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Electrical Wire and Cable


Why Receptacle Outlets are Not Getting Full Power


Why Do I Only Have 70 Volts on a 120 Volt Receptacle? How to Troubleshoot and Repair Outlet Problems, The Most Common Problem with Electric Outlets and How to Repair Them.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Problem with Outlet Receptacle
Electrical Question #1: Why Do I Have 70 Volts on a 120 Volt Receptacle?

I have receptacles that are not receiving full 120 Volts, they are averaging around 70 volts, and the neutral side is reading hot on these receptacles.

Background: Paul, a Student from Bremerton, Washington.

Electrical Question #2: Why Do I Have 56 Volts on a 120 Volt Receptacle?

This electrical wiring question came from Richard, a Homeowner in St. Augustine, Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Paul.

How to Troubleshoot and Repair Outlet Problems

Application: Troubleshooting Receptacle Outlets that do not work, or do not have full power.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Testers and Meters.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring or inspections.
Important: Electrical troubleshooting is best performed by a qualified licensed electrical contractor.

The Most Common Problem with Electric Outlets and How to Repair Them

Troubleshooting Guidelines and Examples:
When Wall Outlets and Receptacles Do Not Work, or They Do Not Have Full Power and the Voltage is Not Normal:

See More about Electrical Wiring for Wall Outlets and Receptacles

How to Install Electrical Outlet Wiring
outlet-wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Wiring Electrical Wall Outlets
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
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.

How to Connect Electrical Grounding
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
Learn Home Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs
electrical-troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems

Troubleshooting
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
Types of Electrical Testers
How to Use Electrical Testers


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.
  electrical wiring  

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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

11 Responses to “Why Receptacle Outlets are Not Getting Full Power”
  1. jim says:

    When I test outlets in a room that has no power I put both tester probes in the outlet and I get a reading of 1.7 – 1.3 volts. When I test with one probe in the outlet and one on the ground it reads 122- 124 volts. All the outlets in the room are out. Where should I look to find the problem?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Jim,
    It appears that the outlet circuit may have lost connection with the neutral, so the circuit wiring and connections will need to be examined to identify the problem. typically this involves turning the circuit OFF and inspecting each outlet for a burnt wiring splice or a faulty connection. This will require proper repairs and in many cases replacing an outlet that may be affected due to a burnt wire connection.
    Dave

  3. robert says:

    Here’s a hint about low power at recepticle or doing any DIY electrical work: Write down on paper everything you move, remove, or adjust at the breaker box. I (apparently) removed the white wire from the ‘ground’ in a circuit to my garage outlets. I kept focusing on the breakers which I thought may have gone bad and in the process disconnected the white wire. There was a GFI that was no longer being used and I disconnected it and the good white wire. The was no way I could blame my wife but I took a few minutes to at least try.
    This site saved me from having to pay someone which is admitting defeat which means I can go to my wife and look up into the sky and simply say: “Genius”.
    Thank You

  4. cory says:

    I get 122.6 volts out of my wall socket, is that normal?

  5. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Cory,
    Yes, 122.6 volts from a wall receptacle is within the USA tolerance levels for a 120 volt circuit.

  6. Josh says:

    No Neutral connection.

  7. Darren Kolb says:

    Our oven at work is only getting 198volts. The oven takes forever to heat up. The power at the breaker also reads 198volts. It is a 50amp breaker. Can you give me some tips.

  8. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Darren,
    We need to understand what the normal voltage should be so we know how far off the voltage is. It would be essential to have the electrical utility provider verify that the voltage on there side is within tolerance.
    Because you have mentioned that this is happening at work, then this could be a commercial or industrial facility that may have voltages other than 120/240. If the circuit breaker is reading 198 volts then the panel voltage should be tested, and if the panel voltage is low then the power source for the panel needs to be tested. If there is a transformer supplying power to the panel then the transformer may need to be tapped differently to provide more voltage.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  9. John says:

    We have a bakery machine that requires a 20amp 240 volt circuit. We checked the outlet with a meter and it reads that it only gets 203volts. Is this going to translate as a loss of power to the machine?

    Thanks,
    John Chambers

  10. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi John,
    If the reading of 203 volts is correct then the electrical system at your location may be 120/208volts, 3 phase. The electrical system voltage information may be identified by observing the equipment label on the electrical breaker panel which is supplying the outlet circuit power. If it is found that the circuit voltage is different than the voltage requirements for the machine then it may be necessary to have a transformer installed to correct the voltage. Make sure to check the equipment voltage on the machine because in many cases the machine wiring configuration may be adjusted for different voltages, however this will depend on the specific machine that you have. Consulting the installation and owners manual will provide specific information which will assist you as well.
    Dave

Thanks for Visiting

I hope this helps you with your Home Electrical Wiring!