Check the Outside Breaker Box
The outside breaker box is usually located near the electric meter or the air conditioner unit. Repeat the previous steps. Important safety note: Do not touch outside breakers if it is raining or wet.
6. Inspect GFCI Outlets
If your house is equipped with GFCI outlets, check them to ensure they haven't tripped. A tripped GFCI outlet may show an orange light instead of the usual green. If you find that any outlets are tripped, simply press the "reset" button to restore their function.
7. Still No Power?
If the power is still out or anything looks out of place, report the outage through SmartHub or by calling 940-321-7800.
By following these steps, you can quickly identify and potentially resolve power issues on your property. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed!