Electrical wiring FAQs for manufactured & mobile homes: first of a collection of questions and answers about troubleshooting electrical wiring in manufactured homes or mobile homes or trailers.
This article contains questions & answers that assist in electrical diagnosis & repair for mobile homes, manufactured homes, doublewides, trailers and RVs. We include diagnostic questions & answers about manufactured or mobile home electrical system defects, troubleshooting, repairs, codes.
Mobile home electrical panels, wiring, lights, switches: inspect & repair. Safety and building codes for mobile homes
This article series describes How to Inspect Mobile Homes or Manufactured Housing Electrical Wiring, Electrical Panel, and other Electrical Components for Defects: detailed procedures, defect lists, references to standards.
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Found here: diagnostic questions & answers about manufactured or mobile home electrical system defects, troubleshooting, repairs, codes. Mobile home electrical panels, wiring, lights, switches: inspect & repair. Safety and building codes for mobile homes.
These questions & answers about mobile home electrical systems were posted originally
at MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS or otherwise possibly at the bottom of this very article.
Photo: mobile home crossover wiring switch connector - if loose or damaged, an occasional source of lost power in one side of the home.
On 2022-05-17 by Friedmandaniel911 (mod) - lost power in mobile home itchen
@Lee,
Forgive me because I want to help but I don't understand the question.
Did you try turning the breakers fully OFF, waiting a minute, then back to ON ?
On 2022-05-16 by Lee
Lost power in kitchen .Found wires in the ceiling.4 blacks 4 whites .Blacks were tied together then whites are tied together.Lights are on one breaker n recepticles are on there own.Both are tied together.
On 2022-05-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - lowst power, all breakers were on - or so I thought - be sure to check all circuit breakers
@MC,
Thank you very much for taking the time to post that information at will indeed help other readers.
It's a reminder to always make sure you've found all of the circuit breakers.
On 2022-05-11 by MC
I had the power go out in my mobile home. First thing I did was check the circuit breaker panel inside the home for a tripped circuit (neither on nor off position). All circuits were on. Next, I checked with my neighbors to ensure if it was just me or the neighborhood. It was just me.
Next, I contacted the power company to check the line coming in and to the meter and the meter itself. That all checked out as good and functioning. I then contacted an electrician that told me to check two circuit breakers at the plug in, normally located under the meter. I slid the metal cover up and noticed that the main switch was tripped. I shut it off and back and it would not work.
There was another circuit switch, rated for 20 amps, next to it. I turned that one off and on and then tried the main one again and the power came back on. These two circuit switches were located right about where the giant plug in is. I hope this helps someone.
On 2022-03-13 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - half of power goes out in trailer home - crossover connector may be loose or failing
@Thomas,
I'm sorry to say this from the limited information in your note I can't be confident that I can guess the cause of your intermittent power loss.
But if your home is a double wide it could be that there is a crossover connector that is loose or failing.
Why don't you try leaving high-electrical use appliances temporarily disconnected or turned off, or turn off individual circuits in your electrical panel one at a time and then waiting to to see if that changes the problem.
If it does, you've probably found the cause.
On 2022-03-13 by Thomas
I live in a trailer home and Half of my power goes out and nothing is tripped. I have to turn on the stove for A brief second and the power is restored. At times, I hear a clicking noise behind my stove and the power goes out. This happens throughout the day. What is the cause
On 2022-02-01 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - entire section of house’s electrical outlets stop working
@Lindsey,
Check
MANUFACTURED HOME CROSSOVER CONNECTORS
On 2022-01-30 by Lindsey
I have an older 1980’s double wide trailer that I purchased from a friend about a year ago. Every now and then an entire section of the house’s electrical outlets will stop working completely.
The only way to get power to the room or two in question is with extension cords run from another area. There are no breakers popped. After about two to three weeks they will start working again randomly.
Last night for the first time the outlets on the opposite side of the house in the living room went out. I’m at a loss as to where to even begin since it isn’t a breaker issue. Any help pointing me on the right direction is greatly appreciated.
On 2022-01-13 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - loss of electrical power in two rooms
@Jason Creel,
Please take a look at this article which may give you some answers
ELECTRICAL CROSSOVER CONNECTORS IN MANUFACTURED HOMES
An electrician will trace the circuit to find a mis-wiring point or what may be the case, a point at which a connector has simply opened.
Watch out: if you're not trained in and familiar with safe electrical wiring, you could be shocked or killed trying to work on a circuit yourself.
On 2022-01-13 by Jason Creel
A Doublewide mobile home and two rooms side by side, lost power, but the rest of the house had power. what would be the cause of the loss of power in those two rooms
On 2021-12-30 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - We suddenly lost electricity in one room and few outlets.
@Nellie,
Thank you for the follow-up; that will help others.
On 2021-12-30 by Nellie
@Nellie, Never mind some idiot fed light switch from outlets and reading these comments here i told him to check it anyway because he himself saw people doing things wrong. It’s all good now
On 2021-12-30 by Nellie
Hi. We have double wide. My fiancé doesn’t have license, but he used to work as an electrician and very knowledgeable. He fixed cross-wires you are talking about in mobile homes already.
We suddenly lost electricity in one room and few outlets.
He changed outlets and checked others around. He cannot find were those without power fed from to fix. It’s mystery to him and he checked the board and fuses.
On 2021-12-24 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - mobile home blows all fuses at the same time
@Kelly,
Fuses blow because they are attempting to prevent an electrical fire.
So yes there is a safety concern.
When the fuses keep blowing its likely that's because the circuits are overloaded.
When all the fuses blow at once that sounds as if the entire panel is being overloaded OR there is a dangerous electrical short at the main panel or the entering electrical service wires. You need an on-site licensed electrician to inspect the wiring and panel.
When just individual circuit fuses blow, that means too many things are being plugged in to individual circuits.
It's particularly important that the fuses are the proper size for the circuit.
For example lighting and electrical receptacles typically use a 15 amp fuse. More immediate fire danger will occur if your daughter installs fuses that are rated at a higher number.
However it's unusual for all of the fuses to go out at the same time.
That suggests there may be a problem in the electrical panel itself. It's certainly worth having a licensed electrician inspect the electrical system for safety.
It's also very very important that there are working smoke detectors properly located and tested regularly and the all of the exits from the home or working.
That includes fire or emergency exits at locations other than the main or front entry.
Taking those steps will reduce the risk of a fire.
Please let me know what the electrician tells your daughter and what safety hazards are found.
On 2021-12-24 by Kelly
My daughter lives in a very old mobil home pre 1960. She has glass screw in fuses, all of the fuses are burning out at the same time. She has 4 small kids there the rent is inexpensive and she can afford it.
Is it unsafe? She goes in there in the dark and has to replace all of them intill it happens again.
On 2021-11-24 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - bathroom and bedroom lights not working
@Nancy,
Start by looking for a GFCI receptacle on that circuit that has tripped off. Look for a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter type electrical outlet that has a TEST and RESET button on it.
See details at GFCI DEVICE SELECTION & WIRING
While it's not proper to wire the bedroom lights to the bathroom GFCI wall receptacle, someone may have done that.
On 2021-11-23 by Nancy
My bathroom and from bedroom lights are not working checked box everything on
On 2020-11-27 - by (mod) - lost power to parts of a 2000 Belmont mobile home
James:On 2020-11-26 by James
I have a 26/60 doublewide I've lost power to one plug and livingroom plugs lights porch light and another plug in bedroom on other side of livingroom it's a 2000 belmontOn 2020-11-02 - by (mod) - track down the wiring for a dead receptacle or light in a doublewide home
Reggie
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT ID, MAP & LABEL - topic home
may be of help
Keep in mind that the wiring diagram is a logical map not a physical map of where wires actually run. Follow the wires, starting at the panel.
Watch out: if you're not trained in electrical work you could be shocked or killed.
On 2021-10-30 by Deb - lost power versus "missing meutral wire"
@inspectapedia.com.moderator,
Thank you for your honesty and timely response.
The electrician that diagnosed the issue stated that the missing neutral wire was on the main bath part of the house and he simply doesn't do that type of work (I assume only troubleshoots and more basic electrical).
One final question if I may, does this type of repair general require opening walls?
On 2021-10-30 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - electrician says there is a missing neutral wire?
@Deb,
Often a trades person is both honest and very expert in her field but may not be the best at clear communication.
If your electrical receptacles ("outlets") used to work but then stopped, since it's not likely that one of the circuit wires has gone AWOL, I think our electrician might have meant that on the neutral side of the circuit there is an open or broken connection that needs to be found and fixed.
That sort of problem absolutely does not mean that the home needs to be completely re-wired.
If the original electrician insists that the whole home needs to be re-wired I'd at the very least want a completely-independent second opinion and I'd want a clear explanation of the basis for that conclusion .
On 2021-10-30 by Deb
We've lost use of multiple outlets and had an electrian diagnose a "missing neutral wire". First question: How does this occur? Secondly, do we need to contact an electrician to completely rewire?
@Mary Jo cotten,
You may find an answer at this page:
ELECTRICAL CROSSOVER CONNECTORS in MANUFACTURED HOMES
As we've responded to other readers, yours is a common question from mobile home owners; one side of the home or one circuit trips OFF -
Check the electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
Check for a GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter that has tripped- outside or in a kitchen or bathroom - as often other lights or receptacles wired downstream from that point will switch off too.
If you don't find either of those conditions, it's time to hire a licensed electrician who will trace the circuit from the electrical panel onwards to look for a loose or broken electrical wire connection OR in some homes a plug connector below the home (or occasionally in an attic) that has separated.
On 2021-09-26 by Mary Jo cotten
Electric works in half double wid
On 2021-09-02 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - loose hot water connection from a switch dropped power to outlets
@Shane,
Good going, and thanks for the follow-up; that will help other readers.
From Your description, it's possible that there may be too much on that one circuit.
On 2021-09-02 by Shane
@Shane, figured it out , it was a loose hot wire from a switch that ran the outlets
On 2021-09-02 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)
@Shane,
We offer some diagnostic steps at
ELECTRICAL POWER LOSS / FICKERING LIGHTS
Take a look at that article and then see the additional steps given in more articles at the end of that page.
One of those is most likely what has caused you to lose power. Most-often it's simply a loose electrical connection.
On 2021-09-01 by Shane - loss of power at adjacent walls in a mobile home
@Shane, I forgot to add it’s a 1986 double wide
The power on the switches and outlets are out in my master bedroom and the adjacent LR wall and my outside porch light .. I replaced the breaker and still nothing??
On 2021-09-01 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - Some electrical outlets stopped working, breaker not tripped
@Tammi,
A tripped GFCI at a kitchen or bath circuit at a receptacle or at a circuit
A breaker that actually has tripped but wasn't obvious (switch to OFF then back to ON to try this at any breaker)
A bad main breaker
A bad main electrical feed at your panel or electric meter
A broken or loose electrical connection in the panel or at any electrical circuit
A loose or open cross-over connector in a doublewide or modular home MANUFACTURED HOME CROSSOVER CONNECTORS https://inspectapedia.com/Manufactured_Homes/Mobile-Home-Electrical-Crossover-Connectors.php
Let me know what your electrician has found; she'll start at the panel confirming that power enters the panel, then confirm power at each circuit, then trace the "off" circuits forward from there looking for an open or burned connection.
See more diagnostics at FLICKERING LIGHT / POWER LOSS DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Flickering_Light_Diagnosis.php
On 2021-09-01 by Tammi
Part of our power and outlets stopped working. The breakers and outlets have not been tripped. What could this be?
On 2021-08-30 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - lost power to my overhead lights in my kitchen and livingroom and power to my livingroom outlets
@Jeff laughter,
I'm not sure what you mean by "turned the breaker around". If you mean that you swapped in a different circuit breaker or plugged the same circuit breaker. Not sure what you mean by turned the breaker around.
If you mean that you swapped in a different circuit breaker or plug the same circuit breaker into a different position in the panel, and the breaker keeps tripping, it sounds as if there's a short circuit on that electrical circuit. You need to leave it turned off.
You need to leave that circuit turned off so as to avoid a fire or getting shocked.
An electrician would then trace the circuit from the panel onwards to find the bad connection or failed electrical device.
Can you tell me the brand of electric panel and can you tell me if your home has aluminum wiring?
On 2021-08-30 by Jeff laughter
I have lost power to my overhead lights in my kitchen and livingroom and power to my livingroom outlets and I turned the breaker around and the other side pops can you help me
On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - single wide mobile home lost power to my bathroom and my back bedroom
@Michae,
Check first for a tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electrical receptacle ("wall outlet" or "wall plug") in the bathroom, and in other bathrooms and in the kitchen or on an outside wall. Find and press the "reset" button if you have one of those.
Also check for a GFCI breaker that needs to be reset in the electrical panel.
Check next for a breaker in the electrical panel that has tripped OFF; turn it fully to OFF, then back to ON.
If those steps don't find the trouble there's probably a loose or broken electrical connection in the circuit: your electrician will start at the panel and trace the wires to find the defect.
On 2021-08-25 by Michae
I have a older model single wide mobile home lost power to my bathroom and my back bedroom I cannot figure out where the problem is
On 2021-08-20 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - ost power to my bedroom and my daughter bedroom.
@Samantha,
For safety, I think you want a licensed electrician to trace the circuit to find the failed connector.
On 2021-08-20 by Samantha
Somehow I lost power to my bedroom and my daughter bedroom. My bf replaced the breaker switch because he thought that was what was wrong, but it still isn’t working
On 2021-08-08 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - we have No electricity
@Julius,
Do you have power now?
If not: do your neighbors have power? If so, then it's a local problem at your home / service entry / electrical panel
Is the main circuit breaker in your panel ON?
Did you try flipping it OFF then back to ON?
On 2021-08-08 by Julius
No electricity
On 2021-06-26 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - TV Popped, lights and electric stove went off
@debbie m cuddington,
That sounds like a short circuit or circuit breaker itself. You should definitely leave that circuit off and let it be repaired by an electrician.
Why was perfectly normal to try resetting a circuit breaker if you do that by switching the breaker fully to off and then back to on position if the breaker will not stay on then you should leave it off for safety.
Trying to turn it back on after that could be a fire hazard.
On 2021-06-25 23: by debbie m cuddington
This afternoon I heard a pop and then my tv, light and my stove electric went out checked the fuse box and one of the breakers was half way off so i turned it back on but still no power. what could it be
@KK,
And electrician can sort this out for you, it's not something that we can accurately diagnose and correct by Simple Text Exchange.
I can but speculate that when you disconnected one of the electrical receptacles behind your stove you didn't realize that power was continuing through that receptacle to your laundry room. If that's the case it may be a simple matter of making some splices in the electrical box.
On 2021-06-16 by KK
We had to disconnect one of the plug ins behind my stove and now the power to the laundry room is out . Help ?
On 2021-06-09 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - half of trailer home has no electricity
@Toni pavela,
Check in your main electrical panel first; I might try flipping off ALL of the circuit breakers, even the main, then switch them back on, one-by-one, starting with the main switch.
If a breaker trips, leave that circuit off as it is unsafe.
If that doesn't get power back on you will need help from an electrician who will look first at conditions in the panel (burns, damage, leaks, etc.) and then perhaps for a junction box or connector that has a loose connection.
When half of all circuits are OFF in a small home (not a doublewide or multi-section modular) I suspect a problem at the panel, at service into the panel, or at the main breaker.
Keep me posted.
On 2021-06-09 by Toni pavela
half of trailer home has no electricity from outlets.
On 2021-04-10 - by (mod) - some plugs and lights quit working when using vacuum cleaner
@Lance T Timms,On 2021-04-10 by Lance T Timms
plugs and lights different rooms quit working wife plugeg in vaccum upon turnning it on power lights different areas went out not gfi or ciecut breaker
On 2021-04-09 - by (mod) - Suddenly lost power to 1 bedroom and bathroom breakers are good
@Rd, the first thing I look for is another GFCI device that's Upstream of the areas where you have no power.On 2021-04-09 by Rd
Suddenly lost power to 1 bedroom and bathroom breakers are good even replaced it just to make sure GFI are also ok replaced it as well. Have power from the panel but not to any receptacles or switches in 1 bathroom and 1 bedroom...HELP!
On 2021-03-12 - by (mod) - breaker trips when loosening ground wire
@Douglas, I'm not sure but clearly there is a wiring error somewhere, a hot to neutral or hot to ground short.On 2021-03-12 by Douglas
79 double wide had an outlet with one of those 6 way surges that plunged into the outlet 2 in to 6 thought that protester went bad quit would not reset so I assumed plug just went out so like an dumba** I commence to get in to it HOT like I have changed many other light switches, outlets ,n ceiling fans I changed hot on problem
well I learned this time NEVER HOT lol well so as soon as I loosened the GROUND wire breaker blew and STILL off outlet's were older so I replaced all in that circuit and light switch on that breaker when I took light switch out the switch fell apart LITERALLY thought that's it any thoughts why ground loose and everything (that breaker) OUT
On 2021-02-18 by Rick Godwin - I have no voltage coming to the electric receptical
I have a 1995 14 x 70 cavalier 2 br 2 bath Mobley home. I have no voltage coming to the electric receptical above the sink in the guest bath. Can anyone tell me how the power to this plug is fed from. Thanks
On 2021-02-06 - by (mod) - what might cause the bathroom lights to go off in our doublewide home?
Bernie:
A short, or even a water splash might trip GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breaker(s) in the electrical panel, or in some cases might require pushing a re-set button right on the receptacle itself.
YOu'll see pictures of both types of devices at GFCI TEST PROCEDURES
So if the circuit breaker in the panel has tripped, switch it fully to OFF, then wait a minute, then switch it back to ON.
If that solves the trouble you're ok unless the breaker trips off again.
If the breaker trips off again, leave it OFF in the electrical panel as a dangerous condition exists that could cause fire, shock, or even kill someone.
Also take a look at the two receptacles ("plugs" or "outlets") in your bathrooms: if there is a GFCI receptacle with red and black test and reset buttons you may need to press the reset button.
Again if the device trips off again or won't turn on, leave the circuit OFF in the electrical panel and get further help from a licensed electrician.
On 2021-02-05 by Bernie
Our double wide lights in both bathrooms have quit working. The plugs are to. What could cause this? Just both bathrooms..... The breaker is kicked off.
On 2021-02-19 - by (mod) - no voltage coming to the electric receptical above the sink - get the wiring diagram for your mobile home
Rick
You might get a wiring diagram from the manufacturer of your specific home; I can't give a reliable answer;
But first check for another GFCI receptacle that feeds the bath, such as another bath - since you may simply need to reset a tripped GFCI
On 2021-02-18 by Rick Godwin
I have a 1995 14 x 70 cavalier 2 br 2 bath Mobley home. I have no voltage coming to the electric receptical above the sink in the guest bath. Can anyone tell me how the power to this plug is fed from. Thanks
On 2021-01-23 - by (mod) - NO power to our mobile home in Florida
Melissa:
before calling an electrician, look outside the home at the electric service entry to see if there is a main switch that is in the OFF position
On 2021-01-23 by Melissa
We just bought a mobile home for the first time as a second home in Florida.
I switched the Duke energy bill into my name as of yesterday. Duke says there is power to the mobile home but we have no power. My husband flipped the breakers inside the mobile home what else can we try? Duke says to call an electrician.
On 2021-01-14 - by (mod) - only 1 outlet works and breakers keep tripping
Dee
The fact that the circuit breaker(s) keep tripping tells us that there is a potentially dangerous electrical defect - perhaps a short circuit due to a bad electrical connection at a receptacle, switch, or light. In that case, unfortunately I have to say you should leave the circuits that are acting up turned OFF to reduce the risk of a fire or shock.
Your electrician will trace the circuits to find the point of failure to be repaired.
Do keep me posted.
On 2021-01-14 by Dee21
My breakers keep flipping as well
My 1980's mobile home single wide has lost power to the front bedroom living g room and kitchen . Only one outlet in kitchen is working properly . When we plug in to any other kitchen out let's tshirts out whatever appliance is plugged in and breaks it.
The hallway middle bedroom and bathroom have lights . Only the middle bedroom has all the outlets and lights working properly . The back bedroom has very little power in one outlet the rest are dead and the light works
. What do I do
On 2021-01-13 - by (mod) - no lights in the laundry room
Kim
In good electrical practice the ceiling lights will be on a different electrical circuit from the receptacles;
Or even if they were all wired together, an open connection anywhere in the lighting circuit - at a switch, splice, junction box etc - can leave a light off;
Check the electrical panel; if there are no blown fuses or tripped breakers then your electrician will trace the lighting circuit to find the burned or open or damaged connection. Meanwhile it's safest to leave that circuit OFF in the panel.
On 2021-01-13 by Kim
Lights in the laundry room won’t work but the outlets will
On 2020-12-03 - by (mod) - master bath lost power even after we re-set the breaker
Arlelette
Sorry to say to be safe you should LEAVE OFF the circuit breakers on those mis-behaving circuits.
It sounds as if a wire connection has burned-up or come loose- risking fire or shock; so you'll want an electrician to find and fix the trouble.
Keep me posted.
On 2020-12-03 by Arelette
we reset the breaker box but the master bathroom did not come back on as well as the hallway and the water heater. Could you tell me whats going on in this mobile home?
On 2020-10-30 - by (mod) - Power in half my mobile home turns on and off.
Sherri
That's potentially dangerous as we don't know where the loose wire or failing fuse or breaker is, exactly; you need an on-site licensed electrician to determine if the problem is at the incoming wires from the electric company, at the meter connections, at the connections of meter to panel, or in the electrical panel itself.
Can you tell me the brand of electrical panel?
On 2020-10-30 by Sherri
Power in half my mobile home turns on and off.
On 2020-10-24 - by (mod) - ain't got no power in back bed room and bathroom
Kevin
Start at the electrical panel: if no breakers have tripped or fuses blown, then that back bedroom circuit is dangerous, as it means that there's probably a burnt or open wire somewhere in the circuit.
In that case you'll need an electrician to trace and follow the circuit, box by box, connection by connection, starting from the panel, to find and fix the trouble.
On 2020-10-23 by Kevin
I ain't got no power in back bed room and bathroom
On 2020-08-29 0 by Betty - no power to 1979 Zimmerman mobile home
1979 Zimmerman mobile home has no power. There is power coming to the meter, power coming from the meter to the line and then it disappears. A new line was run five r years ago. What are we missing? Thank you
On 2020-08-25 1 by Melissa Rigney - no electricity on the front side from the kitchen down to lower end of trailer.
I have a 1988 oakwood single wide mobile home. I have no electricity on the front side from the kitchen down to lower end of trailer. All the outlets have been replaced and still no power. Can someone please tell me what the problem could be
On 2020-08-27 by Betty - We have power going into and coming out of the meter, yet no power to the mobile home
We have had three electricians out and nobody has been able to figure this out. We have power going into and coming out of the meter, yet no power to the mobile home. What might we be overlooking
On 2020-07-03 - by (mod) - no power but all breakers are on
Terry
Watch out: sorry to say that what you describe may be extremely dangerous, as we don't know where the fault lies; the risk is someone being shocked or killed.
If the circuit breaker(s) were turned OFF and then back ON but there is no electrical power then leave the breakers OFF and call either your friend's electric utility company or a licensed electrician to inspect the power system.
My concern is a broken wire ahead of the main breaker - IF that's the case we don't know where that fault lies nor whether or not someone could touch (and be electrocuted) a live wire end somewhere nearby.
On 2020-07-03 by Terry
A friend of mine has lost power all the breaker are on . I checked the outside main box a mobile home
It's on but. Still nothing. How can you check it out ?
Thanks
On 2020-06-20 - by (mod) - no electricity in ends of the trailer
A circuit overloaded or danaged and shorted, maybe combined with an individual circuit breaker that is ubsafe and defective and fziled to trip, so the main breaker tripped.
Thar is an unsafe conditon, risking fire or shock. Turn off quetionable circuits and get help from an electrician
On 2020-06-20 1 by Kayla
Last night our breaker switched, turning off the power and when we switched it back over only the middle section of the trailer electricity worked and not the ends, no matter how many times we switch all the breakers off and on, what would caise this and how to fix it?
On 2020-06-09 by Carol yauger selected circuits in the mobile home not working
We are having problems with selected circuits in the mobile home not working. Checking out one kitchen switch group shows it not getting current. Could this be the switch or the wire going to it. Where can we get wiring diagram for 1970 Windsor 14 by 70 mobile home.
Jo
When the main breaker trips in my opinion it's a very serious safety concern as there was a major over-current at the electrical panel. That can occur if there is an electrical short right inside the panel.
Such a short circuit can be between the main breaker and the two panel bus bars that it uses to connect to individual breakers, or the fault could of course be elsewhere.
Or if your main breaker is physically separate from the panel the hazard could be along the service wiring between the main breaker and the panel it serves, or inside the served panel where the rest of your circuit breakers reside.
When the main breaker can not be switched back on there are a couple of common causes:
1. the breaker may need more time to cool down - heat is a factor determining when the breaker trips; a breaker will trip faster at higher over-currents (and higher heat) or it may take longer to trip if the amount of over-current is smaller (and heat takes longer to build-up in the breaker).
2. there may be a dead short circuit anywhere at the main breaker or downstream from it.
3. the breaker itself could be defective
Unfortunately the underlying problem is not often visible to the naked eye.
Watch out: you SHOULD NOT remove the panel covers on the main nor any electrical panel such that you're exposing the interior wiring.
First: doing so an, in some cases (for some panel brands) cause an electrical arc explosion that is very dangerous, even potentially fatal
Second; there is a risk that you slip when holding the panel front or that you accidentally touch a live connection inside - getting shocked or killed.
I recommend hiring an electrician (as you note you need). Electricians know that they're dealing with fire and life-safety matters and are almost always careful and professional (if it's a trained, licensed electrician).
It's perfectly reasonable to ask the electrician to tell you what she saw or found that explains both the problem that has caused the breaker to trip off and also to explain why certain parts or components need repair or replacement.
Do let me know what you're told and we may be able to comment further.
Also tell me the brand of the main and any sub panels in the home.
On 2020-03-23 by Jo
I know I need an electrician, but need basic background info I cant find online: 1978 mobile home: outside main breaker (in weather box next to meter) tripped & all power off.
Turned off all breakers @ inside breaker panel, reset outside main breaker, turned all inside breakers back on, and then ran 3' tall fridge in kit., & in bdrm ran on same line, floor fan, 19" new tv, ceiling light for 3 hours--then turned on 8000 btu window a/c unit plugged into same bdrm line as the fan, tv & ceiling light.
All ran for 45 more minutes and then outside main breaker tripped again. Repeated process, but this time outside main breaker would not return to on after turning all the way off & back on again. Looking for possible problems to educate myself so i can get correct & safe repair from electrician.
Reading tells me the outside main breaker could be bad, but not usually the cause, it does look clean, no apparent leaking into weather box, not shiny new plastic, but not cruddy looking & box clean inside.
Please give a list of items this could possibly be so I can be sure to get safe & economical help. And also there is no power in the mobile home anywhere, this outside main breaker trip cuts off everything & no smell of burning anywhere & all wires @ inside breaker box are clean & appear to be connected tightly.
Please, give me ANY help at all. Power has been out since last fall (2019) and now it's Spring in So. Fla.& getting hot in that mobile home with only one window that opens..
I know this is a sad story, but nothing to do but go forward & push through as best I can. THANK YOU!! Jo
Jeff
That sounds like a defective circuit breaker - OR - the breaker has actually tripped and you're re-setting it when you switch it off and then back on.
There could be an overcurrent on one circuit (or less likely, more than one) causing this underlying problem, but none of that's a reason to re-wire the whole home.
What is the electrical panel brand?
On 2020-03-04 by Anonymous
the main breaker is on, but not working until I flip it. The electric comes right back on.
My mobile home was built on 1973, and the wiring is old. I've had new outlets put in almost everywhere. One electrician flatly told me the best thing to do would to be rewire it, but who has $8000 lying around?
It's not aluminum wiring.
On 2020-03-03 by mod - Every couple of months, my power just quits working
Jeff
When you flip that main breaker, has it tripped off?
What are the country city and age of your home?
Is there aluminum wiring bringing in power to the home (ask your electrician, do not take off the panel cover yourself)?
What is the brand of your electrical panel. (post a photo)
On 2020-03-03 by Jeff
Every couple of months, my power just quits working and I have to go outside to the main breaker and flip it to turn the power back on. Well, it happened two times in a week recently.
How do I know if it's the main breaker that needs fixing or if it's faulty wiring inside the mobile home? I don't have the money for a re-wire.
On 2020-03-04 by Anonymous - lost ALL electricity to my doublewide
If ALL electrical power is off then the problem is usually at the main panel, perhaps at the main breaker, or at incoming power ahead of that such as at the meter.
Watch out: depending on the cause, such a loss of power could be dangerous. You want an electrician to take a look. Let me know what you're told.
On 2020-03-03 by Jake
I live in a double wide and my room lost all electricity any suggestions besides the breaker box
On 2020-01-18 - by (mod) - Outside outlets not working
Allen
First thing to check: Since there is a GFCI electrical receptacle in the bath see if it has tripped - look for and press the RESET button if there is one.
Sometimes people wire other devices like lights or receptacles "downstream" from a kitchen or bath GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle and if it's off so will be all things downstream from it.
On 2020-01-18 by Anonymous
follow up. the 2 outside outlets out back are also inop. believe they run off of the gfi in the small bath.
On 2020-01-18 by allen
have a 11111984 Artcraft doublewide mobile home with a 100amp service. no wiring ckt diagram. lost lite in small bath, hall, small bedroom where panel is located, oerhead light in main room(living) and a couple of outlets in main room(living room).believe there must be a common jb on the side with the power panel. the small bath is dead except for the GFI outlet.
On 2020-01-01 - by (mod) - wall outlets keep dying
Angie,
Unfortunately it's really not reasonable to guess exactly what's wrong with your wiring based on a brief text. I'm concerned that there could be a fire hazard.
If you're having trouble paying for an electrician discuss that with some electricians and ask if they can cut you a break or if there's legal or financial aid available. It sounds as if you may have aluminum wiring which is a fire hazard or corroded or poor condition electrical connections or devices equally potentially unsafe. In the meantime if you can turn off the misbehaving circuit that would be a safer condition
On 2020-01-01 by Angie
can someone please please maybe tell us what's going on it's seems like our wall outlets are dieing one at a time, now the out plug that our refrig, toaster oven, it just stopped!. this has happened to several in the first month. we can't afford to hire a electrician
On 2019-06-12 by RCA - tracking down cause of dead circuits in a a mobile home
That [Aluminum wiring] would be my first guess too, but this house is a manufactured one; is 17 years old; the electrical hardware is lower grade quality; and I found 3 other switches with similar issues.
Two are stuck into the on position (inside the switch housing), you can physically move the switch up or down (on or off) but the hot is always hot on the switched side. The third one is cracked and coming apart in pieces (not as bad as the one I just replaced and caused me to loose electricity to a whole room.....
.mainly because the folks who wired this house used the back push-in connectors, which (I'm guessing if pushed into to much seemed to stress the plastic housing and resulting in cracking it apart in one, two or more pieces). I moved as many outlets and switches to the side screw in terminals to prevent further issues with the existing hardware.
No, all the wiring is copper, thankfully. I was in a house with aluminum wiring and found the fuse/circuit breaker box lighting up at night....loose wire to breaker....
which when explored further had to replace the whole kit and kaboodle including some of the wiring....scary stuff Al wiring...melts a lot easier than copper [Al = 1,221°F (660.3°C) versus Cu = 1,984°F (1,085°C)] just over 700 degrees F difference (in coppers favor).
On 2019-06-11 7 by (mod) - RCA traces loss of electrical power through the circuit to a bad switch
RC
Thank you for the update that will certainly help other readers. Take care. The fact that you found a switch that was as you put it disintegrated suggests to me that there was an overheating problem that could be a fire risk in the home.
Is there aluminum electrical wiring?
On 2019-06-10 by RCA
Electrical mystery solved. I used a circuit tracer and worked backwards from the hall bath to 11 junction boxes, 3 switch boxes and 8 outlets. It was the last single pole switch that was the problem. The plastic housing had disintegrated on the side where the terminals where located.
The feed to the rest of the circuit was out because the feed was back-wired via push-in where the light was being switched and the rest of the circuits being fed via the side terminal.
Because the housing was cracked, the back-wired feed wasn't connecting properly with the side terminal causing the issue. Replaced the bad switch and power restored.
On 2019-06-05 by RCA - remote GFCI receptacle was tripped
Update: The non-GFCI outlet in the hall-room bathroom was tied to the master bath on the other side of the house.
Both of these outlets are on one circuit breaker and tied to each-other...so if the hallway outlet bathroom has an electrical issue, the master bath GFCI outlet will trip itself, disabling both outlets.
I think they spent more money on wiring then just adding a new GFCI outlet to the hallway bath.
The way the hallway bath outlet circuit tripped earlier today was almost identical to the initial incident where the light/fan switch hot lead brushed against a ground wire and tripped itself off (dead circuit) taking out the family room electrical lights/fan/outlets/outside light/etc. too.
On 2019-06-05 by RCA - how to track down the problem when manufactured home circuits are dead
Thank you for your suggestions. I had a tracing tool, but that has been packed and stored and currently very hard/almost impossible to get to. Next clue (today): I tried jumping a live outlet that was 8 inches from the light switch. I put the live hot wire onto the live switch feed (which is not live) to see if the light would turn on. I plugged in the jumper and nothing happened.
I turned the light switch on and the lights came on for a second and little "puff" and they went out. I checked the circuit breaker which turned this outlet on and off before and it was not tripped
. I reset the circuit breaker for the outlet which I used to jump the switch and it is now not working. I put the feed wire from the breaker box to a new breaker that is known to work and the outlet is still not live, so that eliminates the breaker. Something else opened up from the outlet to the breaker feed and I cannot identify what.
The breaker box is inside the back-side kitchen wall. There are 7 outlets along the back kitchen wall, 1 is a GFCI which controls the stove/oven outlet (propane stove).
All of these outlets are working. The hall bath is attached to the other end of the kitchen wall and this bathroom has 1 outlet and 1 set of switches (light and vent fan). It was this light switch feed which when it brushed against ground made a soft little
"puff" noise (like a few amps, no more than 2 or 3 as opposed to over 15 to 20A) and became dead.
The outlet is now dead too. Resetting the known breaker to this (single bath non GFCI) outlet made no difference to it coming back on (live) again. The family room against the other wall of the hall bath lost its power (3 days ago) when the bathroom switch feed died. No breakers tripped....again as if a fuse/GFCI tripped which there are none that I could find.
I did find the vent fan switch (which was disconnected from the fan) was always on....the switch is broken in the on position. I think the same is true of the garbage disposal switch (broken on) in the kitchen which is also disconnected (disposal unplugged)....may an indication of the poor quality of the outlets and switches used in this house. The wire is 14 or 12 gauge copper, depending on the circuit amp size.
The manufactured house was built in 2002. I currently have limited tools to test. I did open all the outlets and switches in the family room/hall bath and some kitchen outlets to see where the feeds/serial connections might be to see if one of the hots was disconnected or not secure....all seemed secure. A few of the outlets/switches used the back connection (push wire into slot) instead of the side screw connection.
I switch those I could. Still have not identified the culprit....very annoying. I even re-seated the breakers I suspected to be involved and no change.
On 2019-06-04 by (mod) - dead mobile home electrical circuits, breaker not tripped
I understand. My advice and my previous note is the best I can imagine which is that you need to physically trace the circuit box by box connection by connection. There are circuit tracing tools that can help you do that from either end if that is starting at the panel or starting at the receptacle or last receptacle or switch in the chain.
On 2019-06-03 by RCA
That is the problem. There is NO tripped breaker. There is no inline fuse or GFCI that could be tripped to an open. There is just no power to this circuit as if there was a blown fuse or tripped GFCI or breaker. I cannot identify the breaker attached to this circuit because the breaker did not trip.
This did happen before and I don't remember what we did to get it back.....my wife said we kept resetting the breakers, but I've also done that and tested each breaker to be live in circuit.
On 2019-06-03 by (mod) -
If you trace the circuit in detail from the electric panel through every junction box receptacle or light switch I would expect you to find either a GFCI somewhere that has been missed or a burned, overheated, corroded electrical connector or even wire itself. Bottom line we need to trace the entire circuit.
On 2019-06-02 by RCA
Was fixing a switch in the hallway bathroom for the ceiling vent fan. The switch was broken in the on mode, so I was replacing it with a new one. The hot wire touched a ground wire, small spark ensued and then the whole circuit went out (bathroom switches (light/fan) and family room switches and two outlets. No breakers were tripped.
In fact I reset all the breakers and tested all the breakers, all having a live hot coming out the breaker in the on position. There is a separate circuit for the bathroom outlet, but the bathroom light and fan switches are tied to the same circuit as the family room's ceiling light/fan and switch outlet as well as the two outlets in the entertainment section (built-in) at the back of the family room but are not tied to ANY circuit breaker in the breaker box.
There is only 1 GFIC outlet in the whole house which powers the propane stove. If there was a tripped GFCI in line with this circuit, then all this would make sense, but there is not. This happened about 4 years ago and magically came back on after a few days. Any help would be appreciated.
On 2019-05-15 by (mod) - doing our own wiring we have now lost power
Ll
You will need to follow the circuit wires to find the open connection.
Watch out: if you are not familiar with safe electrical testing for could be shocked or killed.
On 2019-05-14 by LLatham
We are replacing wall plugs in front bedroom. I replaced and tested and no electricity. Turn light switch on and no light or ceiling fan.
Checked the rest of the outlets no electricity in that one room. Meter tested OK at breaker box. What do I need to check to find the problem? I have pulled outside panel off checking to see if all wiring is OK and tested to be hot. Any help appreciated.
Any suggestions as to what I need to do
On 2019-04-14 by (mod) - one electrical line from panel seems to not have full power?
Daniel I agree that something is wrong but I'm not sure what;
An electrician would
- check the power coming into the building - both of the 120VAC legs
- check for damage in the panel
- trace the wires from panel to device - to be sure all connections are sound and wiring is intact
- put an ammeter on the circuit when it's on and check the current draw
AMPS MEASUREMENT METHODS https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Amps_Measurement.php
Watch out: if you're not trained in safe and proper electrical work you or someone else could be killed or the place could burn down.
Also see DMMs VOMs SAFE USE OF https://inspectapedia.com/electric/DMM_VOM_Safety.php
On 2019-04-14 by Daniel
Question? I have a old 1972 mobil home. Problem is one electrical line from panel seems to not have full power? I tested at oven receptical and it does have 120 v on each leg for the oven but not a thing is heating up?
Microwave same thing it runs but not at full potential. Both oven and microwave are new. Also the hot water heater not heating the water? All this happened at the same time? Thoughts or answers?
On 2019-03-11 by (mod) - When I flipped the breaker the light did not come
SC
Usually the problem that you described is caused by an open electrical wire splice. If they open splice is in the box where you were working and if the other lights are electrically Downstream from that would explain why you've lost those lights.
Keep in mind that if you're not familiar with proper and safe electrical wiring practices you could be shocked or killed or set the building or home on fire.
On 2019-03-10 by SC
Own a 1985 Commodore..couple days ago went tp change the pull swoitch light in my utility room. No problems as I have done this before. Flipped the breaker took down the old fixture, unhooked wires, hooked wires to new fixture and put the new fixure up.
When I flipped the breaker the light did not come on and now I have only one light on that breaker working. The light that is working and on that breaker is just a couple feet from the breaker box and not the one I replaced. All other lights that run on this line are non responsive. Have done a check and there is no power going to the others,... the wires are dead. How could this happen?
On 2019-03-06 by (mod) - replaced breakers now lights don't work
BC
Usually there is an open wire connection either at a junction box or electrical receptacle or on occasion there are wiring plugs separated in the harness that was used during assembly of the mobile home.
When there are multiple dead circuits I suspect a problem in the panel.
Tell me the electrical panel brand and age of the home as there are some brands that are known troublemakers.
Watch out: don't remove the panel cover or fool around inside if you're not an electrician as you could be shocked or killed.
Once your electrician is confident that the problem is not in the electrical panel itself, she'll trace the "dead" circuits one by one to find the open wire.
On 2019-03-06 by Bcooper
Can someone tell me what wrong?
I moved into a single wide 3 bdrm that was empty for 9 yrs , some lights and recepticles wasn't working.
After replacing the breakers, only few lights and recepticles are working.
On 2019-02-07 by (mod) - electrician needed to follow the circuit wires to find the break
Rick
Ultimately the electrician will probably start at the panel, identify the circuit, perhaps try a replacement circuit breaker (what is the brand of your electrical panel?)
and then follow the circuit wire through every junction box and receptacle or light box to find where the open wire or connection is located.
On some double-wides there might also be a circuit plug-connector under the unit (or in an attic if there is an accessible attic (rare) for the circuits that cross the two halves of the doublewide.
On 2019-02-07 by rickgosewehr
this is a reply to you have an open neutral I can't find anything else on the circuit
On 2019-02-05 by (mod) - signs of lost neutral wire connection
Sounds as if you have lost the neutral wire - a connection is open somewhere on the circuit?
Watch out: if you're not familiar with electrical work a mistake can burn down the house or shock or kill someone. Take care.
On 2019-02-05 by RICK GOSEWEHR
I have a 1988 southern energy double wide my kitchen gfci and 3 other outlets above my cabinets do not work
I have 120 volts on the
In line to the gfi the neutral does not work, hot to ground test I had all outlets working
On 2019-02-04 by (mod) - Why does 2 bedroom have no power
Gary
Typically the causes of lost power in part of a mobile home are one of these:
1. a tripped circuit breaker - check the electrical panel; tell me the age of the home and the brand of panel.
2. a tripped GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - that can be reset by finding the reset button a the GFCI Receptacle (wall plug) or sometimes on a GFCI breaker in the electrical panel
3. a loose or broken electrical wire connection somewhere in the circuit(s) involved -you'll need an electrician to trace the circuit and as needed open junction boxes, light fixture boxes, or receptacles to find the failed connector.
Because often electrical receptacles were wired in series, even something as simple as a broken electrical receptacle ("wall plug") can drop power to everything downstream from that point on the circuit
4. An loose or disconnected connector plug in an electrical circuit that joined halves or areas of a modular or some manufactured homes
5. Of course, some other problem I haven't considered.
Keep me posted on what you find as that will help others.
On 2019-02-03 by Gary
Why does 2 bedroom have no power
On 2019-01-22 by (mod) - half the trailer lost power after someone fooled with breakers
Ethel
If half the trailer lost power after someone fooled with breakers in the panel there are several possible snafus.
Let's start by getting a trained electrician to put back the circuit breakers where they belong, inspect the panel for damage, confirm that you're still getting power on both of the 120VAC service wires entering the panel, and leaving the washer circuit off entirely for now.
I appreciate that it costs to bring in an electrician, but I'm worried that a mistake in wiring can burn up your trailer or shock or kill someone.
On 2019-01-21 1 by Ethel
My niece broke the washing machine due to overloading it. Her inexperienced husband tried fixing it by switching switches in the electrical box.
Now, half the trailer has no power “at all”, including the heater (burrr...).
I’m currently receiving food stamps and need assistance. These winter days keep the mobile home Icey cold!!!
Help!
On 2019-01-16 by Sue - suddenly I lost power to the vacuum cleaner.
I was vacuuming in my living room when suddenly I lost power to the vacuum cleaner.
This outlet and all the other switches on "zone 5" according to the electrical schematic are not working
. I had an electrician test everything and there appears to be an issue within this zone 5 loop.
Is there a way to find and repair this issue without tearing and ripping out walls and/or ceilings? Any help is greatly appreciated! Yes, we did check our GFI's :(
On 2019-01-06 by (mod) - replaced breaker, can't re-set
Anon:
Watch out: if you are not trained and familiar with proper electrical wiring you could set the home on fire or get shocked or killed. If that's the case, get some help from an electrician.
About your breaker replacement, I'm not sure what you mean by 2 15A "tandem" breakers usually means that there are two circuits power from a single 120VAC circuit breaker slot.
There is no reason that we would wire receptacles and lights (normally a 15A or at most 20A circuit)in a trailer with a 30A breaker - over-fusing like that risks setting the place on fire.
It's possible there was a shared neutral wire on the original 30A circuit and that when you re-wired with separate breakers you've denied the neutral path to some of the trailer's circuits.
On 2019-01-06 by (mod) -
Belinda:
Check for a GFCI electrical receptacle that is "upstream from" and powering the bath light and receptacle - it could be, for example, outdoors, in another bath, or even in a kitchen (not recommended).
On 2019-01-04 by Anonymous
Replaced 30 amp withe 2 -15 tandem and one 15 is tripped and can't be reset half trailer has no power
On 2019-01-04 by (mod) - Why do I keep losing power in part of my double wide home
Jeff,
The answer to your question depends on what's causing the power loss.
What I mean is if you are plugging too many things in on a circuit and a breaker is tripping or a fuse is blowing it's because you've overloaded a circuit.
In paragraph on the other hand if a breaker or fuse is not tripping or blowing and you are losing power then you need an electrician to find and repair the loose or damaged electrical connector somewhere in the circuit.
On 2019-01-03 by Jeff lovely
Why do I keep losing power in part of my double wide home
On 2019-01-03 by Belinda
My 1983 mobile home the bathroom light went out. I changed the switch, receptacle & the light. Shows power, but still no light. What else can I check? Breaker works several different rooms, works okay when shut off. Please where do I go from here?
On 2018-12-31 by (mod) - Power Loss in master bedroom and master bathroom. What would cause it.
Typically an electrician would follow the circuit checking every electrical box or device for a loose or damaged connection. That includes the receptacles, splices, and switch connections.
On 2018-12-31 by Rebecka Vanover
Power Loss in master bedroom and master bathroom. What would cause it. The breaker by ox is recieving power but no power is going to the bedroom or bathroom. What could be the problem.
On 2018-12-30 by Bill Dudley - ost power to 2 different overhead lights and 2 outlets
We have a 1979 double wide and lost power to 2 different overhead lights and 2 outlets. The outlets and switches are located on a double open sliced wall. On one side there is a plug in for the wood stove and at the other end is the switch for the light in dining room.
On the other side at the same end with the light switch for the dining room is the plug in for the refrigerator and at the other end about 4feet off the ground is a plug in and light switch together.
Everything quite working except for the plug in for the refrigerator, so I replaced all of the switches and plug ins including the one for refrigerator and got power back to the receptacles but not the switches... Any ideas where to go to next??
On 2018-12-29 by (mod) -
I would look first for a ground fault circuit interrupter that is stripped somewhere on that circuit.
If there isn't such a device then your electrician will need to trace the circuit forward from the electric panel to look for an open connection for cut wire or open plug connector under the home.
On 2018-12-17 by (mod) - why are the washer and electric range circuits off
First check the circuit breaker or fuse for each of those circuits.
Then assuming the breaker has been reset to ON or a blown fuse replaced - then if you still have no power,
Have your electrician see if the wiring is aluminum - while that material is still permitted for high-amp circuits like a stove and dryer, the connections are prone to corrosion and overheating.
On 2018-12-17 by Cherief223@msn.com
All my power seems to work except the stove and dryer. Which are both the 220 lines, any suggestions?
On 2018-10-26 by (mod) - Is it possible to have the hot or neutral come loose in a box that would kill the power to the rest of the circuit?
Dave
Keep in mind that if you're not trained, familiar and comfortable with safe and proper electrical work a mistake could burn down the house or shock or kill you. So if you don't see something that's quite obvious and easy to address I hope that you will get help from an electrician.
Don't touch anything on the electrical circuit before being certain that the power has been turned off at the panel and that you have confirmed that there is no power by using a suitable test tool such as a neon tester or vom.
I would start by looking inside the fixture and the junction box of the fixture where you saw the flash because that's the most likely location for a broken connector or other problem. You might see signs of burning or an arc flash or a loose or failed connector. If that's true the repair may be very local.
If a previous owner buried junction boxes that used to be accessible in an attic that was both unsafe and a violation of electrical code and indeed it will make future repairs more difficult.
On 2018-10-26 by Dave B.
I own a 1967 modular that the previous owner had the entire interior sheetrocked which was done well. There are no GFIs anywhere I can find and all of the wiring is 14/2awg copper. When I went to turn on the main bathroom light there was a flash that appeared like a bulb had burned out that left the bath light, hall light, and second bath light and receptacle without power.
The flash I saw may not have been any more intense than the lights starting to come on then quickly going out.
There were no breakers tripped then and that has never been a problem.
My major concern is where the romax is run. Someone didn't like the roof that came with this home so they framed a 4/12 pitch over the top of it and blew in 6 inches of insulation. I was up there 19 years ago and I don't recall seeing any access to the electrical wiring if there is a problem with one circuit.
I live in the country so there is a most excellent chance a building code inspector and maybe even a licensed electrician has seen the inside of this home once the mortgage was signed and the keys handed over so I may be on my own regarding repairs.
Is it possible to have the hot or neutral come loose in a box that would kill the power to the rest of the circuit? I've pulled the covers off the switch and the only receptacle in the main bath to replace it with a GFI. I'm going to take the overhead hall light fixture to see how unfortunate I have become. Thank you in advance.
On 2018-10-21 by (mod) - wall of outlets went out on 1986 Easton redmen double wide trailer.
Ron
Usually that means the one electrical circuit is "dead" - check for
- a tripped circuit breaker or main fuse in the electrical panel
- a tripped GFCI button on an electrical receptacle on the circuit
if it's neither of those things then you need an electrician to find and fix the broken or open or damaged electrical wire.
In that case leave the fuse or breaker for the circuit OFF to prevent fire or injury from electrical shock.
On 2018-10-21 by Ron
onewall of outlets went out on 1986 Easton redmen double wide trailer.
its a outer wall,what could be the problem?
On 2018-09-26 by (mod) - husband plugged something in outside and shorted out plug it knocked out powe
Sondra
If checking and re-setting the circuit breaker at the electrical panel and re-setting the GFCI do not work to bring electrical power back, then there is probably damage to the wiring or a shorted receptacle and the circuit is unsafe; that would be the time to call for help from a licensed electrician.
On 2018-09-12 by Sondra
My husband plugged something in outside and shorted out plug it knocked out power in parts of living room and bathroom changed outlet there is no gfc still not working
On 2018-03-12 by Shirley
Sections of our mobiles light don't work. How do I start checking the outlets.
On 2018-03-07 by (mod) - 1990 Kirkwood 17 x 80 Moibile home lost power to some rooms
Albert and Renee
Watch out: Because you could be killed working on electrical wiring it's best to ask a trained, licensed electrician for help.
Before calling the electrician:
First though, check the circuit breakers (or fuses) in your electrical panel to see if any are tripped or blown. If you re-set a circuit breaker or fuse and it trips or blows again, LEAVE THE CIRCUIT OFF as it is unsafe.
Also, depending on how a home is wired, any electrical components like receptacles or lights that are wired "downstream" from a GFCI-protected electrical receptacle ("wall plug") in a bath or kitchen will also be OFF if the GFCI at the wall receptacle has tripped off. So also check the GFCI to see if pressing its re-set button turns power back on.
On 2018-03-06 by Albert
1990 kirwood 17x80 lost power to master bd the closet and rest room. Please help
On 2018-03-05 by Renee DeLaRosa
Lost power to living room outlets,
On 2018-02-28 by Lynn - What would cause the front half of the mobile home electrical to go out
What would cause the front half of the mobile home electrical to go out
On 2018-01-18 by (mod) - When power is lost at the electrical panel
Jennifer
For safety, as there are fire and shock hazards involved, you need help from a licensed electrician.
When power is lost at the electrical panel (switching breakers to OFF and then back to ON doesn't restore power) the problem needs diagnosis and repair by an electrician who will look at the main breaker and the panel connections for signs of overheating or damage. If the problem is outside the panel she will look at the electric meter connections and the service entry wiring.
On 2018-01-18 by Jennifer - power out in 2015 Skyline
We have a 2015 Skyline. The power is out in the master bedroom/bathroom and the utlity room light & back door outside light. We have switched the indoor breakers & the main one directly outside with no luck. What would my next step be?
On 2017-11-29 by (mod) -
Check the breaker or fuse. If that switch is OFF then you can try re-setting it.
If that switch is ON then most-likely there is an open or broken wire or connection in that circuit. Your electrician will trace the circuit from its start through the various junction boxes to find the open wire. Meanwhile leave that fuse or circuit breaker OFF.
On 2017-11-29 by Jon
I went home and had no lights in my kitchen and dining room, but all of the outlets work
On 2017-11-13 by (mod) - no power in master bedroom
Michelle,
Usually when this happens we find the problem by tracing the circuit from the fuse panel onwards through the home. We'll find somewhere in a junction box, electrical receptacle box, or light switch box that a wire splice has come loose.
It's best to use an electrician or someone who is trained to work on electrical wiring since as you may already realize you could be shocked or even killed touching live electrical components.
On 2017-11-13 by Michelle
I live in a 1993 16 by 80 mobile home all the electric is working expect for the master bedroom and bathroom .. I don’t understand plz help all the breakers in the fuse box has volts
On 2017-11-07 by (mod) - turn off the circuit that's misbehaving
Rick,
For safety I would turn off the circuit that's misbehaving since we need to be worried about a fire hazard. Then I would Trace that circuit from the panel.
You'll probably find a bad connection in one of the electrical boxes or junction boxes. There are number of tools and methods for tracing electric circuits that are discussed in this article series.
On 2017-11-06 by Rick - some receptacles and light stopped working in 1978 mobile home
My son's mobile home is a1978 , but the middle bedrooms receptacles and light stopped working along with the same wall to the living rooms receptacles and the bedroom on the end light, but the plugs work in the end bedroom, where should I start
On 2017-10-21 by (mod) - some lights in mobile home are not working
Vincent,
Watch out: Please don't take offense that I must first warn that you could be shocked or KILLED touching or even exposing live electrical wires in the panel or in switches and receptacles.
1. some electricians might try simply swapping the breaker for the circuit involved for another breaker that they know is delivering power to another circuit - as a test, though it's easy enough to detect power at the breaker's outlet connector.
2. more likely there is an open wire connection at a switch or receptacle near the start of the circuit; typical repair involves following the wiring, tracing the circuit, and investigating each electrical box and connection
On 2017-10-21 by Vincent
I live in a mobile home. Not sure of the age or manufacturer. The light over the kitchen sink, the dining room light and the outdoor electrical outlet is not working. All are in close proximity of each other. All breakers seem to be in good working order.
Went underneath the trailer to see if I could find any chewed wires from a critter or lose wiring but no luck. Was wondering if I should pull the breaker panel and inspect? Used a circut tester and am not getting power to the on/off switches, the dining room light fixture or the outdoor outlet or the kitchen light fixture.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as this has me totally confused. My email address is: vincentgonsoulin@gmail.com Thanks
On 2017-10-14 by (mod) -
The electrician will want to first make a visual inspection for obvious damage such as overheating at a receptacle or light fixture, then she'll trace the circuit, inspecting for an open wire connection, probably early in the circuit's path from the description you gave.
If your home is a type of manufactured housing that connects multiple sections of the building together during construction there will be wire harness plugs, typically in an attic or basement or crawl area that also need to be checked.
On 2017-10-14 by Jillayne yost
My master bedroom and bathroom all of a sudden last night have no power to the lights and outlets. Electrician says not in the breaker. Where do we go from here
On 2017-10-10 by (mod) - 992 single wide that has lost power in master bed room and bath
Chuck
Watch out: fooling with electrical wiring without training means you could start a fire or could be killed.
With that warning given, normally there will be one pair of wires (black and white) bringing power to the electrical box and one or more pairs of wires (black hot white neutral) carrying power onwards to other lighting or electrical receptacles.
With 4 pairs of wires there is probably one hot wire pair "in" and 3 wire pairs out. The electrician would use a voltage tester or neon tester to find which are the hot pair and wire accordingly (working of course with power off to avoid being shocked)
If those wires are connected normally (black to black, white to white) (and assuming as there should be just one "hot" wire coming into the box) then if there is still no power downstream from that point I suspect an open wire connection at a "downstream" electrical box or fixture.
On 2017-10-10 by Chuck
I have a 1992 single wide that has lost power in master bed room and bath. The person living there before us took a celling fan down and after that lost power. There are 4 sets of black and white wires and 1 Cooper ground and I can not figure it out .
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated thank you
On 2017-08-01 by (mod) - main circuit breaker in my 1971 mobile home keeps kicking off!
Lisa
Watch out: The situation you describe is, as doubtless you realize, unsafe. I can't guess what is the cause, as there are a number of possibilities:
- damaged shorted electrical wires
- a defective main circuit breaker
- a defective circuit breaker on one of the individual circuits that should be tripping off but isn't, transferring its overcurrent to the main and causing that to trip.
Take a look at the panel cover from outside it - just look, and tell me if you see a brand name like Federal Pacific or FPE, or Zinsco or Bulldog Pushmatic - as those brands can give particular trouble.
Then give a call to a local electrician to ask for help. Keep me posted about what you're told.
You can also contact me by email using the page top or bottom CONTACT link.
Daniel
On 2017-07-31 by LisaBerry
Please help me, the main circuit breaker in my 1971 mobile home keeps kicking off!
It was replaced about 2 years ago and I'm clueless & need help since my husband of 30 years passed away and took care of everything! Nothing new has been added to use more power, it just began doing this out of the blue.
On 2017-07-22 by (mod) - AC and lights stopped working in the bathroom an
Rodney,
Circuit breakers can be tricky. They may have switched off but not look off. So in case you didn't know this the right thing to do is to switch each breaker all the way to the off position and then switch it back on.
Also tell me the brand of your electrical panel if you can see it such as markings on the cover or label inside, as there are some problem brands that may act peculiarly.
It would be very unlikely for the air conditioner to be on the same circuit as a bathroom electrical receptacle but that's worth checking just in case since a bathroom GFCI could require that its reset button be pushed
. Let me know how these steps work for you
On 2017-07-22 by Rodney
AC and lights stopped working in the bathroom and bed room I checked all breakers and none r on off need a little help and it's a mobile home double wide
Mike
I would not just flip breakers back on in the situation you describe. Instead I'd follow a more careful procedure described
at ELECTRICITY TURN ON AFTER BREAKER TRIP
That sounds like a major short circuit. I would leave power OFF and call for help from a licensed electrician.
Also take a look around the home to see if there are signs of sparking, arcing, burns at electrical receptacles, lights, switches, appliances etc.
I'm inclined to be very cautious because if there was a significant short circuit we don't want to turn on power and have a fire or injury.
Steps to turn electrical power back on after a main breaker trip
If you need power right away and the electrician won't be able to come promptly you could try this sequence.
Watch out: you could be shocked, killed, or could start a fire if the circuit breakers in your home do not trip off when they should. And do NOT open the electrical panel to expose its interior wiring unless you're a trained electrician: there are live, fatal shock hazards inside.
Next: Un-plug absolutely everything you can - lights, appliances, etc.
And: Switch off everything you can - heaters, pumps, water heater etc.
Then in the main electrical panel look to see what breakers are tripped off:
From your note I guess that probably the main breaker is OFF
Next: looking at your electrical panel, write down
- which breakers are all the way to ON
- which are visibly at OFF
- which are in the middle between OFF and ON - these are breakers that have tripped
Next: provided you don't see evidence of black arcing or burn marks anywhere (including at or on the electrical panel)
You could try then switching the main breaker back, on provided you're not standing in water or are wet or are on wet ground, touching other metal pipes etc.
If the breaker pops off again leave it OFF until you've got onsite help.
If the main breaker stays ON and there is no smoke, spark, or other scary fire or shock event that you can see or hear or smell in or around the home
Next you can try to turn ON individual circuit breakers that were ON previously, one by one - those circuits may be OK
IF those breakers stay on without sign of trouble (as above) check those circuits for power: some lights and receptacles should be working.
I am reluctant to tell you to turn back on other individual circuit breakers that tripped off, and also I emphasize that if the main trips off again you should leave everything off, because your description sounds as if there was a significant damage or failure that turned off your main breaker itself - that's the most critical, last line of defense against shock and power in the home.
That situation might mean that the electrical panel breakers are of a problem brand or are otherwise damaged and that a fault on an individual circuit that should have tripped off just that breaker failed to do so - resulting in blowing the main.
If you know that the home has
- an FPE Stab-Lok electrical panel, or a ZInsco or Bulldog Pushmatic panel those breakers (as well as a few others discussed at InspectApedia.com are known to have trouble and should be left off; worse some like FPE breakers or Bulldog Pushmatics may be physically switched OFF but might remain ON internally - and jammed - that's very unsafe.
- aluminum electrical wiring on its lighting or receptacle or other circuits, there are fire hazards present unless the aluminum wire has been properly repaired.
Use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send me photos of your panel and its outside and door labels and of other signs of arcing or burning you find and I may be able to comment further.
Stay safe.
Daniel
On 2017-07-19 by Mike
Breakers popped loudky now no electricity in entire trailer house
On 2017-03-06 by (mod) when I use my hair dryer, the power stops working
Yes a lower-wattage hair dryer may stop the symptom you describe but I'm left nervous anyway.
If a circuit breaker is tripping due to overload (drawing too much current) the breaker doesn't normally reset itself (though a safety feature in the hair dryer itself might do so).
I worry that there may be improper, loose, corroded, wiring or even aluminum electrical wiring, or an unsafe brand of electrical panel in the home.
So it would be best to ask an experienced licensed electrician to take a look at the wiring, circuit, panel, receptacle, and GFCI protection in your home.
Keep us posted.
On 2017-03-06 by Joye
I live in a single wide manufactured home. There is only 1 outlet with 2 plugs in my bathroom.
Sometimes when I use my hair dryer, the power stops working suddenly, including the mirror light switch. It goes back on in a few minutes but meanwhile I have to run an extension cord from the hallway and finish drying my hair. My question is... if I get a lower wattage hair dryer, will it help this problem?
On 2017-01-16 by (mod) - lilghts out in some rooms of mobile home, wiring shorted to ground
Garrison,
I think you are describing a short-to-ground failure in the electrical system.
Watch out, that's particularly dangerous as it means that touching anything in the home that is connected to ground (a kitchen faucet, a metal pipe) could give a dangerous, even fatal electric shock.
You should immediately turn OFF the circuit involved. An electrician will trace the circuit to find where the fault has occurred. It could be, for example, a damaged or nicked electrical wire or simply an over-tightened cable connector clamp at an electrical box - an error that can cause the clamp to cut into the wire, particularly in buildings where metal-clad armored cable is installed.
On 2017-01-16 by Garrison Jones
Lights out in living room and back bedroom on the other end of this mobile home. My meter shows a faint light when I touch the hot and neutral leads on an outlet, but when I touch the leads on the ground and hot it gives me a full 120 reading.
Seems all my wire nuts are tight in all all the outlets I can find. Can someone enlighten me on whats up?
On 2016-11-13 by (mod) - One side of mobile home doesn't work after power outage
Coni:
Typically that problem is in the electrical panel, at the main breaker or fuse, or at the incoming electrical service lines. This situation is dangerous as we don't know where the open wire or bad component is: I worry that there could be electric shock hazards.
If turning the main breaker off and back on - a control intended for homeowner use - doesn't restore power then it's time to call a licensed electrician.
On 2016-11-13 by Coni Fields
One side of mobile home doesn't work after power outage
(May 16, 2016) Renee said:
I have a 2001 Fleetwood 14x70 mobile home.
We lost power to our master bedroom, master bath and kitchen stove. We have power everywhere else. The breaker isn't tripped and we checked for loose connection, we even bought new breakers still no power.
What could be causing this?
Renee
I suspect either a tripped GFCI breaker (for example in a nearby bathroom or kitchen) or an open connection in the wire for circuit - one that you didn't find.
(Aug 17, 2016) Jason said:
Hello, I really appreciate your thoughts on this matter, I recently purchased a 1981 14*70,homette mobile home, when removing everything out of home to replace flooring the second I simply unplugged dryer I lost "power" to whole home except central a/c n water heater,
all of which have there own dedicated breakers in panel, but when I check receptacles with voltage tester it set I have power but won't even light up lights, probably ground issue but where? I've even changed dryer receptacle n still same issue, dryer plugged in, power, unplugged no power...?
Jason,
Given that you lost power simply by unplugging an appliance I can only speculate that there is a combination of wiring mistakes at the home such that circuits were receiving power through an improper and maybe coincidental pathway.
From your e-text alone and sitting a thousand miles away I can't guess at the exact problem here nor bet your safety on a prescribed repair. From what I read, it sounds as if someone did some DIY amateur wiring that has made the home unsafe.
I know it sounds stuffy to say so, but the right and safe thing to do is to hire a licensed electrician to examine ALL of the home's wiring and to give you a list of repairs needed and a bid to do so.
The problem is that when someone has been doing amateur wiring we just don't know what else they did besides the one thing that brought the wiring to our attention. A mistake risks fire, shock, injury, death, so it's not something to take lightly.
(Sept 3, 2016) theresa said:
How come ive been having power outages some lastin a few seconds sme lasting ten minutes could it be caused from water damage since the wiring seems to be under the home
Theresa, Please see MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL WIRING FAQs where we answered this question moments ago.
Also see MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
(Sept 5, 2016) John davis said:
I have a 1979 double wide. I have no power to half the home. The problem exist on both sides of house. Changed all plugs and switches but still no power. I'm lost as to where else to look.
Your electrician will look first in the electrical panel to see if one side has lost power.
(Sept 4, 2014) Mr. K said:
My 1978 Field & Stream RV has electricity when hooked up to RV electrical, but no inside lights. The breaker box is located in a cabinet above the kitchen sink. Is there a fuze problem? And if so, where is the fuzes located? Thank you in advance for any assistance you may offer
K
You may be lucky and just overloaded a circuit an tripped a breaker or blew a fuse. Look under sinks, in cabinets, to find the main electrical panel for your RV or contact the manufacturer for a tip on its location.
Field & Stream RVs were made by Fleetwood RV, Inc., who also produce American Revolution Brand motorhomes. Those folks can probably assist you with a wiring diagram and manual for your Field & Stream RV that shows where all of its electrical components are found.
Contact the company at Fleetwood RV - http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/
I have an outlet that went out in a bathroom, the light fixture still works there. The light fixture in the adjacent hallway no longer works. I have a 2001 Spirit Double Wide. I also have two light fixtures that the lights go out about a week after I replace them.
(Jan 21, 2013) Payne said:
My grandfather has a 1978 Connor mobile home he lost power at the kitchen one receptacle in the living room and middle room all completely out any ideas? Or where I can find where the main power comes in cause it just suddenly went out
(Jan 24, 2013) Kristy said:
We are renting an old single wide mobile home.
Recently we were trying to put plastic over windows so we were plugging the blow dryer into several different outlets. While doing this, we noticed if we plugged it into a certain outlet that was also where the ceiling fan is plugged in, we lose power in one bedroom, bathroom, and the porch light.
If we unplug it and wiggle the fan plug the power will come back on? Also when we plugged up to a different outlet it tripped the breaker for part of the house. When we reset the outlet in the bathroom quit working and hasn't worked since? Any ideas? Is it unsafe for us to be staying there? The landlord is a real peach!
4/30/2014 Theresa Dunn said:
We bought a used 1985 Columbia double wide. 3 bd room 2 bath. We have power in the kitchen, dinning room, and masterbedroom all in one front of the home. In the livingroom we have 2 plugs with no power getting to them.
We also have in the area where the fireplace is no power in that room at all and then no power in the two bedrooms in the back of the house but between all those non working rooms is a bathroom where we have lights the recepticle for the electrical plug did work but it now has stoped working. It worked when all those other places do not.
Any help appreciated. We are trying to get our grandkids from cps and this is why we bought the home in the first place and the people we bought it from said it was working when we bought it and it was a as is purchase, There was no way for us to check the power on the lot it was sitting
Tammy, sometimes a loose electrical connection causes arcing that can indeed affect bulb life. I've also seen bulbs fail quickly in light fixtures that were overheating, either because a too-large (too many watts) bulb was installed
(Watch out: THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD) or because the fixture was improperly installed or insulated (also a fire hazard).
It is worth having an electrician check the wiring in your home not just to get the hall light working but to be sure there is not a fire risk. Meanwhile, be sure that you have working smoke detectors in the home.
Payne, it sounds as if the two receptacles are on the same circuit and that the fault is either inside one of those electrical receptacle boxes or upstream (electrically) from them.
But before starting to tear things up, look in the kitchen or bathrooms for a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on the same circuit that has tripped. Try pressing the re-set button and check for power at the other receptacles.
Watch out: if elecrical wires have come loose, been burned, torn, damaged, this is an unsafe condition risking fire or shock.
Kristy: you are describing loose electrical wiring or a damaged receptacle - which is unsafe, and you might also be describing an electrical circuit that is overloaded - when the breaker trips it's trying to preventy a fire that might be started by overloaded and thus over-heated wiring.
Kristy - The only way you would need to move is if the peach of a landlord does not get a licensed electrician out there as soon as possible to get the short figured out. To have a loose connection is one thing but to have a short is worse. if it is tripping the breakers think of it like this. that breaker is the only thing that has kept it from catching on fire yet!!!
These are normal electrical repairs that should be performed as soon as possible. It'd be smart to shut off an electrical circuit that is acting oddly until it has been repaired by a licensed electrician. Notify the property owner in writing and orally of these unsafe conditions.
Watch out: because electrical hazards are also fire hazards, be sure that you have working smoke detectors properly installed and that the fire exit doors on your home are operable.
Theresa: re 1985 Columbia doublwide with no electrical power at many devices
You describe loss of electrical power in what sounds like multiple circuits in the home. If these circuits were really working before the home was moved to its present lot it's still possible that the movement of travel loosened connectors in some of the circuits.
You'll need an electrician to sort out and repair the trouble. Often s/he can identify the circuit and by noticing which devices still have power it may be possible to find the connection problem quickly.
Watch out: be alert for discovery of burned wiring, unsafe wiring, improper connections, damaged receptacles or light switches: fix or replace those at the same time rather than paying to call the electrician to come to your home repeatedly.
Jan 1 at 2am I lost power in a bedroom and 2 plug outlets in the living room(adjoining wall) then on Jan 3 @4:20 am it came back on only to go back off that night. Where do I start lookin. I live in a 1994 Redman doublewide. - Cindy 1/5/12
Cindy, what worries me is that circuit breakers or fuses in residential buildings do not automatically reset themselves.
So your symptom sounds like a loose connection or worse, a connection that is burning up or arcing. The age of your home suggests we should not find aluminum branch circuit wiring, which if present would make the problem more widespread.
Typically we track down a loose connection by tracking the bad circuit beginning at the panel, examining every connector and device.
Meanwhile, for safety, just turn off that electrical circuit until it's repaired, and MAKE SURE you have working smoke detectors in the home.
...
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