Unfortunately, a partial power outage without a tripped breaker often means you have a major wiring issue or that the breaker itself is going bad. When the power is out in one room but the breaker is not tripped, you need to call an electrician as soon as possible to identify the cause of the problem and repair it.

You should never unplug or touch a buzzing outlet. If there are appliances plugged in that are causing the buzzing, wait until the appliance is turned off (or turn it off yourself) and then unplug it from the outlet. Test the outlet by plugging in something that won’t use much power—a small lamp works well. If the outlet still buzzes, have a pro investigate why.

Yes, it’s safe to strip a wire if you follow the proper safety precautions. First and foremost, you must always disconnect the power and never try stripping a live wire. Using wire strippers is another safety precaution, but don’t forget to keep your fingers away from the blade. It’s also critical you only remove the insulation and not accidentally cut into the conductor, which is unlikely as long as you’re using the right-sized wire stripper.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.