Quick answer: If part of your home has power and part does not, first check the panel for tripped breakers. If no breakers are tripped, the home may have lost one of the two "legs" of incoming power, often from a utility problem or a failed connection at the meter or main. If lights in some rooms get brighter while others dim, that suggests a failing neutral, which is urgent. Call your utility and a licensed electrician.
Homes in the United States typically receive 240-volt service made up of two 120-volt legs. Many circuits in your panel are connected to one leg or the other. When one leg is lost, roughly half the house goes dark while the rest keeps working, and 240-volt appliances like the dryer, range, water heater, and AC may stop or run strangely.
Step 1: Check the panel
Look for tripped breakers, including the main breaker. A single tripped breaker can make a room or two go dark. Reset any tripped breaker by switching it fully OFF and then ON. If many unrelated rooms are out and no breakers are tripped, move to step 2.
Step 2: Ask whether neighbors are affected
If nearby homes have similar problems, it is likely a utility issue. Report it to your utility; in the Charleston area that is commonly Dominion Energy South Carolina or Berkeley Electric Cooperative, depending on location.
Step 3: Watch for warning signs
- Lights brighter than normal in some rooms and dimmer in others
- Appliances behaving erratically
- Buzzing or a burning smell at the panel or meter
These signs can indicate a lost neutral, which can expose electronics and appliances to damaging voltage. Turn off sensitive electronics and large appliances and call for help right away.
Utility side or home side?
Generally, the utility handles the lines and equipment up to the meter, and the property owner is responsible for the building side, including the meter base, service entrance conductors, and panel. Storm damage, corrosion in the meter base, and loose main lugs are common home-side causes in the Lowcountry. A licensed electrician can test the service and repair the home side, and coordinate with the utility when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does half my house have power and half doesn't?
The most common causes are a tripped breaker, a lost leg of the incoming service, or a failed connection at the meter or main breaker. Check the panel first, then contact the utility and an electrician.
Is a partial power outage dangerous?
It can be. If some lights are unusually bright, a lost neutral may be exposing equipment to high voltage. Turn off sensitive electronics and get help quickly.
Will the power company fix a partial outage?
If the problem is on the utility's lines or equipment, yes. If it is on the home side of the meter, a licensed electrician must repair it.
Why do some appliances work but my AC and dryer don't?
240-volt appliances need both legs of service. If one leg is lost, those appliances may stop while some 120-volt circuits keep working.
Copperhead Electrical provides residential electrical service across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, North Charleston, and Summerville. Call 854-444-6516 or request service online.