skip to main content

Electrical Wiring Design Dilemma

The lights keep going out in my seven month old house

last year

It is under warranty. The electrician keeps coming out but they can't recreate the problem so they say there is no problem. It happens randomly and without warning. Tonight it went out because of an electric heater or maybe because the washing machine and heater are on at the same time. When the electrician comes he turns everything going and can't get the breakers to trip so they say nothing is wrong. My realtor thinks that there's too much on one circuit. Of course, it's always my fault according to the builder. The first time the electrician came out they said my TV sucked too much energy. They forgot their lie and the next time said my TV was too old. Unfortunately, I had a handyman, move a light switch and now they're saying it nullifies my warranty even though the problem has gone on since I moved in. I never had this problem in the house I owned for 25 years. The latest electrician they sent said it's because of new regulations. Seriously. Then wouldn't everyone's lights go out all the time? What should I do?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
Need more information. Does the whole house go out or just part? The same circuit every time? If it’s the same circuit every time it could absolute be the arc fault breaker, your old house didn’t have them. By design they are very sensitive, have them swap it out for a standard breaker and see if the problem persists.
shirlpp
last year
Have you spoken with your neighbors who have used the same builder?
Related Discussions
Our 11 month old new KitchenAid dishwasher craps out
Q
Comments (21)
We, too, had a workhorse KA dishwasher. I fairly wept when it gave its swan song after 20+ years of washing dried on cheeses, tomato sauce and other malodorous gunk. We purchased a new one, bought the extended warranty and had a service call within two months. Control board went. Frustrating part was that Lowe's told me that no matter what died, it was covered. Well, it was covered, but I couldn't get anyone to come out. I'd make an appointment, and the company would cancel the night before. Finally, I called Lowes, told them about it and they sent someone right out. Currently, the little happy chime doesn't signal denoting the end of cycle .... probably signaling another service call. Sorry to corroborate your experience, PKguy. I've become so cynical. I hear energy savings, it only uses a teaspoon of water, blah, blah, blah and I just put up my hand like a traffic cop, thinking "Please. I'll be replacing this in just a few years." Cathy in SWPA
...See More
6 month old dog sneaking off to poop in house
Q
Comments (7)
Dogs aren't rocket scientists. The dog simply does not understand what you want. You may think he should understand and worse, you may think he does understand and is being willfully bad. NOT. He needs to do what nature requires but from experience he has learned you will punish him when does what he has to. If not already, pottie time will soon become a tramatic experience for him. First, get your pup on a routine. Feed it the same thing at the same time every day. Very Imortant! You will soon realize that shortly after eating the pup needs to go out. Do not wait around to see if it potties in the hall or the bedroom. Take it out and walk it and play with it until it is finished. Immediately praise it, tell it how wonderful it is, give it a piece of cheese. Do this everyday at the same time--do not change the routine. BTW, a pup will need to go out more than twice a day.
...See More
My Former 2 lb. 14oz Seven-Month Preemie Turns 21 Y/O Today . . . OMG!
Q
Comments (19)
Love hearing stories like this. My 28 year old nephew was born 3 months early and weighed in at a whopping 1 lb. 12 oz. My brother's wedding ring fit all the way up the baby's leg. My nephew was/is very fortunate that he had/has no health or learning issues related to his prematurity. He recently became a father but the little knit cap of his that his mom saved all these years didn't begin to fit on his own full term baby's head. Best wishes to your daughter for the next 21 years and more.
...See More
Sleepover activities with a five year old and a seven year old
Q
Comments (50)
Robo, it sounds like you had fun! I missed this post so I'm glad you gave an update. Mayflowers, thank you so much for the colored salt jar idea. That can be one of the crafts I do with my grandsons next time we do a sleepover. My DGSs spent the night last night. I got out my markers, colored pencils, oil pastels, graphite pencils and an assortment of papers. While they were working on their drawings I was playing music. My oldest DGS asked if it was Beethoven. As soon as they were finished with their project they had out their iPads and were listening to Whip NaeNae. I videoed the oldest DGS doing the dance and we sent it and pictures of their artwork to Mom. Bedtime is still a problem with the boys, they are only fifteen months apart and they pick on each other unmercifully at bedtime. I'm going to order a cot bunk bed for them as the second queen size inflatable mattress bit the dust.
...See More
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
To start in most places appliances all need their own circuit so start with the fridge check and see if when you thrwo that breaker other things go out . This requires of course that you turn on every light and TV in the house. Do have GFIs near any water like kitchens and bathrooms . There is obviouslty something tripping the breakers .IMO get anoterh elecrician to check out this issue the builders guy is working for the builder .
dan1888
last year
"Going out" suggests a breaker trips. If that happens did the heater and the washer stop working? That would tell you a circuit was overloaded. Plug the heater into a circuit with only outlets and lights.

Related Stories

VINTAGE STYLE 25 Old-Fashioned House Details Worth Keeping or Reimagining

By Suzanne Ennis

See Dutch doors, dumbwaiters and other design features of yore that still have a place in today’s homes

BATHROOM DESIGN Out With the Old Tile: 8 Steps to Prep for Demolition

By By Any Design Ltd.

This isn't a light DIY project: You'll need heavy-duty tools and plenty of protection for your home and yourself

REMODELING GUIDES Adding On: 10 Ways to Expand Your House Out and Up

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

A new addition can connect you to the yard, raise the roof, bring in light or make a statement. Which style is for you?

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Luxe Materials and Glass Give an Old House New Life

An unloved Victorian is brought into the 21st century with clever reconfiguring, a pale palette and lots of light

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

DECORATING GUIDES Living Room Features That Never Go Out of Style

These key pieces will help your living room keep its good looks, no matter what's in fashion

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Why Remodels Go Over Budget, and How to Keep Yours in Line

By Erin Carlyle

Find out how homeowner remodeling budgets fared in 2019, according to the 2020 Houzz & Home survey

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Taking ‘Ye Olde’ Out of a Nantucket Shingle-Style Home

By Becky Harris

Vintage and modern pieces mix it up in a vacation house reconfigured to host casual gatherings of family and friends

LIGHTING How to Light the Front of Your House

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

Find out about 6 common outdoor lighting features and the right ways to use them

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Loving the Old and New in an 1880s Brooklyn Row House

By Mitchell Parker

More natural light and a newly open plan set off furnishings thoughtfully culled from the past

Sponsored

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Low Voltage LED lights & Transformer size

4

Am I missing something ???

2

Need advice for bathroom recessed lighting placement

3

challenging lighting situation - under upper flight of stairs

13