Dealing with Power Outages: A Homeowner’s Guide

How To Turn Off Power To House From Outside

As a homeowner, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical system. That way, when an emergency arises, you’ll know exactly what to do. In this case, knowing how to turn off the power from the outside can come in handy in situations where storms or other natural disasters are causing power outages or when you need to make repairs to your electrical system. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With over seventeen years of experience, our team of licensed electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area. B&K Electric takes pride in being rooted in the community and providing top-notch customer service. We are committed to keeping our clients’ homes and businesses safe and operational.

But before we dive into how to turn off the power to your house from outside, let’s take a closer look at the importance of doing so. Power outages can prove to be detrimental to your home and appliances. When the power goes out, it’s possible for voltage to surge once it’s restored, which can damage your electrical equipment. By shutting off the power from the outside, you can protect your appliances and electronics from sustaining any damage. Additionally, turning off the power from outside can help prevent electrical fires and keep you and your family safe. It’s also a necessary step if you plan on making any repairs or installing new electrical components in your home.

Now, let’s get into how you can turn off the power from the outside of your house. Firstly, it’s essential to locate your home’s main electrical panel. This is usually located in a garage, basement, or utility closet. Once you’ve found it, you’ll need to open the panel cover. This can be done by gently pushing or pulling on the designated latch or screws on the door. Be sure to handle the panel with caution, as it contains live wires and should only be accessed by a qualified professional.

Next, you’ll need to identify the main breaker. This is usually a large double-pole switch, which controls all the power to the house. Depending on the layout of your panel, the main breaker can be positioned in the middle or at the top of the panel. Once you’ve located the main breaker, flip the switch to the “off” position. This will turn off the power to your entire home.

It’s important to note that some homes may have a second main breaker outside the house, usually on the electrical meter. If this is the case, you’ll need to turn it off as well to ensure that all power to the house is shut off. To locate the second main breaker, you may need to contact your utility company for assistance.

Once you’ve turned off the power to your house, it’s important to stay safe and avoid touching any electrical components. If you’re planning on making repairs or installing new electrical equipment, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely.

Now, let’s discuss a few tips for turning the power back on. After an outage or repairs, it’s essential to properly and safely turn the power back on to your home. The first step is to turn on the main breaker and wait a few minutes before turning on any other secondary breakers. This will allow any surge of electricity to stabilize and prevent any damage to your appliances. It’s also essential to switch on the breakers in a logical order to avoid any overload on the system.

In addition to turning off the power to your whole house, you may also need to shut off the power to specific areas or rooms during repairs or renovations. In this case, you’ll need to locate the designated breaker or fuse for the area you need to shut off. You can usually find this information on the electrical panel door or in the owner’s manual. Again, if you’re unsure of which breaker to switch off, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician.

Knowing how to turn off the power to your house from outside is an essential skill for any homeowner. From protecting your appliances and electronics to ensuring the safety of yourself and your family, it’s important to be prepared for potential power outages or electrical emergencies. B&K Electric, with over seventeen years of experience, is the go-to electrician for any electrical needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. We take pride in providing top-notch customer service and keeping our clients’ homes and businesses safe and functional. Remember, when it comes to electrical repairs or maintenance, safety should always be your top priority.

Topics:

Turning off power,

Outdoor safety,

Protecting appliances