What Do I Do If Only Part of My Property Has Electricity?

What Do I Do If Only Part of My Property Has Electricity?

Experiencing a partial power outage in your property can be puzzling and inconvenient.

Important Note: Faulty appliances or overloading circuits with too many appliances are the most common reasons why parts of a property do not have power, as the circuit has been tripped.

What You Can Do If You Only Part Of Your Property Has Electricity 

Step 1: Locate and Check the Switchboard
The most common cause of a partial power outage is a tripped circuit breaker or RCD (Residual Current Device) on your switchboard. The location of your switchboard can vary depending on your type of property:
  1. Houses: The switchboard is typically located near the front entrance.
  2. Apartments: The switchboard can be near the front entrance or within the unit.
  3. Studios: The switchboard is usually near the front door or in a cupboard in the kitchen, often above the fridge.
  1. Locate the switchboard based on your property type.
  2. Open the switchboard panel and look for any switches that are in the "off" position or halfway between "on" and "off."
  3. Reset the switch: If a circuit breaker or RCD has tripped, switch it to the "off" position and then back to the "on" position.

Step 2: Test Electrical Outlets and Appliances
Identify whether the issue is with specific outlets or appliances:
  1. Plug a working appliance into different outlets to see if it works.
  2. Check for any GFCI outlets (also known as RCDs) that may have tripped. These outlets have "reset" buttons that can be pressed to restore power.

Step 3: Inspect for Blown Fuses (if applicable)
If your property has an older switchboard with fuses instead of circuit breakers:
  1. Locate the fuse box and identify any blown fuses. A blown fuse typically has a visible gap in the wire or a cloudy appearance in the glass.
  2. Contact ShareSorted to replace the blown fuse

Step 4: Check for Localised Issues
Determine if the issue is isolated to a particular area or circuit:
  1. Identify the affected area: Note which rooms or outlets are without power.
  2. Check for any localized problems, such as a malfunctioning light switch or a single non-functioning outlet.

Step 5: Look for Signs of Electrical Damage
Inspect for any visible signs of electrical damage that could be causing the issue:
  1. Check for exposed wires, scorch marks, or burning smells near outlets or switches.
  2. Do not touch any damaged areas. If you find signs of damage, skip to Step 6 immediately.

Step 6: Contact ShareSorted
If you cannot identify or resolve the issue, it may require professional intervention. Contact ShareSorted to report the electrical issue.

Important Note: If the issue is found to be caused by a faulty appliance not identified by you, a call-out fee charge from ShareSorted will be applicable. Additionally, if the issue is found to be caused by damage or misuse by the occupant, ShareSorted may charge for the repair costs.

By following these steps, you can effectively address partial power outages and ensure a safe and functional electrical system in your property. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact ShareSorted.

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