How to Shut Off Power to Your House from the Outside

How To Turn Off Power To House From Outside

If you live in Providence, Rhode Island and are in need of electrical services for your home, look no further than B&K Electric. We are a family-owned and operated business with over seventeen years of experience in the electrical industry. Our team of licensed electricians is dedicated to providing top-notch services, including electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. Whether you live in Cranston, Warwick, or anywhere in Rhode Island, we are here to meet all of your electrical needs.

As a homeowner, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to turn off the power to your house from the outside. This could be due to a power outage, a need for repairs, or a safety precaution. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to know how to properly shut off the power to your house from the outside in order to avoid any accidents or damage. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of safely turning off the power to your house from the outside.

First and foremost, it’s important to mention that turning off the power to your house from the outside can be dangerous if not done correctly. Therefore, it’s always best to call a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, to handle the task. However, if you feel confident in your abilities and want to take on this task yourself, here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Locate Your Main Electrical Panel

The main electrical panel, also known as the circuit breaker box, is where all of the electrical circuits in your house are controlled. It’s usually located in a garage, basement, or utility room on the interior of the house. However, in some cases, it may be located on the exterior of your house, usually in a weatherproof metal box. If this is the case, you may be able to shut off the power from the outside without having to enter your house.

Step 2: Shut Off the Main Breaker Switch

Once you have located your main electrical panel, open the door to reveal the breakers. The main breaker switch should be clearly labeled and typically has a red or black handle. Some panels may have a main breaker that is connected by a bar to all of the other breakers in the panel. In this case, simply flipping the main breaker switch to the off position will shut off power to your entire house.

Step 3: Shut Off Individual Breakers

If you cannot locate the main breaker switch, or if your panel does not have one, you will need to shut off each individual breaker in order to turn off the power to your house. Each breaker controls a specific circuit in the house, such as lighting, appliances, or outlets. These breakers will need to be shut off in order to turn off the power to the corresponding part of the house.

Step 4: Turn Off All Disconnect Switches

Once you have shut off the main breaker switch and individual breakers, you may still have power running to certain parts of your house, such as a garage or outdoor lighting. To turn off all power, locate the disconnect switches for these areas and flip them to the off position. These switches may be located on the exterior of your house, near the electrical meter.

Step 5: Double Check to Ensure Power Has Been Shut Off

Before beginning any electrical work or leaving your house, make sure that all power has been shut off. You can double check by attempting to turn on a light or plug in an appliance. If there is no power, then you have successfully shut off the power to your house from the outside.

While it may seem like a daunting task, being able to shut off the power to your house from the outside is an important skill to have as a homeowner. In the event of an emergency or a necessary repair, knowing how to properly turn off the power can save you time, money, and potential danger. However, if at any point you feel unsure or uncomfortable with this process, do not hesitate to call a licensed electrician for assistance.

Now that you know how to properly shut off the power to your house from the outside, you can handle any unexpected situations with confidence. Remember, safety should always come first, so if you have any doubts, leave the task to the professionals at B&K Electric. Our team of experienced electricians is always available to help you with any electrical needs you may have.

Topics:

shutting off power,

outside power shut off,

electrical panel maintenance