Electrical Troubleshooting Lost Outlet Power
 ';
|
Common Causes for Lost Power to Outlets and Switches on a GFCI Circuit: Troubleshooting No Power to a Living Room and GFCI, Free Electrical Help, Learn Electric Wiring. © By: Dave Rongey |
Troubleshooting Lost Power to a Living Room
Electrical Question: My living room is the only room in the house without electricity.
- There is no power to the light switches or outlets.
- The GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter on outside porch was just replaced and there is no power to it either.
- Main breaker box shows power to the 20 amp circuit breaker and from the breaker to living room.
- I had this problem once before but it was the GFCI on the porch that needed to be reset.
Any ideas?
Background: Bob, who is a Handyman in New York.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.
How to Troubleshoot Lost Power to Outlets and Switches
Application: Troubleshooting Lost Electric Power to a Living Room and GFCI Outlet.
Skill Level: Advanced – a Licensed Electrical Contractor should be consulted right away.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Ammeter and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on age of the home, the condition of the electrical system and available access to electrical components.
Precaution: Electrical troubleshooting of this level is best performed by a licensed electrical contractor who will identify the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Common Causes for Lost Power to Outlets and Switches on a GFCI Circuit
- Checking for a Tripped GFCI Outlet
You mentioned that the GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter on the outside porch was just replaced and that you had this problem once before, but the problem was that the GFCI on the porch needed to be reset, therefore begin by trying to reset the GFCI outlet located on the porch. - Tripped Circuit Breaker
You mentioned that you have identified the circuit breaker for the living room, so it would be good to switch the circuit breaker all the way into the OFF position, and then back into the ON position. - Circuit Electrical Wiring
Keep in mind that the GFCI outlet on the porch should not control the power inside the living room area. The circuit wiring of the GFCI outlet can be changed so the GFCI protection does not interfere with the living room, you can see more about this as described in the information provided below. - Local Electrical Help
An inspection of your circuit wiring by a local electrician may provide more electrical system advice that could prevent future problems.
See more about Troubleshooting the problem of Lost Power
Wiring GFI Outlets
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams
The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
Electrical Circuit Wiring
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
Home Electrical Safety Articles
Home Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Articles covering several topics of home electrical safety and Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lost Power
- Electrical Outlets: Lost Power to Room Outlets
- Electrician Explains Why Some Room Outlets Have Lost Power and What To Do.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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 Electric Wiring, Outlets, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working? |
Repair a GFI Outlet Circuit |
