Troubleshooting partial power loss in a Manhattan office

Problem

An office floor experienced random workstation and lighting outages on one side of the suite, disrupting operations and causing data loss.

Site conditions

• Active office during business hours with limited downtime tolerance
• Ceiling plenum pathways with existing low-voltage cabling
• Shared multi-wire branch circuits serving cubicle rows

Diagnosis

Infrared and voltage drop testing identified a loose neutral on a multi-wire branch circuit feeding several receptacle runs. Heat signatures and voltage imbalance matched reported dropouts.

Work performed

• Scheduled phased shutdowns outside peak hours to open junction points and correct terminations
• Re-terminated neutrals and hots on the shared circuit and replaced worn receptacles
• Balanced loads across phases and updated panel schedules for the suite

Safety / code notes

• Confirmed neutral continuity and polarity after repairs
• Documented labeling for shared circuits to reduce future troubleshooting time
• Maintained clearance around IT racks and protected low-voltage cabling during access

Outcome

Stable power with no further dropouts, reduced heat at terminations, and clear labeling for facilities staff. Office operations continued without additional interruptions.