Top 5 Reasons You’re Losing Power at Home (And How to Fix It)

Losing power at home can be more than just annoying – it can interrupt your day, spoil your food, or even put your safety at risk. If you’re experiencing frequent outages, flickering lights, or circuits tripping without warning, you’re not alone.

At Jaric, we help Queensland homeowners uncover the cause and fix the problem fast. Here are the top five reasons you might be losing power at home – and what to do about it.

1. Overloaded Circuits

The problem:
Plugging too many appliances into a single circuit can overload it, causing the circuit breaker to trip. This is common in older homes with limited power outlets or when using multiple high-wattage devices like heaters, microwaves, or kettles at once.

The fix:
Unplug unnecessary devices and avoid using multiple heavy-duty appliances on the same circuit. If it keeps happening, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to review your wiring or add dedicated circuits.

2. Faulty Appliances

The problem:
An old or damaged appliance can short-circuit your system, tripping the power when you least expect it. Sometimes the issue isn’t your wiring – it’s what you’ve plugged in.

The fix:
If power cuts happen when using a specific appliance, unplug it and test the appliance in a different outlet. Still tripping? That appliance could be the culprit and may need repair or replacement.

3. Tripped Safety Switch (RCD)

The problem:
Safety switches (Residual Current Devices) are designed to protect you from electric shock. If an imbalance is detected – like current leaking due to a fault – the switch cuts power immediately.

The fix:
Check your switchboard to see if the RCD has tripped. If it has, try resetting it. If it trips again, unplug absolutely every appliance from the points. They must be removed from the sockets – simply turning them off will not work. Try and reset again.  If this doesn’t work, contact an electrician. It could indicate a serious issue like faulty wiring or water ingress.

4. Storms or External Power Faults

The problem:
Heavy rain, lightning strikes, or fallen power lines can cause external outages beyond your control. These are common in storm season across Queensland.

The fix:
Check with your energy provider to see if there’s an outage in your area. Consider installing surge protection to prevent damage to your appliances during storms.

5. Outdated or Damaged Wiring

The problem:
Homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle today’s electrical demands. Old or deteriorating wiring can cause intermittent power loss, flickering lights, or even dangerous overheating.

The fix:
Have your home wiring inspected by a licensed electrician. If needed, upgrading your wiring or switchboard can prevent further issues – and improve safety and efficiency.

Need Help Diagnosing a Power Problem?

If you’re regularly losing power at home, don’t ignore the signs. What seems like a minor issue can quickly become a safety risk.

At Jaric, we offer fast, friendly service and expert advice to get your home powered up and running safely again.

Contact us today to book an inspection or learn more about switchboard upgrades and safety checks.