Why Does My Power Keep Going Out?
Few things are more frustrating than losing power, especially when it happens repeatedly and without warning. One minute you’re in the middle of a work call, cooking dinner, or relaxing at home, and the next your lights go out, appliances shut down, and electronics reset.
While the occasional outage may be caused by a storm or utility work in your area, recurring power loss is often a sign of an underlying electrical issue within the home. Ignoring the problem can lead to damaged appliances, unsafe wiring conditions, or costly repairs down the line.
To help you stay ahead of extensive problems, let’s take a look at the most common reasons your power may keep going out and what you can do about it.
Overloaded Circuits and Frequent Breaker Trips
One of the most common reasons for recurring power loss is overloaded circuits. Modern homes use far more electricity than homes built even a few decades ago, and many older electrical systems simply weren’t designed to handle today’s demand.
When too many appliances or devices are plugged into the same circuit, the circuit breaker trips to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. While this is ultimately a safety feature that protects your home, repeated trips should be addressed right away.
A licensed electrician can determine whether circuits need to be redistributed, upgraded, or expanded to handle your home’s electrical load safely.
Faulty or Aging Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring doesn’t last forever. Over time, wires can degrade, loosen, or become damaged, leading to inconsistent power and safety risks.
Older homes may still have outdated wiring materials, while newer homes can experience issues from poor installation or wear. Rodents, moisture, and temperature changes can also damage wiring.
In addition to power loss in certain rooms, other signs you have old electrical wiring include:
Flickering lights
Burning smells or discoloration near outlets
Warm walls or outlet covers
Since faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires, it’s paramount to schedule a professional inspection as soon as you notice issues. These inspections ensure wiring issues are identified and repaired safely, reducing risk to your home and family.
Problems With the Electrical Panel or Circuit Breakers
Your electrical panel is the central hub that distributes power throughout your home. When the panel or breakers fail, power interruptions are almost guaranteed.
Some of the most common culprits of outage issues include breakers that have worn out over time, panels that are outdated, and electrical connections that have become corroded. Panels that can’t meet modern electrical demands are also prone to problems.
Electrical panel issues are complex and dangerous to handle without training. A licensed electrician can recommend and perform panel upgrades that restore safe, reliable power.
Electrical Demand Exceeding Your Home’s Capacity
As homeowners add new appliances, home offices, electric vehicle chargers, and smart technology, electrical demand increases. If your system hasn’t been upgraded to match the new demand, power outages can become more frequent.
You will typically know that this is the case if:
Power loss happens when multiple appliances run simultaneously
Frequent breaker trips occur after new installations
You rely heavily on extension cords
A licensed electrician can evaluate your home’s electrical capacity and recommend upgrades that support your lifestyle safely and efficiently.
Weather, Tree Damage, or Utility Service Issues
Not all power outages originate inside the home. External factors can also cause recurring power interruptions.
For example, severe weather, falling branches, or damaged service lines can interrupt the power supply. Loose or aging utility connections can also cause intermittent outages. You will often know external forces are at play if your neighbors are experiencing similar power outages.
While utility companies handle service line issues, an electrician can inspect your home’s service connection and ensure it’s secure and safe.
The Risks of Ignoring Recurring Power Outages
Ignoring power outages or repeatedly resetting breakers without addressing the cause can be dangerous. Ongoing electrical problems increase the risk of fires, equipment damage, and electrical shocks. It’s also important to note that DIY electrical repairs often make matters worse and can violate electrical codes, putting your home and insurance coverage at risk.
Trust Go Electric to Restore Reliable Power
When your power keeps going out, guessing isn’t enough. You need a professional who can accurately diagnose the issue and provide a safe, long-term solution. Go Electric was founded by Master Electrician Adam Gruber to provide homeowners throughout Central Minnesota with dependable, high-quality electrical services. Our team will explain what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what options are available, so you can make confident decisions about your home’s electrical system.
If your power keeps going out and you’re ready for answers, contact our electricians today for reliable electrical repair.
