Check for danger first
Breaker keeps tripping
Overload, an appliance fault, wiring damage or a protective device responding to a fault are possible categories. Repeated trips need evaluation. Do not keep resetting a breaker, hold it on or replace it with a larger one.
Stop using the affected circuit or equipment and arrange a qualified electrician’s assessment. From a safe location, note which devices were in use and whether the trip affects one room or several. Tell the electrician about any heat, odor or sound.
Lights flicker or power fluctuates
A single lamp, a dimmer combination, a circuit connection or the electrical supply could be involved. Several lights changing together—especially unusually bright and dim lights—warrant prompt professional attention.
Stop using affected equipment. If the problem is widespread, contact the utility as well as an electrician; do not assume a neighboring home has the same cause. Heat, burning odor or arcing changes this to an urgent situation.
An outlet has stopped working
A device, upstream protection or a wiring problem may interrupt power. Note whether nearby outlets also stopped working and whether anything changed recently. Do not disassemble the outlet or keep reconnecting a device to test a suspected fault.
Arrange evaluation if the cause is unclear, protection will not reset or the problem returns. A damaged, hot or discolored outlet should not be used. See outlets and switches.
Buzzing, warmth or discoloration
A new or persistent buzzing sound from an outlet or panel, excessive heat or discoloration deserves prompt assessment. Do not touch the equipment to measure how hot it is. Stop using it and keep people away.
If there is active arcing, smoke or a strong burning smell, leave and call 911 from safety. A website cannot tell you that it is safe to wait.
Only part of the house has power
A partial outage can involve household circuits or a supply problem. Avoid assuming that a working room means the rest of the system is safe. Report widespread or unusual voltage behavior to the utility and arrange electrical evaluation.
For Naperville Electric Utility outage reporting, use the official utility contact guide. Never approach a downed line or service equipment that is damaged or wet.
What to tell the electrician
- What stopped working and when it began.
- Which rooms or equipment are affected.
- Whether it is constant or intermittent.
- Any recent renovation, appliance change, storm or water exposure.
- Any smell, sound, heat or visible damage observed from safety.