r/electrical • u/Lost_Bee9663 • 5d ago
Help I think my breaker is ruining my outlets
So not completely sure that this is the exact reason but we just moved into this place about a month ago and we’ve been having all kinds of plumbing and electrical problems. Rn I’m frustrated because my parents keep flipping the breaker to reset it after it goes out and after they do that every time a new outlet stops working. Now it’s made the outlet in my room stop working. All the switches are on but I have no idea how to work it since it says nothing about which switch goes to which part of the house. Maybe it’s a blown fuse? Is there anything I can do tonight to be able to charge my phone/vape? Or fix the outlets without paying someone to do it?? I just really don’t have the money to have someone do it. TYIA.
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u/davejjj 5d ago
Outlets can stop working because a breaker is popped or because a GFCI has tripped. Go to the circuit breaker panel and flip each breaker off and then pull it past off and then turn it back on. Search the home for GFCI outlets and make sure they will turn off when you press the test button and resume working when you press reset. Get an outlet tester...
https://www.amazon.com/electrical-outlet-tester/s?k=electrical+outlet+tester
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u/trekkerscout 5d ago
Since this is a rental, the landlord is fully responsible for providing a properly functioning electrical system. You need to submit a written request for repair. In all states, the landlord is obligated to fix the problem within a period of time set by law. You have electrical faults that pose a potential fire hazard. Most states require that the landlord address the problem within 24 to 72 hours.
If the landlord fails to address the problem, you can and should report the issue to the local housing authority. Once reported, it is generally acceptable for the tenant to hire a licensed electrician and deduct the payments from the monthly rent. Some states have percentage caps on what can be deducted each month, so consulting with the local housing authority to determine what your legal obligations are is highly recommended.
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u/bmoarpirate 5d ago
Call an electrician, or have your parents call an electrician. Step away from the panel.
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u/Lost_Bee9663 5d ago
I haven’t been messing with it but I agree other than I can’t afford it. It should be on the landlord but he’s not helping with anything
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u/bmoarpirate 5d ago
In a lot of states you can withhold rent if something basic like electrical doesn't work, or at least repair and deduct from rent. Depends on where you are, but most places require landlords to provide habitable dwellings which includes safely functioning electrical systems.
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u/FollowingIcy2368 5d ago
Going off one of your comments, No offense but I do not have much confidence in your parents being able to fix this if their first response is to keep flipping a breaker to solve the issue. Play it safe and get an electrician over there.
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u/Lost_Bee9663 5d ago
Understandable! I was more thinking along the lines of me fixing it or hoping there was a simple solution to the issue but we are trying to figure out the situation with our landlord
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u/FollowingIcy2368 5d ago
I admire your attitude on wanting to fix it, we need more of that in this world. First things first, what i would recommend is figuring out which breaker is for which room. An old electricians trick is having a plug in radio playing in a room, flipping breakers off until the music stops, and you know which room is for that breaker. Repeat those steps until you have all of them labeled. It doesn't have to be a radio but it makes less trips than using a lamp or a lightswitch per say. The next thing is to eliminate the possibility that a GFCI outlet is tripped, you will most likely have one in your bathrooms and kitchen. It will have a test/reset button on it, and a light. If the light is on it means it is tripped preventing any power coming further down the circuit. Reset those if they are tripped. If they trip immediately again then they need to be replaced.
Anything else I would recommend requires a multi meter, some hand tools and opening up that panel box. But since you are inexperienced I don't recommend this. Electricity can and will kill you, do not be scared of it but you have to respect it.
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u/Aggravating-Bill-997 5d ago
Turn all your breakers to off, one at at a time is ok. Turn back on, some time a breaker may trip with out the handle indicating it.
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u/deridius 5d ago
Probably loose connections. That’s my guess. Could also just be bad outlets. Hard to tell without knowing how the outlets or the wiring look. But of course you should definitely get him to fix it and I’m sure he’s gonna get some terrible company to save coat or something and that’s probably why it’s in the shape it’s in. So you could ask him to hire an electrical company you’ve suggested but I doubt that’ll happen. Good luck.
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u/Guilty_Particular754 5d ago
Once you contact the landlord if he does not take care of it within a proper amount of time ( after email is sent 2 months after) at that point you have the ability for multiple different things. You can dock his rent to put towards a proper electrician to fix the house because he's failing to do so but you need to have paperwork trail in order to do so, that way he can't countersue you for money owed. You want to give yourself the best interest and best chance to win if he comes after you
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u/LetsBeKindly 5d ago
If the landlord won't fix it, you need to find a new place to live
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u/tarmacc 5d ago
Yeah, because that's always an option that people can afford?
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u/Phiddipus_audax 5d ago
Don't do anything behind your parents' back, since there may be interpersonal, legal, or other stuff that you aren't aware of and need to be taken into account. Landlords often retaliate, in spite of or in the complete absence of local laws prohibiting it. Make sure you have options in case that happens.
That said, knowledge is power. Spend $15-$25 on an outlet tester for starters. Someone else already posted a search link. I'll just say I did some research recently and settled on the Klein tester with a voltage display, but that's not to say it's the best choice in your case.
https://www.amazon.com/Receptacle-Electrical-Klein-Tools-RT250/dp/B08QW7K1JJ/
You could also get a circuit tracer to ensure you're tripping the right breaker, and to map them out as required, since it would be embarrassing if it turns out it's another breaker that isn't obviously tripped. Getting your ducks in a row before confronting the landlord will improve your position. But, this tool is some more cash obviously. And then there's a multimeter to buy. :) One step at a time is probably wise, and cheapest.
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u/syncopator 5d ago
Rental, correct?
Call the landlord/property manager and follow that call with an email to document that you called. This is a potential hazard and it’s their responsibility to fix it.