On 5/24/2014 1:13 PM, trader_4 wrote:

Seriously doubt that's the case IF the circuit breaker was not tripped.



To generate "heat" you describe means resistance. Resistance in that

form would mean short to ground which takes you full circle to tripped

circuit breaker.



Not necessarily. You could drive a nail or staple through
the cable, damaging it so that the conductor size is
reduced to the point that it can't handle the current and
overheats. That further damages it, and eventually it
burns out, leaving an open. No tripping in that case.
On the list of possibilities, I agree, it's far more likely
something else.... A wire nut that is poorly fastened can
do the same thing, heating up, ultimately failing open.


There are probably a couple more POSSIBLE causes that we haven't even
thought of. Go with the odds though...

When you hear hoof beats, think horses (around here, anyways) not zebrasg