Electrical Circuit Testing and Troubleshooting

I lived in my house 16 years, a month ago the socket and lights stopped working in one upstairs bedroom. I changed the fuse but that did not fix the problem… By: Dave Rongey

Identifying and Repairing Electrical Wiring Problems
[ad#block]Question: I lived in my house 16 years, a month ago the socket and lights stopped working in one upstairs bedroom. I changed the fuse but that did not fix the problem. i used a socket tester and it said the “hot/ground reverse”. Why did this happen after 16 years and what can i do to fix it.

This electrical question came from: Joseph, a Homeowner from Charlotte.NC
Additional Comments: first time visiting; seems informative.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Joseph.
Use testers as shown below to positively identify the wiring, if the readings are not correct then trace the wiring back towards the source inspect and make any necessary repairs.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Types of Electrical Testers

Using Electrical Testers

bedroom

Bedroom Electrical Wiring Requirements
This wiring diagram and pictures explain the basic bedroom electrical code wiring requirements required for most new or remodel projects.

tester

Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

For more information about Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Light Fixtures, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Electrical Wiring and Landlord Tenants Rights	Should You Take On A DIY Electrical Project?