Why Half of My House Lost Power: The Real Reasons Behind Partial Outages

Why Half of My House Lost Power: The Real Reasons Behind Partial Outages

December 12, 2025

When half of your house loses power, it can be both confusing and disruptive. This situation, known as a partial power outage, affects only one part of the house while other rooms are powered just fine. For instance, the kitchen and living room may be powered, but the garage and outdoor areas may be in darkness. Homeowners often seek answers as to why this situation happens.

Here at Mr. Electric, we’re renowned for delivering electrical troubleshooting and repairs for decades. Our licensed electricians have the expertise to help you figure out this mystery. Read on to learn why this might happen and what to do when you encounter a partial power outage.

  • Overloaded Circuits

Modern homes rely on more appliances and devices than ever before, but older wiring may not be built to handle the increased demand. If a single circuit becomes overwhelmed, it may trip repeatedly or partially fail. This can leave some outlets or fixtures without power while others continue to function normally on different circuits. It’s a good idea to call a nearby electrical service to install dedicated circuits to avoid overloading.

  • Loose or Damaged Wiring

Partial outages point to a wiring problem serving a specific section of your home. Over time, wires can loosen due to vibration, thermal expansion, or poor-quality installations. In some cases, wires become damaged from rodents, corrosion, or age-related deterioration. When the connection is weak, it may intermittently disrupt power or reduce voltage to part of your electrical system. Loose wiring is both an inconvenience and a major fire hazard.

This problem is common in older homes with outdated wiring like aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube wiring. If you live in an older home and your wiring has never been updated, it may be time to call a local electrical company for electrical troubleshooting before the situation escalates.

  • A Faulty Breaker or Panel Issue

If a single breaker becomes weak or begins to fail, it may supply inconsistent power or stop functioning altogether. Sometimes the problem isn’t the breaker but the bus bar. A corroded or burnt bus bar can lead to repeated partial outages and poses a serious safety risk. Because panel-related issues can escalate quickly, they require professional attention by a licensed electrician.

  • Utility Problems on One Phase

Most homes receive power through two “hot” lines, or phases. If the utility company’s equipment fails on one of those phases, it can create a partial outage where half your circuits lose power while the others remain unaffected. Weather events, transformer issues, or damaged service lines can all cause this type of problem. In these cases, your home appears to have power, but only on one side of the electrical system.

  • Defective Outlets, Switches, or Junction Boxes

Sometimes the cause is more localized. A failing outlet, burnt switch, or overloaded junction box may interrupt power to only the parts of the home connected to that specific branch. These components may show signs of heat damage, buzzing sounds, or discoloration before failing completely. Call a local electrician for an inspection if you’ve noticed signs of damaged outlets or switches.

Get in Touch with Mr. Electric for No Power Repair Service

When you’re dealing with electrical issues, including a partial power outage, it’s important to call a nearby electrician in Lancaster, TX as soon as you can. That’s why the team at Mr. Electric stands out. We bring expertise, experience, and reliable service to homeowners and businesses across the areas we serve. When you call us for electrical troubleshooting, you can expect quality workmanship, fast response times, upfront pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether it is damaged wiring, circuit breaker malfunction, loose connections, or circuit issues, we’ll find the cause of the problem and fix it right the first time. Contact us today to book an appointment for no power repair with our skilled electricians.