On Dec 1, 8:47*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article , "Meanie" wrote:
Is there a way to test a single gang outlet not connected to a circuit?

I had an issue with power loss from two outlets and a small room this
morning. The breaker is not the issue since other outlets on the same
circuit are live. I followed the run trying to find a break somewhere. From
the panel, the run Ts off. To the left, all outlets function. To the right,
it passes a junction box, then to an outlet, which is fine. From that outlet
it runs to another outlet, which is dead and from there, the rest of the
circuit is dead. Testing the outlet while connected displayed 1.2 volts as
did the other outlets after that. After disconnecting the outlet and
checking the feed wire, it puts out 120 volts. Therefore, the obvious answer
is the outlet, right? But checking the outlet off the circuit, indicates
proper continuity with the two side connections (screws) respectively, as
well as the prong slot with the screws. I know continuity isn't always a
thorough test, but in this case, it appears logical to have in order for
power to pass. Therefore, arriving to that question if it can be tested off
the circuit.

Thank you

I'd be sticking to checking voltage rather than continuity, and do so
with a load on the circuit. Testing voltages with no load can mislead
you.

If you have a dead outlet after a good outlet, it could be a bad
connection at the good outlet.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Ditto on having a load connected. I would have a light bulb at the
first dead outlet as well as one at the last powered outlet. Or a
radio at the first dead outlet if it is not visible from the last live
outlet. Assuming the wire irself is ok, there are only 2 places to
look, at the last live outlet and the first dead outlet.

BUT! Are you absolutely sure there is no junction box between the
last live outlet and the first dead outlet. I recently found in a
situation exactly like yours that there was a junction box between a
live outlet and a dead one. Illegal to have a box without visible
access, but these things happen.