» Helping You Wire It Right!
» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Home » Electrical Wiring Projects

Testing Electrical Outlets

How to Test and Repair an Outlet Circuit Problem: Guide for Testing an Outlet Circuit, Inspect the Outlet Wiring, Electrical Troubleshooting.

Electrical Video #1 Electrical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">?</span> Helping You to Wire It Right! See more Home Electrical Wiring Videos Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe! See the Electrical Wiring Video #2 Below:

Guide for Testing an Outlet Circuit

[ad#block] Electrical Question: I have one room in my home with two outlets and two overhead lights.

I plugged in a little sander to one of the outlets.
Now I have no power to the outlets or the lights above.
The circuit breaker is not tripped and I removed and checked it with my OHM meter and it seems to work.
This is a 1930’s home.

Any ideas?

Background: Greg, a Homeowner from Salem Oregon, USA.

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

How to Test and Repair an Outlet Circuit Problem

Reset the Circuit Breaker
Check to see if the circuit breaker has tripped off or a fuse has blown.
Test the Outlets
Use a plug-in circuit analyzer to test the condition of the outlet circuit.
Inspect the Outlet Wiring
Remove each outlet and look for incorrect or damaged electrical wiring.
Electrical Troubleshooting
Extensive troubleshooting guidelines may be found found at the Repair Home Electric Wiring section.

How to Use Electrical Testers and Voltage Meters

Understanding Digital Volt Meters

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage meter can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers and voltage meters enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Types of Electric Wiring Testers
Using Electrical Testers and Voltage Meters

Troubleshooting to Find Out Why Your Home Lost Power

How to Identify Lost Power

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

Repair Electrical Wiring

Troubleshooting and Repairing Residential 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.

Electrical 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.

Electrical Circuit Breakers

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

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:

Electrical Wiring Video #2

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Dave's Companion 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.

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

More articles about Outlets, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
How to Install a Motion Detector Light to Replace the Porch Light	Wiring a Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Recent Testimonials

I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU!
Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts

I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois

Read more Comments

Leave a Comment

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.