Here are some helpful tips in determing the problem:

• When bathroom, kitchen, outdoor, or garage outlets go out, first check all GFCI locations.  Try pressing the Reset button (typically the red button).
   
  
• If there are multiple outlets and/or lighting that is out, first check for a tripped circuit breaker in the panel box.   If you find a tripped breaker, reset it by turning it to the off position and then back to the on position.  (Note: Sometimes tripped breakers are not noticeable, in this case you could try turning each breaker off then back on, but make sure that all electronics have been backed up first (i.e. computers).
   
• Dimmer switches do get warm.  This is because they resist electricity, holding the excess power.
   
• It’s best to plug vacuum cleaners into bathroom or kitchen outlets.  Vacuum cleaners are a higher amperage appliance and will often trip standard 15amp circuit breakers.  Kitchen and bathrooms are generally 20amp circuits.
  
  
• If you own an electric car, charging with a normal 120-volt outlet can take up to 10 to 12 hours, however, by upgrading to a 240-volt circuit your car can charge in four to five hours.