The day all the lights went out
By Glen
@glenniah (1197)
Mandurah, Australia
March 2, 2016 6:37am CST
Well actually it was not so much the lights as my computer, laptop, tablet, TV and radio. It all started when I noticed the cover surrounding one of the light bulbs in the kitchen appeared to have a crack in it, plus it was very dusty. So I climbed up to the light fitting and took it down.
All went well until I attempted to put the cover back and screwed the light fitting in. Alas the light fitting crumbled at my touch. Off I went to a huge hardware store and asked for a new light fitting. The man in charge of lighting was very good and said, 'I have to tell you that you need an electrician to put this back together. However, if you know a handyman he could do it for half the price'. I thanked him kindly for his advice and went off to see a friend who is a handyman.
My friend came over to the house, turned off the power and screwed in the light fitting. I was rather concerned about the small step ladder he was on as it seemed to shake a little as he moved about. However, it all went well and when he had finished his job he turned the power back, checked the lights were working and away he went.
Now came my dilemma. The TV didn't work when I turned it on, neither did any of my electric devices. I was concerned that I hadn't unplugged everything before the power went off and now I had ruined my appliances. Then after a mini meltdown and looking up electricians in the phone book I wondered if maybe there had been a power surge. When I looked at the electricity box outside I found that indeed there had been a power surge.
I turned on the switch in the box and felt so proud of myself when everything began to work perfectly again. I hadn't needed an electrician or the neighbour next door, it was just me and I did it.
7 people like this
7 responses
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
2 Mar 16
@JudyEv
After I had worked it all out I did actually speak with a Sparky, he sent about 40 minutes just talking on the phone about all the problems there were and how they could sometimes be easily fixed. If I ever need an electrician he will be the one I choose.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
2 Mar 16
Are you in a suburb of a big city or more remote area?
1 person likes this
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
2 Mar 16
@JohnRoberts
Hi I am in a suburb which was once a very tiny town and now has grown in people and buildings and such. About 45 minutes from the capital city.
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
2 Mar 16
@JohnRoberts
No John I am way over on the West Coast. Canberra is about 4000kms or so from me
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
2 Mar 16
@glenniah That would be Canberra?
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159618)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Mar 16
Just you! You are the Ninja electrical God. You did it! You!
1 person likes this
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
6 Mar 16
@celticeagle
So now do you suppose I have magical powers like Superman or Wonder Woman. hehe
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159618)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Mar 16
@glenniah ....It would seem. Cool.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157710)
• United States
2 Mar 16
It sounds as if you did what we call "threw a breaker" or if your house is really old, "blew a fuse" . I hate the cost of electrical repairs. I hope that this is all you needed.
1 person likes this
