Electricity Problems

JamesBoy

JamesBoy

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So here's our problem: since last night/early this morning something went funky with our electricity while we were sleeping. We weren't being load shed or at least we weren't scheduled for it however we must have lost power at some point as the microwave clock had been reset.

Our fridge and chest freezer can't run now for some reason (sounds like they start up but then slowly wind down and stop when switched on) and trying to boil the kettle sounds like it has been caught in a time slowing bubble.

Also switching on anything with a high current draw appears to dim the lights or prevent them from staying on at all (or make some of them flicker, is that you Chucky?). This includes the kettle.

Is it possible that Eskom could not be providing enough power to run our appliances normally?
Or (more like) is there something else wrong probably caused by Eskom and do we need a sparky before the meat in our chest deep freeze goes off?

What I've tried:
  • I've tried switching off everything from the DB including geyser and leaving just one set of plugs going to run the kettle and the same thing happens with the slow boil.
  • Same as above but using a different set of plugs (different circuit breaker) with no change
  • Hauling out the gas bottle to boil the water, going for second cup now.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
 
JamesBoy said:
So here's our problem: since last night/early this morning something went funky with our electricity while we were sleeping. We weren't being load shed or at least we weren't scheduled for it however we must have lost power at some point as the microwave clock had been reset.

Our fridge and chest freezer can't run now for some reason (sounds like they start up but then slowly wind down and stop when switched on) and trying to boil the kettle sounds like it has been caught in a time slowing bubble.

Also switching on anything with a high current draw appears to dim the lights or prevent them from staying on at all (or make some of them flicker, is that you Chucky?). This includes the kettle.

Is it possible that Eskom could not be providing enough power to run our appliances normally?
Or (more like) is there something else wrong probably caused by Eskom and do we need a sparky before the meat in our chest deep freeze goes off?

What I've tried:
  • I've tried switching off everything from the DB including geyser and leaving just one set of plugs going to run the kettle and the same thing happens with the slow boil.
  • Same as above but using a different set of plugs (different circuit breaker) with no change
  • Hauling out the gas bottle to boil the water, going for second cup now.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Turn of the main circuit breaker outside your house, wait 2 mins. Turn on. See if it resolves.

Ask neighbors if they having same issue.
 
JamesBoy said:
Our fridge and chest freezer can't run now for some reason (sounds like they start up but then slowly wind down and stop when switched on) and trying to boil the kettle sounds like it has been caught in a time slowing bubble.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you are "single phasing". That is one (or more) phases is not at 240v. Easy to test if you have a multimeter, but do report it to your power supplier.

Unplug your fridge so you don't damage the motor.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
Usual it is a problem from the supplier. Report it to them.

Your main switch on your db is it a 3 switch or 2 switch or (shudder) 1 switch?
Click to expand...
It's two switches (joined together by plastic).

Will look at logging a fault too with city power a bit later after checking with the neighbours.
 
You have single phase. The possibilities are:
The line supplying your area is faulty (supplier's problem) <- most likely
The line coming in the meter is faulty (supplier's problem)
The isolator (main trip switch) is faulty (your problem)
 
Dairyfarmer said:
You have single phase. The possibilities are:
The line supplying your area is faulty (supplier's problem) <- most likely
The line coming in the meter is faulty (supplier's problem)
The isolator (main trip switch) is faulty (your problem)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the help. I'll let you know what we find out once we know more.
 
Okay turns out someone played pinball last night and hit out wall and then the street poll. We live near one of those four way stops that people don't like to stop at and last night was no different.

So our wall is cracked, the wall holding the power mains box outside is lose and the street pole is bent (plus for kicks our gate no longer opens).
The neighbours say that the guy was drunk and in a brand new car (still a temporary licence)...hopefully we'll be able to get his details so that his insurance can pay for the damages.

City power responded nice and quickly and they've already fixed the power (three houses were affected) but they'll have to get someone else out to pull the poll back upright.
 
maumau said:
Someone crashed into your wall and you heard nothing?
Click to expand...
We heard a crash but we didn't hear them hit our wall (luckily a brick wall that held up nicely against their car). Yeah I know we should have checked but you'd be shocked at how many accidents we have at our four way (that we had assumed was the scene again).

Yes I had been drinking (whiskey) before going to bed too so maybe a good thing I didn't get up to go and check.
 
I'm impressed that OP could do all the investigations/troubleshooting/posting on MyBB at 4am. I am not at all sure I could, even without the whiskey nightcap/s.
 
Marsie27 said:
I'm impressed that OP could do all the investigations/troubleshooting/posting on MyBB at 4am. I am not at all sure I could, even without the whiskey nightcap/s.
Click to expand...
Some of us are at work already at that time. You would be amazed at how many people post at 4am.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
Some of us are at work already at that time. You would be amazed at how many people post at 4am.
Click to expand...
Yes, I guess especially in your line of work - for which I am very grateful, and no doubt your cows are too:). I did say I was impressed at the OP.
 
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