How to Locate Electrical Problems in Underground Wiring

Look for areas on your property where the ground has been disturbed. Perhaps a new tree has expanded its roots through your yard, or the family pet has dug deep in one area near the house. Also, if you have done any new construction projects on your property, such as installing new fences, look over these areas first.

Contact your power company. They often have wiring plans or schematics of underground wiring, especially if it was done in a public area such as a street. While they may not have the specific plans for your home's wiring, they may be able to estimate where the wiring is located on your property if they have information for nearby sites.

Purchase a wire break locator. These devices are designed to transmit a low-frequency noise when they are turned on and are hovering over a live wire. If the wire break locator detects a broken wire where electricity is no longer being transmitted, the noise will stop. Note that these break locators may only work to a particular depth. If your underground wires are too deeply buried, it may not be able to pick up their signals.

Hire a trained electrician to inspect your home's transmitter. The electrician will remove the transmitter from your home's breaker system and check it with a wire that is known to have no faults. If the transmitter is working properly, the issue with your electricity is in your wiring.