Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

How To Turn Off Power To House From Outside

 

For most homeowners, the thought of having to turn off the power to their entire house can be daunting. Whether it’s for a routine electrical repair, panel maintenance, or an emergency situation, knowing how to safely turn off the power from outside can save you time, hassle, and even money in the long run. As a licensed electrician serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island, B&K Electric understands the importance of educating homeowners on how to safely and effectively handle their electrical systems. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to turn off the power to your house from outside, so you can confidently handle any electrical issue that may arise.

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that although turning off the power to your house is relatively simple, it should only be done in emergency situations or for routine maintenance by a licensed electrician. If you are not comfortable with handling your electrical system, it’s always best to call a professional. And if you are located in the 02910 zip code of Cranston Providence, Rhode Island, B&K Electric is your go-to for any electrical needs. Our family-owned and operated business has been proudly serving the community for over seventeen years, and we specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation.

Now, let’s get into the steps to turn off the power to your house from outside.

Step 1: Locate Your Electrical Panel

The first step to turning off the power to your house from outside is locating your electrical panel. It’s usually located in a garage, basement, or outside near the meter. In the case of an emergency, it’s important to know where the panel is located so you can quickly and easily access it.

Step 2: Remove the Panel Cover

Once you have located your electrical panel, you will need to remove the cover. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws, but different panels may have different methods. It’s best to familiarize yourself with your specific panel beforehand to avoid any confusion in an emergency situation.

Step 3: Find the Main Breaker Switch

Inside the panel, you will find a main breaker switch. This switch controls the flow of electricity to your entire house. It’s usually the largest switch in the panel and will have a “On/Off” position.

Step 4: Move the Main Breaker Switch to the “Off” Position

To turn off the power to your house from outside, you will need to move the main breaker switch to the “Off” position. This will cut off the flow of electricity to your entire house, so be sure all appliances, lights, and electronics are turned off before doing so.

Step 5: Verify the Power is Off

Once the main breaker switch is in the “Off” position, you will need to verify that the power is off. You can do this by checking the lights, outlets, and appliances in your house to ensure they are not working. It’s also helpful to have a voltage tester on hand to double check that there is no electrical current before starting any maintenance or repairs.

Step 6: Turn Off Individual Breakers

In some situations, it may be necessary to turn off individual breakers in addition to the main breaker switch. This is typically the case for specific rooms or areas in your house that you want to work on without cutting off power to the entire house. To turn off individual breakers, simply move the switch to the “Off” position. Again, it’s important to verify that the power is off before proceeding with any work.

Step 7: Turn the Main Breaker Switch Back On

Once you have completed your repairs or maintenance and are ready to turn the power back on, simply move the main breaker switch back to the “On” position. This will restore the flow of electricity to your entire house.

Step 8: Replace the Panel Cover

After turning the power back on, be sure to replace the panel cover and secure it with the screws. This will help keep your system safe and functioning properly.

Turning off the power to your house from outside may seem like a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can do it safely and effectively. But remember, if you are not comfortable handling your electrical system or are unsure about any of the steps, it’s best to call a licensed electrician. B&K Electric, based in Warwick, RI, is your trusted source for electrical repairs and maintenance in Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. Our team of experienced electricians is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our community.

Topics:

Electrical Repair,

Electrical Panel Maintenance,

Turning Off Power to House