How To Troubleshoot Wall Receptacle Problems

How to Test Electrical Wiring for Outlets: I have a 120volt receptacle that does not work even though the voltage tester shows there is voltage at the receptacle.

Testing Receptacle Outlet Wiring
Electrical Question: I have a 120volt receptacle that does not work even though the voltage tester shows there is voltage at the receptacle.

• I have a 120volt receptacle in my home that has my child’s TV and DVD player plugged into it.
• We had a power outage that was restored but the TV does not work in that receptacle any longer but it works in other receptacles.
• All breakers are in the on positions and my meter and voltage tester shows voltage at the receptacle but the TV and DVD still don’t turn on,yet they work fine in other outlets.
• I replaced the receptacle and it still doesn’t work.

Any ideas ?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Repair Question Kenny.
Background: Kenny, a Contractor from Sewell, New Jersey.

How to Test Electrical Wiring for Outlets

Application: Troubleshooting and Repairing Electric Outlet Problems.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter or plug in circuit analyzer.
Estimated Time: Depends on the age of the home and the condition of the electrical wiring and access to the electrical outlets and the circuit wiring to be inspected and evaluated.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit at the panel, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring inspections or electrical repairs.

IMPORTANT: Care must be taken when testing electrical wiring not only when working with electrical wires but knowing how to perform voltage tests using the right type of tester. The process should be fully understood otherwise and if there is any doubt about the process then please consult a qualified electrician.

Example of Testing Circuit Wire Combinations

• Testing for 120 Volts: Make sure you are testing the individual wires.
  • Hot to ground.
  • Hot to neutral.

  NOTE: The safest way to test an electrical outlet is to use a Plug In Circuit Analyzer

• This situation with this question may be caused by having lost connection to one of these wires which could be at a spliced connection upstream from that outlet.
• Make sure the other room receptacles are working, if not a breaker may be tripped. Sometimes a breaker may appear to be in the On Position when in fact it is tripped.
• In this case the breaker needs to be turned all the way off until you feel it latch, then back on. Check the wall switch – is the receptacle controlled by a switch?

 Review: Troubleshooting the Circuit Problem

• Check for wall switch control.
• Check  the Circuit Breaker.
• Test the wires individually.
• A Plug In Circuit Analyzer with the three light display is great for troubleshooting this type of electrical circuit problem because the display results will indicate what the problem is.

More about Testers for Electrical Outlets

Using Electrical Testers

Understanding Electrical Testers

When working on home electrical wiring using 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.
Types of Electrical Testers

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting, so you might find this information useful:

Repair Electrical Wiring

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.

For more information about Outlet Wiring
Electrical Outlets

This link is helpful as a Contractor
Electrical Code Articles

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: How-To-Videos
Electrical Videos

Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!

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 Electrical, Electrical Repair, Electrical Troubleshooting, Electrical Wiring, Outlets, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Wiring Connections When Replacing a Light Fixture	Switch Wiring for a Ceiling Fan and Recessed Lights