Why a Garage Lost Power to Outlets

I lost power in my garage, how can I fix this? Why Garage Outlets Trip Off and How to Reset the Power.

Garage GFCI Receptacle Outlets and Electrical Circuits
Electrical Question: I lost power in my garage, how can I fix this?

• I have a problem with my garage outlet circuit.
• I was using a small snow blower running from a receptacle in the garage.
• The blower cut out and power went off in the garage and emergency light went on.
• I checked the circuit breaker for garage which was OK.
• Then I opened the electrical panel box and the wire feeding the garage circuit is hot.
• I can’t get the power back on in the garage.
• I unscrewed the emergency light to see if that was causing the problem. It won’t go on and I can’t get the power back on in the garage.

This electrical question came from: Stephen, a Homeowner from Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey.

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

How Garage Receptacle Outlets are Protected by GFCI

Stephen, from what you have described, it is probable that there is a GFCI receptacle outlet in your garage that has tripped off and just needs to be reset.

Why Garage Outlets Trip Off and How to Reset the Power

General purpose receptacle outlets in the garage are required to be protected for ground faults by a GFCI device . Look in the garage for a GFCI outlet and push the reset button to restore the garage power. In some homes a GFCI breaker has been installed in the electrical panel for the garage circuit. Locate the GFCI circuit breaker that has tripped into the middle position between on and off. To reset the GFCI breaker switch the breaker into the off position, then back into the on position. This should get your garage power restored so you can get back to clearing snow with your electric snow blower.

More about Garage Outlet Wiring

• How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring

• Garage Electrical Wiring
• Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

GFCI Wiring

• GFCI Receptacle Wiring

• 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
• Using Electrical Testers
• This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

• House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
• Electrical circuit

• Electric Circuit Listing
• The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « 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 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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