Greenville, SC troubleshooting
Quick fixes for common electrical issues in Upstate homes wired by Lanehart, plus the latest code changes explained.
- General Troubleshooting Guide Quick reference guide for common electrical issues. Great for homeowners. Download PDF ↓
- GFCI Breaker Compatibility Covers the latest code changes affecting appliance circuits and GFCI usage. Download PDF ↓
- Kitchen Island Receptacle Changes Covers the latest code changes for kitchen island receptacles. Download PDF ↓
Common problems, possible causes, solutions.
From the LEC troubleshooting guide. Most of these take a minute and no tools.
| Common problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet not working | Breaker tripped | Reset breaker |
| Garage door opener not working | Breaker tripped | Reset breaker* |
| Wiring issue (not done by LEC) | Call garage door installer | |
| Recessed lighting randomly turns off | Bulb wattage too high | Replace with a lower wattage bulb |
| Insulation covering the can | Call LEC | |
| Lights dimming | Air conditioner starting | Normal |
| Turning on an appliance (including irons and vacuums) | Normal | |
| Lights not working | Faulty bulb | Replace bulb |
| Breaker tripped | Reset breaker* | |
| Power loss to a portion of the house | Power company | Call power company |
| If not the power company | Call LEC | |
| Smoke / carbon monoxide detectors sounding or chirping | Low battery | Replace battery |
| Loss of power | Should stop when power returns | |
| Breaker tripped | Reset breaker | |
| Excess dust build-up | Vacuum clean | |
| Small insects | Apply insect spray and clean | |
| Dishwasher not working | Not plugged in | Plug in |
| Breaker tripped | Reset breaker* | |
| Disposal not working | Not plugged in | Plug in |
| Reset button tripped | Press reset button on disposal | |
| Breaker tripped | Reset breaker* | |
| Red light on breaker stays on | Cosmetic firmware issue | Normal |
| Ring camera not working | Ring app set up incorrectly | Call Ring |
| HVAC isn’t working | There is power to the thermostat | Call HVAC company |
| There is no power to the thermostat | Call LEC |
*Resetting breakers
All of the breakers are located in your panel box, either in the garage or outside your home.
To reset: first, ensure that everything on the circuit is unplugged and all switches are in the off position. Then switch the breaker to the off position and then flip back to the on position.
If the breaker continues to trip: please call us and we can schedule an appointment to assist you.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
To replace the battery: after opening the door located on either the front or side of the unit, remove the battery and replace. If the battery is located in the back of the unit, turn the detector counter-clockwise and remove. Unplug the power plug and replace the battery.
If chirping continues: once the battery and power plug are removed, hold the test button until the sound stops. Then replace the battery and reinstall.
Questions, answered
Straight answers to what builders, homeowners and applicants ask us most.
Why does my new dryer or range trip a GFCI breaker?
New electrical codes require GFCI protection for many 240-volt appliances. Many appliances are factory-configured for older 3-wire setups with a neutral-to-ground bond inside, which conflicts with a modern 4-wire GFCI-protected circuit and trips the breaker. Do not modify the appliance; call a qualified appliance technician.
Why is there no outlet on my kitchen island?
Under the 2023 National Electrical Code, kitchen island and peninsula receptacles are no longer mandatory, to stop cords hanging from low outlets. Builders must still provide a pathway for a future outlet, which can go above the countertop or in a listed flush countertop assembly, never on the cabinet face below.
Where is my breaker panel?
In homes wired by LEC the panel box is either in the garage or outside the home.
When should I call LEC?
Call if a breaker keeps tripping after a reset, if recessed lights shut off because insulation covers the can, if part of the house loses power and it is not the power company, or if the thermostat has no power.
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