Unplugged a Lamp and the Electricity Goes Out – Lets Check This Out

Indications that Outlet and Home Electrical Wiring Should be Checked: I suspect a problem with the outlet or the wiring of the outlet circuit. The outlet circuit should be identified and turned OFF. The outlet should be removed and visually checked for damage or deterioration. By: Dave Rongey

When Electrical Wiring Should be Checked
[ad#block]Electrical Question: My name is Melissa. My mom and I decided to paint the dining room of her 2 story house.

• The house is about 26 years old.
• There are 4 outlets in the room, 1 on each wall and 1 dimmer switch for the over head light.
• When we unplugged a lamp from the outlet, the over head light went out, all of the plugs went dead, and the over head lighting went out in the upstairs hallway.
• I checked and the breaker was not blown.
• I plugged the lamp back in and everything worked again.

Any suggestions?

This electrical question came from: Melissa, a Homeowner from Lexington, KY

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Melissa.

Indications that Outlet and Home Electrical Wiring Should be Checked

Hi Melissa,

• I suspect a electrical problem with the outlet or the wiring of the outlet circuit.
• The outlet circuit should be identified and turned OFF.
• The outlet should be removed and visually checked for damage or deterioration.
• My first recommendation is to replace the outlet and see if this solves the problem.
• If the problem persists then a series of voltage tests will be required to find the fault within the circuit and the necessary repairs will be required.

Enjoy your newly painted room!

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