Question for those who know about residential electricity.

[Jhill]

My inlaws live in a 2 story house. Everytime the downstairs people turn the computer,micowave, and A/C on it trips a breaker and half of the electricity goes out until someone flips the breaker. What do they need added,repaired, or upgraded so this doesn't happen and how much should they expect to pay?

Thanks.

 

[NutBucket]

It depends. Sounds like you need a circuit added for the A/C, which ideally should be on its own circuit either way. Not sure how much it would cost since every scenario is different.

 

[Dedpuhl]

How old is the building? The wiring may need to be replaced. I'm not sure about the costs...

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
It depends. Sounds like you need a circuit added for the A/C, which ideally should be on its own circuit either way. Not sure how much it would cost since every scenario is different.

I agree that's the likely scenario. Try plugging the microwave and/or computer into a different outlet, if possible. If that other outlet is on a different circuit, you may no longer have this problem. Good luck!

 

[Jhill]

Thanks for the help. The house is about 18 years old.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

yeah i would guess its an overloaded circuit.

EDIT: sometimes, the upper and lower outlets are on different circuits. You might want to try mapping out what breakers control what outlets. Then add up the devices and you will know if you are overloading a circuit.