Partial Power Issues
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Partial Power in Your Home? We Can Help.
When only part of your home loses power, it can feel confusing and a little stressful. Maybe the kitchen goes dark, a few outlets stop working, or lights flicker for no reason. Even if it seems small, partial power is usually a sign that something needs attention.
At Ward Electric, we’ve been helping local families fix electrical problems safely for over 50 years, always with honest service and fair pricing.
What Is Partial Power?
Partial power occurs when only some circuits in your home have electricity while others don't.
You might notice:
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A couple of rooms are out, while the rest are fine.
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Outlets or switches suddenly stop working.
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Lights flicker or look unusually dim.
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Breakers flip off repeatedly.
These are early warning signs that your electrical system may have a larger issue behind the scenes.
Common Causes of Partial Power in Homes
Around Kent County, we frequently trace the problem to:
01
Overloaded circuits
Too many appliances on the same breaker.
02
Loose or damaged wiring
Aging wires, pest damage, or heat/humidity issues.
03
GFCI or breaker failures
One malfunctioning device can knock out others downstream.
04
Service problems from the utility
Losing a “power leg” coming into the home.
05
Old or failing electrical panels
Parts wear out and lose secure connections.
06
Storm or weather damage
Very common in West Michigan, damage outside causes issues inside.
What You Can Safely Try First
Before calling anyone, these quick checks might help:
See if a breaker is tripped, turn it OFF, then ON once.
Reset any GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages.
Unplug anything that could have overloaded the circuit.
Ask a neighbor if they’re experiencing issues too.
And please:
Don’t open the panel if you’re unsure how it works.
Don’t ignore burning smells or warm outlets.
Don’t keep using devices that flicker or buzz.
Why Call a Licensed Electrician?
Partial power doesn’t usually fix itself. It may come back for a moment, but unstable power can mean:
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Fire risks inside walls.
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Damaged appliances (especially refrigerators/AC).
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Shocks from bad outlets.
A licensed electrician will find the real cause, whether it’s a bad breaker, hidden wiring damage, or something coming from the street that requires coordination with the power company.
Ward Electric is a state-licensed, local, and experienced company, serving both older and newer homes in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Is partial power dangerous?
It can be. Loose connections cause heat buildup, which is a leading cause of electrical fires.
02 Can this damage my appliances?
Yes, low or unstable voltage makes motors work harder and shortens their lifespan.
03 Could this be the power company’s fault?
Sometimes. That’s why we always check service lines as well as the panel.
04 Should I turn everything off?
It’s smart to unplug sensitive electronics until the issue is checked.
