Turning Off Power Safely: A Providence Guide

How To Turn Off Power To House From Outside

As a homeowner in Providence, Rhode Island, there may come a time when you need to turn off the power to your house from the outside. This could be due to a repair or maintenance issue, a power outage, or simply as a safety precaution. Whatever the reason, knowing how to turn off the power from the outside is a valuable skill every homeowner should have.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated business based in Warwick, RI, has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. With a focus on community and customer service, B&K Electric is your go-to electrician for all your home or business needs in the Warwick area and greater Providence area.

In this article, we will provide a guide on how to safely turn off the power to your house from the outside. This step-by-step process will give you the confidence and knowledge to handle any situation that may arise.

Step 1: Locate Your Electrical Panel

The first step in turning off the power to your house from the outside is to locate your electrical panel. This is where you can control the flow of electricity to your home. In most cases, the electrical panel is located either in your garage, basement, or outside on an exterior wall of your house.

Once you have located your electrical panel, make sure you have a flashlight with you as the panel can be in a dark or dimly lit area. It’s also a good idea to have gloves on to protect your hands. Now that you are ready, let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Identify the Main Switch

Inside your electrical panel, there will be many breakers or switches. However, the main switch is the most important one. It controls the main power supply to your home. By turning off the main switch, all the power to your house will be shut off.

The main switch is usually larger than the other switches, and it may have a different color or be labeled as “main.” If you are unsure which switch is the main switch, you can always refer to the instruction manual or contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Step 3: Turn Off the Main Switch

Now that you have identified the main switch, it’s time to turn it off. This is where the flashlight and gloves will come in handy. First, make sure your hands are dry to avoid any potential shock. Then, use the flashlight to locate the main switch and turn it off by flipping it to the “off” position.

Once the main switch is off, all the power to your house will be shut off. You can test this by trying to turn on a light or appliance inside your house. If the power is still on, then you have not located the main switch correctly. In that case, double check and try again.

Step 4: Check for Any External Power Sources

Sometimes, even after turning off the main switch, there may be residual power coming from an external power source such as a generator or solar panel. To make sure all power is shut off, you will need to locate and turn off these external power sources.

If you have a solar panel system, look for the “AC Disconnect” switch which is typically located near your meter. Turn this switch off to disconnect the solar panels from your home’s electrical system. For a generator, turning it off and unplugging it from your home’s electrical system will ensure all power is shut off.

Step 5: Wait for a Few Minutes

After turning off all potential external power sources, it is important to wait for a few minutes before proceeding. This will allow any remaining charges to dissipate, ensuring the safety of both you and your home.

Step 6: Turn the Main Switch Back On

Once you have waited a few minutes, it’s time to turn the main switch back on. This will restore power to your home. You can test this by trying to turn on a light or appliance inside your house. If the power is back on, then you have successfully turned off and turned on the power to your house from the outside.

In Conclusion

Knowing how to turn off the power to your house from the outside is an essential skill for every homeowner. By following these simple steps, you can safely and confidently handle any electrical situation that may arise. However, if you are uncomfortable or unsure about turning off the power to your house, it is always best to contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when dealing with electricity. B&K Electric is here to serve the residents of Providence, Rhode Island with all their electrical needs. With our 17 years of experience and focus on community and customer service, you can trust us to provide quality electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation services. Make us your go-to electrician for your home or business in the Warwick and greater Providence area.

Topics:

Electrician,

Electrical Repair,

Electrical Panel Maintenance.