Half the House Has Power After a Storm (What’s Happened?)
A Brisbane-focused storm-season guide explaining why only half your house has power after a storm, the most common electrical causes behind partial outages, and the warning signs homeowners should never ignore.
If half your house has power after a storm and some lights work, some power points don’t, or certain rooms are completely dead. That’s not normal.
In Brisbane, this is a very common post-storm electrical fault, and it usually means something has been damaged, loosened, or disconnected by wind, rain, or a surge.
And here’s the important part:
Partial power is often more dangerous than no power at all.
Why? Because it can indicate unstable voltage, loose connections, or supply issues that can damage appliances or overheat wiring.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening and what to do next.
Quick Diagnosis Checklist (Before You Panic)
Check these straight away:
Do some lights work but most power points don’t?
Are certain rooms completely dead while others are fine?
Did this start immediately after a storm?
Are neighbours experiencing similar issues?
Did you hear a loud bang or see a nearby lightning strike?
Is your switchboard showing no tripped breakers?
If breakers aren’t tripped but half the house is dead, it’s usually not a simple reset issue.
1. One Phase Has Been Lost (Very Common After Storms)
Many Brisbane homes receive power across multiple phases.
After storms, one phase can be lost due to:
damage to overhead supply lines
issues at the street transformer
blown service fuses
storm-related infrastructure damage
When one phase drops out, you may notice:
some rooms have power
others have none
certain appliances won’t turn on
no breakers are tripped inside the home
This is a supply-side issue and needs proper testing.
2. Loose or Damaged Neutral Connection (Serious and Dangerous)
A loose neutral is one of the most dangerous causes of partial power.
Storms can loosen neutral connections at:
the meter box
the switchboard
overhead service connections
When the neutral is compromised, voltage becomes unstable.
Warning signs:
lights dim or surge brighter in some rooms
appliances behave strangely
some circuits work while others don’t
buzzing near the switchboard
burning smell
Loose neutral faults can damage appliances and must be treated as urgent.
3. Storm Surge Has Damaged Switchboard Components
Power surges during storms can damage:
circuit breakers
safety switches (RCDs)
busbars
internal switchboard connections
This can result in:
some circuits failing while others work
breakers that look “on” but aren’t supplying power
random outages across the house
Surge damage isn’t always visible and needs proper electrical testing.
4. Water Ingress Into the Switchboard or Meter Box
Wind-driven rain can force water into switchboards or meter boxes, especially in older Brisbane homes.
Moisture can cause:
corrosion
short circuits
partial outages
safety switch interruptions
Signs:
partial power loss after heavy rain
buzzing or crackling near the board
visible moisture or condensation
power that comes and goes as things dry out
This is a safety risk and should be checked immediately.
5. One Circuit Has Failed, Affecting Multiple Rooms
In many homes, multiple rooms share the same circuit.
If that circuit is damaged, you may lose power to:
several rooms
all power points but still have lights
outdoor areas plus one section of the house
Causes include:
surge-damaged wiring
loose junction connections
moisture in wall cavities
damaged underground cables
This often looks like “half the house” but is actually a major circuit fault.
What You Should NOT Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
don’t keep resetting breakers that haven’t tripped
don’t keep turning appliances on and off to test power
don’t assume it will “come back on its own”
don’t open the switchboard or meter box yourself
Partial power faults can worsen and damage appliances quickly.
When It’s a Safety Emergency (Call Immediately)
Call a licensed electrician urgently if you notice:
lights getting brighter and dimmer
buzzing or crackling from the switchboard
burning smell near the meter box
appliances turning on and off
power cutting in and out
switchboard feels warm or hot
half the house dead with no breaker tripped
These signs may indicate loose neutral faults, arcing, or unstable voltage.
Partial Power After a Storm Is a Warning Sign
If half your house has power after a storm, something has gone wrong, and it won’t fix itself.
In Brisbane, the most common causes are:
lost phase supply
loose neutral connection
storm surge damage
water ingress into switchboards
major circuit faults
The earlier it’s diagnosed, the safer and cheaper it usually is.
👉 Need a licensed electrician in Brisbane to investigate partial power after a storm?
Contact Exclusive Electrical & Air to test the supply, inspect the switchboard, and identify the fault safely before appliances are damaged or the issue becomes dangerous.