Electrical Troubleshooting

troubleshooting electrical outlets associated with half Hots

is the switch “on” ?

most electrical outlets in your home are the duplex type, that means that you can plug two devices into them at one time.

a half hot is a duplex that has one half wired with constant electricity while the other half can be turned on/off by a wall switch.

sometimes we find that the customer has forgotten about the switch or sometimes the switch has been blocked by furniture.

electricians sometimes identify these TYPE OUTLETS by installing them with the ground prong to the top.

furniture blocking switch

IS THE LIGHT BULB BURNED OUT ?

REMOVE THE LIGHT BULB AND PUT IT IN A COMPATIBLE LIGHT FIXTURE THAT YOUR SURE WORKS.

IF THE BULB NOW COMES ON THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OR THE LIGHT FIXTURE IS THE PROBLEM.

IF THE BULB WORKS BUT MAKES A RATTLING SOUND YOU SHOULD REPLACE IT.

IF THE TROUBLE AREA OF POWER USES A DIMMER OR OCCUPANCY SENSOR TO CONTROL THE SOCKET, REMOVE THE LIGHT BULB AND TRY IT IN A STANDARD SOCKET. (NON-DIMMED/NON-OCCUPPANCY CONTROLLED)

LED LIGHT BULBS HAVE AROUND 25K HOURS LIFESPAN

INCANDESCENT BULB AROUND 1-2K HOURS LIFESPAN

COMMON REASONS BULBS GO BAD QUICKLY :

#1 DAMAGED LIGHT FIXTURE SOCKETS

#2 USING THE WRONG SIZE OR TYPE LIGHT BULB

#3 HIGH-VOLTAGE PROBLEMS IN YOUR HOME

#4 INCORRECTLY MOUNTED FIXTURES OR CEILING FANS

#5 USING A DIMMER OR OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE LIGHT FIXTURE

#6 EXPOSURE TO OUTDOOR ELEMENTS

Is a GFCI Receptacle or GFCI Breaker tripped ?

Ground fault circuit interrupter OR (GFCI) ARE generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come in contact with water.

Simply put, a GFCI Device detects ground faults or leakage currents. So, when a person’s body starts to receive a shock the GFCI device senses this and cuts off the power before it causes injury.

GFCI Devices are one of the most important safety features in and around your home.

GFCI Receptacles and GFCI type Breaker requirements and regulations are in place for a good reason and apply to all homes.

GFCI Retrofit installations are required for a home kitchen built prior to 1987 and to a home kitchen and bathrooms built prior to 1975.

A properly installed (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution.

The only reliable way to check an older GFCI is to use a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button (sold at most home centers and hardware stores). Plug in the tester and push its test button. If the power goes off, press the reset button to restore power. The instructions included with the device indicate that they should be tested monthly.

The cat electric inc. customer service team is available 24/7 if you think you would like to have a code- compliant installation

GFCI devices do require maintenance and are only responsive when maintained.

Homeowners need to ensure that GFCI protection is installed in the kitchen, laundry rooms, bathrooms, workshop, basement, garage, swimming pools, hot tubs, outdoor outlets and fixtures, and any other areas where electricity and water may come in contact.

When troubleshooting (GFCI) Devices access to the line device may be remotely located. In some GFCI installations multiple loads may be protected by (one) device.

EXAMPLES OF REMOTLY LOCATED GFCI INCLUDE :

#1 A GFCI type receptacle located in one bathroom cutS power to (THREE) separate bathroom receptacles.     

#2 A garage door opener receptacle may be protected by a pass through type GFCI installed at wall switch hEighT on the garage wall.

#3 Outside perimeter convenience receptacles may be protected by a gfci type breaker installed within the breaker box or load center.