What to Do During a Power Outage: Expert Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Protecting Your Circuit Panel and Electronics After an Unexpected Power Outage

When the power unexpectedly goes out, your circuit panel and electronics are at risk of damage, particularly when electricity is restored. Taking immediate steps can help safeguard your home’s electrical system and prevent costly repairs.

Steps to Protect Your Circuit Panel

Turn Off Main Breakers: Locate your circuit panel and switch off the main breaker to disconnect your home from incoming power. This helps prevent damage from potential power surges when electricity is restored.
Avoid Overloading Circuits: Keep breakers for high-demand appliances, such as HVAC systems and refrigerators, turned off until after the power has returned and stabilized.

Safeguarding Your Electronics

Unplug Sensitive Devices: Disconnect TVs, computers, gaming systems, and other sensitive electronics. These devices are particularly vulnerable to voltage fluctuations when power is restored.
Use Surge Protectors: If you have surge protectors, ensure all key devices and appliances are plugged into them. While they don’t prevent an outage, they do offer a line of defense against power surges.

Preparing for Power Restoration

Check the Circuit Panel: Inspect your circuit panel for tripped breakers or signs of damage, such as burn marks or unusual odors. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further complications.
Reintroduce Power Gradually: Once electricity is restored, switch on the main breaker and individual circuits one at a time. This controlled reintroduction of power helps prevent sudden overloads.

Be Proactive with Whole-Home Surge Protection

A whole-home surge protector offers superior protection for your circuit panel and appliances. Installed directly into your electrical system, it shields your home from sudden voltage spikes during outages and restoration.

State Electrical Contractors specializes in whole-home surge protection and post-outage inspections to ensure your electrical system is safe and efficient. If you’ve experienced a power outage, contact us to schedule a check-up and explore solutions to protect your home against future disruptions.

The top three causes of power outages in this region include:

Monsoon Storms: Arizona’s summer monsoons can bring high winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes, often damaging power lines and infrastructure.
Wildlife Interference: Animals such as birds and squirrels can inadvertently cause outages by interfering with electrical equipment.
High Energy Demand: The scorching Arizona heat pushes air conditioning systems into overdrive, sometimes overloading circuits and leading to localized outages.

When the lights go out, knowing what steps to take and where to find resources can make all the difference.

Stay Informed with These Resources During an Outage

When your power goes out, it’s important to stay updated on the situation in your area. Maricopa County residents have two valuable resources for monitoring outages:

Salt River Project (SRP)

SRP offers a robust set of tools and tips for handling outages. You can view or report an outage in your area using their interactive map. Additionally, SRP provides guidance on preparing for outages, such as assembling an emergency kit and protecting sensitive electronics. Their tips for ensuring crew safety around damaged equipment are also essential for storm-related outages. Visit their SRP Outage Page for more information.

Arizona Public Service (APS) Outage Map

APS provides real-time updates through its outage map, allowing you to see the status of power restoration in your neighborhood. It’s especially helpful during localized disruptions caused by weather or equipment failure. The APS site also includes resources to help you prepare for outages and understand why they happen. Check their map at APS Outage Map.

If your home has a generator, you may still have internet access to check these resources. Keep your devices charged and ready to access these links during an emergency.

Why Your Internet Works During a Power Outage with a Generator

Ever wonder why your internet remains operational during a power outage if you have a whole-home generator? The answer lies in how fiber optic networks function. Fiber optic cables transmit data as light signals, which do not require electricity to travel across the network. As long as the service provider’s infrastructure remains powered, your home can still receive a signal.

However, your modem and router require electricity to function. This is where your generator comes in—it powers your home’s essential devices, including the modem, allowing you to stay connected. Investing in a generator ensures you can access important information and maintain communication even when the rest of the neighborhood is in the dark.

Benefits of Whole-Home Generator Maintenance by State Electrical Contractors

A whole-home generator is a critical asset during power outages, but like any complex system, it requires regular maintenance to perform reliably. State Electrical Contractors provides expert generator maintenance services to ensure your system is ready when you need it most.

During maintenance, our licensed electricians inspect key components, such as fuel lines, battery connections, and electrical panels, to identify and address potential issues. We also test the system under load to verify its performance. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your generator, and provides peace of mind for your family.

By scheduling annual maintenance with our team, you can rest assured that your generator will function flawlessly, keeping your home powered and secure during outages.

Recognizing the Signs of an Aging Electrical System in Maricopa County

Many homes in Maricopa County, particularly those built before the mid-1970s, were constructed with electrical systems that may no longer meet modern safety standards. Aluminum wiring, common during that era, poses unique challenges. Over time, aluminum wiring oxidizes and loosens at connections, increasing the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards. If your home is over 40 years old, it’s essential to assess whether your wiring and panels are up to date.

Signs of an Aging Electrical System:

Frequent Breaker Trips: Older systems may struggle to handle the energy demands of today’s appliances and electronics.
Flickering or Dimming Lights: This could indicate overloaded circuits or loose connections.
Outdated Panels: Panels with fuses or inadequate amperage are often a sign of an aging system that needs an upgrade.
Warm Outlets or Switches: Heat around outlets or switches may suggest wiring problems that require immediate attention.
Limited Outlets: Homes with few outlets often have outdated electrical systems and rely on unsafe extension cords.

How to Tell if Your Home Still Has Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring was widely used in the 1960s and early 1970s due to copper shortages, but it’s no longer considered safe. Here’s how to check if your home has aluminum wiring:

Inspect Your Wiring: Open your electrical panel or outlet covers and look for wires marked with “AL” or “Aluminum.”
Pay Attention to Hot Spots: If switches or outlets feel unusually warm, it could signal issues related to aluminum wiring connections.
Check the Build Date: If your home was built between 1965 and 1975, there’s a good chance it has aluminum wiring.

How State Electrical Contractors Can Help

At State Electrical Contractors, we specialize in modernizing aging electrical systems. If your home has aluminum wiring, we offer safe solutions such as replacing it with modern copper wiring or installing pigtail connections to reduce risks. Our team can also upgrade your circuit panels to ensure they meet today’s energy demands and safety standards.

Schedule a professional inspection with us to address potential hazards and bring your system up to code. Regular maintenance and updates are critical for ensuring your home remains safe, efficient, and ready for modern living.

Managing High Energy Demand During Arizona Summers

The extreme heat of Arizona summers can push your home’s electrical system to its limits. Air conditioning units running nonstop may overload circuits, causing frequent breaker trips.

Our team can evaluate your electrical system to ensure it can handle peak demand. Upgrades like installing additional circuits or replacing aging panels can help prevent outages and improve energy efficiency. We also recommend whole-home surge protectors to safeguard your appliances from power surges during storms.

Preparing for Power Outages in Maricopa County

In Maricopa County, localized power outages are a fact of life, often caused by monsoon storms, wildlife interference, or surges in energy demand during the scorching summer months. These outages can disrupt daily routines and put your home’s electrical system to the test. Thankfully, you can take proactive steps to ensure your home remains protected and operational during these challenges.

At State Electrical Contractors, we offer a range of solutions to keep your home prepared for unexpected outages. One of the most valuable investments you can make is installing a whole-home surge protector. Power surges, often triggered by lightning or grid fluctuations during outages, can damage your appliances, electronics, and even your electrical system. A whole-home surge protector acts as your first line of defense, intercepting excess voltage before it reaches your devices.

Why Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector?

Protect Expensive Appliances: Today’s homes are packed with high-tech appliances and electronics that are vulnerable to power surges. A surge protector safeguards your investments by preventing damage.
Prevent System Overloads: During outages and subsequent power restoration, sudden voltage spikes can occur. Surge protectors ensure your electrical system remains stable and secure.
Peace of Mind During Storm Season: Monsoon storms can strike quickly, leaving little time to unplug devices. With a surge protector in place, you’re always prepared.

Additional Steps to Stay Prepared

Beyond surge protection, having a backup power solution like a whole-home generator is critical for extended outages. Generators ensure essential systems—such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and internet—continue to function, keeping your family comfortable and connected.

Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are essential for keeping your electrical system in top shape. From surge protection to generator installations, State Electrical Contractors is your trusted partner in safeguarding your home against Arizona’s unique climate challenges. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay prepared for whatever comes your way.

Electrical Code Compliance: Protecting Your Home

Ensuring your home complies with Maricopa County’s electrical codes is essential for safety and avoiding fines. Our licensed electricians stay updated on local regulations and provide expert installations and repairs that meet all requirements. An electrical inspection will alert you to any code issues that may arise. Trust State Electrical Contractors to keep your home safe and compliant.

Avoid DIY Electrical Work: Trust the Experts

While it may be tempting to attempt electrical repairs yourself, doing so can pose serious risks. Improper installations or repairs can lead to fires, shocks, or non-compliance with local codes. State Electrical Contractors provides professional, reliable services to handle all your electrical needs safely and efficiently.

What to Do After a Power Outage When the Power Comes Back On

When the lights come back on after a power outage, it’s tempting to simply return to your routine. However, there are a few critical steps you should take to ensure your home’s electrical system and appliances are functioning safely and efficiently. These precautions can help you avoid potential damage caused by power surges or other issues related to the outage.

Inspect Your Appliances and Electronics

Power restoration can sometimes lead to surges, which may damage sensitive electronics and appliances. After an outage:

Check for Proper Operation: Turn on essential devices like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and ovens to ensure they’re working correctly.
Inspect for Damage: Look for flickering screens, unusual sounds, or odors, which could indicate damage.
Avoid Overloading Circuits: If you unplugged devices during the outage, plug them back in gradually to prevent overloading circuits.

Reset Your Electrical Systems

Power outages can trip circuit breakers or disrupt other electrical components. Take these steps to restore normal operation:

Check Your Breaker Box: If some outlets or lights are still not working, check your breaker panel for tripped breakers and reset them as needed.
Reset Digital Clocks and Timers: Appliances with clocks, such as microwaves and ovens, will likely need to be reset.
Restart Smart Devices: Home automation systems or smart devices may need to be rebooted to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Test Your Whole-Home Generator

If you used a generator during the outage, test it to ensure it powers down and transitions back to standby mode correctly. Look for any error codes or maintenance alerts that might indicate the generator requires attention. Regularly inspecting your generator after an outage helps maintain its reliability for future events.

Monitor for Lingering Issues

Sometimes, power restoration can expose or exacerbate underlying electrical problems. Be on the lookout for:

Flickering Lights: This could indicate a wiring issue or a loose connection in your electrical system.
Unusual Noises: Buzzing or humming sounds near outlets or the breaker panel should be addressed immediately.
Persistent Breaker Trips: If breakers continue to trip after resetting, it’s a sign that your electrical system needs professional attention.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

After an outage, it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical system inspection, especially if your home is older or has experienced recurring outages. State Electrical Contractors can evaluate your system to identify potential issues, ensuring everything is operating safely and efficiently.

By taking these steps, you can protect your home and appliances from post-outage complications and ensure your electrical system is ready to handle future challenges. For peace of mind and expert support, contact State Electrical Contractors to schedule an inspection or discuss preventive solutions like whole-home surge protection.