Electricity problems?

Question

The power came on and off in the house. After the electricity company fixed the problem on the street. My power surge will not work in the basement and also the light switch for the hallway light does not work. The fuse seems to be fine... what could be the problem???....

Answer 1

Call a Pro. could be many differant things causeing the problem you discribed.

Answer 2

loose wire in the switch or the light

Answer 3

Could be one [or more] of several things:

1) Bad bulb...replace with another bulb WHICH YOU KNOW WORKS. Try the test bulb somewhere else first.

2)You say "fuse seems to be fine". If you actually have fuses, put in a new one which you know is good. Sometimes fusses appear OK, but are not.

3)If you actually have circuit breakers [not "fuses"], you must turn them to the off position, then to the on position. Appearance can be deceiving. Cycle the breaker to off, then back on, to be sure.

   If the bulb is good, and the fuse [or breaker] is good, suspect either the fixture or the switch. Check each, but BE CAREFUL! You can use a "non-contact" current detector [from home/hardware or electrical supply]  This will allow you to check without exposing wires. Follow manufacturers instructions. If there is power at the lite fixture, then it's not the switch, its in the fixture. If Not, suspect the switch. Either way, it's time to examine either the switch or the fixture. To do this,  you MUST cut off the power [at the fuse/circuit breaker panel] before you take things apart. If your not sure which circuit it is, keep the current detector near the current so that it keeps registering [buzzing, blinking, whatever.] while someone else cuts off one circuit at a time at the panel. When the circuit to the fixture is found [the detectors stops], you know you have the right circuit. Then you can go ahead and repair/replace the switch or fixture as required.