What can you do about voltage problems?

Check first

Check your appliances for loose or damaged plugs, outlets and connections. Repair or replace them as needed. Call an electrician if you don't know how to safely replace these items. Check your fuse box or circuit breaker panels to make sure your sensitive loads (computer, stereo, television) aren't sharing a circuit with your large switching loads (refrigerator, washer, dryer, microwave). Label your fuses and circuits, showing which appliances are on which circuit. You may need an electrician's help to change or add new circuits.

Report the problem

• Report your voltage problem online or call 800.477.4747 and use our automated system.

Is there anything else I can do?

• Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a new appliance.
• Older buildings may not be adequately wired to handle all of today's modern electronics. Ask your electrician to check your electric system to ensure your wiring and grounding are in working order and meet electrical codes. Proper wiring and ground can clear most power problems. Proper grounding of your entire home or business is essential for electronics to operate.
• You may find that a disturbance log is helpful in diagnosing and resolving many power quality problems, particularly if you own or operate a business. Place the log in a convenient location near the process or equipment affected by the problem, and update the log sheet regularly. The log contains information that will help determine power disturbance patterns and frequency. Combined with power monitoring, this log can be used to diagnose electrical disturbances.
• There are several devices available that may help alleviate the effects of some power disturbances on the appliances in your home. Some power variations, such as harmonic distortion, are much more difficult to protect against. Check out our section on protecting home appliances for more information.