Tools and materials
Screwdriver, both normal and voltage-checking, flashlight, cutter, wire-stripper, fuses if you use them, electrical tape and scissors.

Keep in mind
If the electricity in your house goes off, there is no reason to panic. You just need to find out why. First, check if it is happening in all or just part of the house. Next, if the lights are also out in the neighbors' houses. It may even be a generalized blackout in the whole neighborhood or throughout the city. If the problem turns out to be within your house, you need to track down and fix the problem. To do this it is important to know your home's electrical circuitry.

The elements of the circuit
o Distribution panel. Receives the current from the electric company. All outlets stem from here. Contains the main security mechanisms.
o Automatic switches. They disconnect the electricity in case of overload, short circuit or other problems.
o Differential switch: shuts off the supply of electricity to the entire house.
o Register box. Used for splicing. Source of line for outlets and lights. There are several kinds.
o Outlets. For plugging in� kinds of appliances. They can include a ground. There are special kinds for appliances that use a lot of electricity such as stoves and ovens, or that use water, such as heaters, washing machines and dish washers. They tend to have their own independent security circuits.
o Light sockets or lighting circuits. For all kinds of light bulbs. Can have a ground.

First, pinpoint the problem in the circuit
o If the breakdown is in the circuit, check it section by section to find the problem: it may just be the circuit of some outlet, perhaps the one that draws the most current (kitchen appliances,� the direct lighting circuit, the night-rate electrical storage device). Check which switch went off in the distribution panel.
o In the panel, disconnect the switch you believe to be associated with the breakdown. Place tape and a sign on it so no one handles it.
o If the electricity does not go out again, then the problem was in that circuit.
o Check if there was an overload in the circuits because of too many appliances turned on at the same time.
o Check if there was a short-circuit because of interference between two non-insulated wires or with a defective one. Problems often stem from cables that are in poor condition, broken or have come loose form their terminal. They cause a short-circuit when they come into contact with other cables or with boxes.
o Check light sockets, distribution boxes and outlets. See if there is a light bulb that does not work.

The light bulb does not work
o The light bulb may be burned out, or does not make good contact in the socket. Try it in another socket.
o If it is broken,replace it.
o If current does not reach the socket, you must take apart the housing until you reach the terminals and cables. Check for rust, or if the metal plate of the housing does not make contact with the light bulb.
o If the filaments are worn, cut the cable a bit further up and strip about 8 mm.
o Then place each one in its corresponding terminal, tighten and reassemble the housing.
o If you have to extend wires it is best to do this with clamps. In any case cover well with electrical tape.

There is no current reaching the outlet
o Check first if the problem is with the plug of the appliance. Check it in another outlet.
o If an outlet overheats it is more than likely because of an overload from trying to take more current than it can handle or from an incorrect installation of wires.
o If the problem is with the plug, take it apart and reattach the cable in the terminals.
o If the problem is with the outlet, you must take it apart first.
o Once removed from the wall, put the wires back in place. If it is worn do not hesitate to replace it. This will avert accidents.

The distribution panel
o The problem may be with a fuse, although these are less frequently used, with automatic switches taking their place and turning off automatically when there is a breakdown.
o In the latter case, all you need to do is flip the switch back on once you have fixed whatever problem there was.
o If you use fuses make sure they are not broken from use or overloads.
o If a fuse burns out again as soon as you replace it, there is definitely a problem with the circuit. Find it. It may also be an overload from having too many appliances turned on.
o Do not be alarmed by an automatic switch that turns itself off. That just means they are doing what they were designed to do. If the overload is excessive, a fire could break out.

Tips
o The voltage of the appliances you use must match the voltage of the circuit in your home. It is usually 220 volts, although some areas and some appliances work at 110-125 volts. In this case you will need a transformer.
o When working with electricity remember that first you must always turn off the main switch. Post a sign to keep other people from touching it. You can never play it too safe.
o If the current-limiting device installed by the electric company activates all the time, you may need more electricity than that which you have signed on for. This device cannot be tinkered with. You must simply calculate your needs and arrange a new supply contract with the company.
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