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Electrical Wire and Cable


Why Home Outlets May Stop Working


How to Repair Home Electrical Outlets – The Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting for Electrical Outlets



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

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Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Troubleshooting Home Electrical Outlet Circuits

[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have several outlets that have stopped working, since moving into my home 5 years ago.

Background: Susan, a Homeowner from Houston, Texas

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

How to Repair Home Electrical Outlets

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
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. Electrical troubleshooting is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.

Troubleshooting Home Electrical Outlet Circuits that Have Stopped Working

Electrical troubleshooting and repairs
electrical-troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Problems
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting for electrical outlets. Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

I have provided the following resources that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Outlets

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

Electrical outlet wiring
outlet-wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet 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.

Home Wiring
Home Wiring

Home Electrical Wiring

Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures


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.
  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
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.


More articles about Electrical Repair, Electrical Wiring, Outlets, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Why Home Outlets May Stop Working”
  1. james brown says:

    I have an early 1950’s home and I have 6 outlets to go out at the same time in the kitchen and storage room. I noticed on some receptacles there is 2 wires and on some their is 4 wires and all plugs are 2 prong receptacles, not the three prong that have the ground so we use adapters on all other plugs. How much do you think it would cost to rewire the house up to specks. The house is 980 square feet. Thanks

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi James,
    Yes, it would be great to upgrade the electrical wiring for this home.
    The cost to upgrade will depend on a few things, including:
    Location – Where the home is located and the going rate for electricians.
    The size of the electrical panel, which will depend on how many circuits are needed and how many major electrical appliances, such as the range, water heater, dryer, air conditioner and furnace.
    Access – To install the new electrical wiring areas of access will need to be identified, such as attic, basement or crawl space or if interior walls will be opened. Access also refers to whether the home will be occupied or not while the work is being done.
    So James, it would be best to call a local licensed electrical contractor who can come out to the home and identify the above mentioned items and make specific recommendations which apply to codes that have been adopted in your area as well.
    Dave