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View Full Version : Half of the outlets/lights won't turn on


Extrovert
Mar 12, 2007, 05:10 AM
Hello,

We just moved into our new house and the power just got turned on. At first only half the homes outlights/fixtures gave full power. The other half gave minimal/dim power. Now the lights that were dim won't even turn on at all. What could this be? Thank you for your help.

tkrussell
Mar 12, 2007, 05:38 AM
As long as you only have lights dimming, then this sounds like a loose connection in a hot leg, which can be the main breaker, either the line or load connection. Many of these breakers are plug in style, so where the breaker plugs onto bus bar tabs is the line side, and there can be corrosion. Or the load side is the screw teminal of the breaker, which cab be loose.

Or, of course, there can be a loose or corroded connection someplace else, such as the utility pole, transformer, aerial connections, inside the meter, or even connection inside the panel.

If any motors, such as the refrigerator, are affected by this low voltage condition, shut down that circuit or unplug the appliance, as the low voltage can ruin the motor.

You may be best to call in a good service electrician, that can trouble shoot this problem, and make the necessary repairs.

labman
Mar 12, 2007, 08:06 AM
snip....

You may be best to call in a good service electrician, that can trouble shoot this problem, and make the necessary repairs.

If you work through the builder, that should be at his expense. Check the real estate law forum here.