We have been taught to unplug electric items and appliances during storms. And we are advised to use power strips with breakers to help protect appliances and equipment from getting damaged. When the storms pass, and we get ready to turn everything back on though, there is always that moment of hesitation. Then we have those “what if” thoughts, such as what if the cable box doesn’t turn on?
If the cable box won’t turn on after a power outage the problem is either in the power supply source, the cable box itself, or with the cable provider. To fix these issues, fuses, outlets, and power strips need to be inspected, or the cable box may need to be reset. Additionally, a call to the cable company may be required.
It doesn’t matter if we love storms or dislike storms, when they involve lightning, they can pose a risk to our electrical equipment. Storms can also produce high winds that can result in power outages, which also presents concerns for equipment, appliances, and electric-powered devices.
When those devices are our cable boxes, and when our screens stay black, putting off finding a solution isn’t an option. According to reports and studies, the average American watches between 4 and 5 hours of television a day. That equates to more than 9 years of program viewing for those aged 65 and older.
Those numbers also suggest that waiting to fix the cable box after a power outage simply isn’t acceptable. So if your cable box won’t turn on after a power outage, then this is what to do.
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What to do If Cable Box Won’t Turn On After Power Outage
There are several things to check if the cable box won’t turn back on or power up following a power outage. If these fixes don’t locate or identify and solve the problem, then it may be necessary to contact your local cable provider for professional help.
Power Supply Issues
The most common reason the cable box won’t turn on after a power outage is also the most obvious, a power supply problem. Troubleshooting power supply issues will require more than making sure the cable box is turned on and plugged in.
The Breaker Box: Begin with the Source
If the cable box won’t turn on following a power outage, the first thing that needs to be checked is the power supply to the cable box. A car won’t start without gas no more than your cable box will turn on without power.
Many cable boxes today have display panels. These panels will also have a power indicator light (often located in one corner of the panel), or on the back of the box. If the problem appears to be that the cable box isn’t getting power, then it is time to go to the source.
Locate your home’s main breaker and open the cover. Look for any tripped switches. Storms can easily cause a fuse to blow or trip. Then verify that the circuit for the room where the cable box is located is on.
The Outlet: The Other Reason Your Cable Box Isn’t Getting Power
If the cable box isn’t getting power, but the circuit for that room is on, then the outlet may need to be checked. Simply take a lamp or electric device that is working and plug it into that outlet. If there still is no power available then there is a problem with the outlet.
When that device does work, however, then the issue may be with the power cord or within the cable box itself. That will require contacting the cable provider for assistance, repair, or a replacement cable box. A service technician will be able to help determine the best course of resolution.
It is also important to eliminate the power strip as a potential culprit during the troubleshooting process. This is also simple to do. To verify the power strip is working, plug the cable box cord directly into outlet. If the cable box works when plugged in directly to the wall socket but isn’t working when plugged into a power strip it may be a bad power strip problem.
That also means a fairly easy solution. If the problem isn’t a power issue, however, then it is time to look elsewhere to find out why the cable box won’t turn on following a power outage.
Cable Box Problems
If the cable box is getting power but still not turning on after a power outage, then the problem is most likely with the cable box. In most cases, a simple cable box reset procedure will resolve the issue.
How to reset the cable box
The most common fix for a cable box that won’t turn on following a power outage is a basic hard reboot or cable box reset. To do this, first check your cable box model for a battery compartment. If the cable box has batteries, they should be removed after turning off the power to the box.
Next, be sure to unplug the cable box from the outlet or power strip. Then proceed to disconnect all the cables and connections from the cable box. Allow the cable box to sit for at least 30 minutes. Now, plug the cable box back in, reconnect the cables, and the cable box should turn on.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then it will likely require a call to the cable provider for assistance. These types of issues, as a rule of thumb, are typically handled relatively quickly. And sometimes, the source and the problem can be one and the same.
Cable Provider Problems
It is arguably the least likely reason for why the cable box won’t turn on, but it can happen. When the cable box is getting power, and the lights come on, but nothing happens. After we have done all the basic and standard troubleshooting, attempted a reset, and paced the floors without our cable — it is time to make the call.
During the worst types of storms and sometimes as a result of mass power outages, even cable companies lose the ability to broadcast. And it doesn’t matter how much power the cable box is getting, or how well the on-off button works, broadcasting nothing looks like nothing. And that means that sometimes that static, solid blue screen or no signal message is the result of cable company broadcasting problems.
The good news is these types of cable issues, like the vast majority of cable problems, have easy and quick solutions. That even includes those times when the cable box just dies and needs to be replaced. Anything as widely used and as popular as cable is also bound to have more than a few questions too.
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Related Questions
What would we do without cable? Unfortunately, at least for short periods, most of us have had to live without the luxury of cable at some point. That is also why it is good to know what to do or how to fix the cable because the sooner it is fixed the less time we will spend without it.
Here are a few of the other frequently asked questions regarding cable, including alternative cable box reset options.
Are There Alternate Reset Options?
There are some options to reset a cable box via online services, although a hard reboot is the most common procedure. It also needs to be noted that not every cable service provider offers online or other technical resources.
If your cable provider offers online technical services, then proceed to that provider’s site. Users will typically have or will be given login credentials tied to their account and system information. After logging in, look for links to options such as “service” or “tools.”
Some sites may require specifying the type of device (e.g. cable box, television), in addition to choosing a problem type. Every cable provider will have some variation of their own if they offer online tools and technical resources.
Spectrum’s onsite reset directions, for example, guide users to login, click on “service,” click the “TV” tab, click the experiencing problems link, then have the option for an equipment reset. If you are unsure if your cable provider has online tools or reset options, a quick call can usually answer those questions.
Are Power Strips or Surge Protectors Worth It?
Quality surge protectors or power strips as they are commonly called, provide a valuable safety net for many of our electronics and devices. That also includes our cable boxes.
Surge protectors are designed to shut off power to anything plugged into it by utilizing a mini-breaker system. Any power surge or jolt can cause the surge protector breaker to trip, and thereby prevent any electrical damage to attached devices or electronics.
Power strips should also be replaced about every two years to ensure they remain in good working order. Surge protectors can cost anywhere from $20 to a basic and reliable to $50 for industrial power strips. Are they worth it? Well, if they can save owners the cost of replacing a television, computer, or game system, then that would make surge protectors a worthwhile investment.
