How to Turn Off Your Electric Service

Electricity is wonderful, but it is also very dangerous when not properly contained.  Water or damaged and exposed electrical wires can cause an electrical shock hazard.  You should turn off your electric service if any of the following are true:

• If you have major flooding in your home. Once the water covers an outlet or other exposed electrical wire, the water acts like a huge extension to the wire and becomes a shock hazard.
  
  
• If your house sustains structural damage. There is a good possibility that electric wires are damaged or even exposed.
  
  
• If you have had a fire then your electric service should remain off until a professional is able to ascertain any damage to your electric wiring.

Electric Shutoff

Electric panels and shutoffs vary widely. You will need to locate your main electric panel and find which switch or circuit breaker shuts off the main feed. Simply move the lever or handle to the off position to disconnect the power.

Some buildings are non-standard and may have multiple breaker boxes and feeds. However, most residential locations have a single feed from the electric company and the process will be very simple once you locate the main breaker panel.

Here is and example of what a breaker panel might look like. Note the red arrow indicating the main switch you need to turn off. Most panels will have the main breaker marked.

Inside Only!

Also, note that shutting off the main breaker only disconnects the electricity to the internal wiring in the house.  The line from the electric company will still be active!  This is especially noteworthy if there are downed electric lines in your yard. Turning off the main breaker will not deenergize the downed line. You should exercise utmost caution around any downed lines from the power company.