Testing Electrical Outlets

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

Guide for Testing an Outlet Circuit

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

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

Using 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 Electrical 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 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.

» 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, Handywomen, 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.

Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! 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, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard 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.

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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.

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