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#1
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Power outage
Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would
turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks |
#2
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Power outage
Hi,
Hi, Meanie wrote: Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks Hi, First of all, have you removed every thing on the circuit and start plugging in one device at a time to narrow down the problem? |
#3
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Power outage
Dear Tony,
Dear Tony, Sounds like the entire circuit is not working properly. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Tony Hwang" wrote in message ... Hi, Hi, Meanie wrote: Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks Hi, First of all, have you removed every thing on the circuit and start plugging in one device at a time to narrow down the problem? |
#4
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Power outage
Tony Hwang wrote: Hi, Hi, Meanie wrote: Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks Hi, First of all, have you removed every thing on the circuit and start plugging in one device at a time to narrow down the problem? Sounds fairly typical of a failing push-wire connection at a receptacle. Best to at a minimum remove each device and change it from push-wire connections to screw terminal connections. If the current devices are $0.50 specials, I'd recommend buying the bulk packs of the "spec grade" or "commercial grade" receptacles that run ~$2 and replace the devices as well, again using the screw terminals or the screw clamp option on some of the better devices. The push-wire connections are nothing but trouble. |
#5
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Power outage
"Pete C." wrote in message ... Tony Hwang wrote: Hi, Hi, Sounds fairly typical of a failing push-wire connection at a receptacle. Best to at a minimum remove each device and change it from push-wire connections to screw terminal connections. If the current devices are $0.50 specials, I'd recommend buying the bulk packs of the "spec grade" or "commercial grade" receptacles that run ~$2 and replace the devices as well, again using the screw terminals or the screw clamp option on some of the better devices. The push-wire connections are nothing but trouble. I'm uncertain of the outlet and switch grade since they were the originals ones when I bought the house. Though I will be checking each individual connection today. |
#6
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Power outage
On Sun, 13 Jan 2013 09:15:41 -0500, "Meanie" wrote:
"Pete C." wrote in message ... Tony Hwang wrote: Hi, Hi, Sounds fairly typical of a failing push-wire connection at a receptacle. Best to at a minimum remove each device and change it from push-wire connections to screw terminal connections. If the current devices are $0.50 specials, I'd recommend buying the bulk packs of the "spec grade" or "commercial grade" receptacles that run ~$2 and replace the devices as well, again using the screw terminals or the screw clamp option on some of the better devices. The push-wire connections are nothing but trouble. I'm uncertain of the outlet and switch grade since they were the originals ones when I bought the house. Though I will be checking each individual connection today. Better yet, get the type with the back wire clamps. They'll connect the same way (so you won't have to restrip and refold the wire in the box) as the "back-stab" outlets you probably already have, but have a screw clamp, rather than a flimsy metal knife-edge to hold the wire. They don't cost any more ($20 for ten) than the normal screw-type outlets and are far easier to work with. |
#7
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Power outage
Better yet, get the type with the back wire clamps. They'll connect the same way (so you won't have to restrip and refold the wire in the box) as the "back-stab" outlets you probably already have, but have a screw clamp, rather than a flimsy metal knife-edge to hold the wire. They don't cost any more ($20 for ten) than the normal screw-type outlets and are far easier to work with. ================================================== ======================================= Upon checking all outlets and switches, I discovered they are all screw clamp and all secure. None are back stab outlets/switches. Two of them even had old orange price tags on them and they both read $6.49. Therefore, I can assume they are decent quality. |
#8
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Power outage
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#9
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Power outage
On Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:59:37 -0700, Tony Hwang
wrote: Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Is there a GFCI in the circuit related to the bathroom... My wife can knock out power to the man cave with her hair dryer (another story for later) |
#10
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Power outage
"Oren" wrote in message ... On Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:59:37 -0700, Tony Hwang wrote: Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Is there a GFCI in the circuit related to the bathroom... My wife can knock out power to the man cave with her hair dryer (another story for later) __________________________________________________ ___________________________________ No GFCI on this circuit. The GFCI in the bathroom is on another circuit. Only the bathroom light is on the power loss circuit. |
#11
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Power outage
I'd suggest next, to remove and replace the breaker several times. On and
off the bus bar. I've seen cases where the bus bar gets a bit of corrosion, where the breaker snaps on. Please let us know what you find. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Meanie" wrote in message ... Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks |
#12
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Power outage
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ... I'd suggest next, to remove and replace the breaker several times. On and off the bus bar. I've seen cases where the bus bar gets a bit of corrosion, where the breaker snaps on. Please let us know what you find. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will add that to my troubleshooting list. Thanks |
#13
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Power outage
On Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:50:50 -0500, "Meanie" wrote:
I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks It may be a break at a connection. Do you know what is on that circuit? If it is a series of connections, I'd start at the first one and work along. You may have the wires feeding a receptacle, then they go from that receptacle to another. If the first receptacle went bad or connection came loose, everything down line is out. Also, are there any GFCI on the line? if so, check that first. |
#14
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Power outage
"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message ... It may be a break at a connection. Do you know what is on that circuit? If it is a series of connections, I'd start at the first one and work along. You may have the wires feeding a receptacle, then they go from that receptacle to another. If the first receptacle went bad or connection came loose, everything down line is out. Also, are there any GFCI on the line? if so, check that first. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years ago, I made a diagram of my home's electrical connections corresponding with it's breaker/circuit. Unfortunately, I am unaware of the flow of the circuits. I plan to check every outlet and switch on that circuit to determine loose or back stabbed connection and repair. There isn't a GFCI on this circuit. Thanks |
#15
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Power outage
"Meanie" wrote:
Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks One more test that I would try is to swap the wires at the suspect breaker with another breaker. The breaker may test good with no load on it but fail once current starts flowing. I recently had intermittent flickering of all the lights on one circuit. I swapped the hots between breakers and the flickering moved to the other circuit. The bad breaker tested good, but obviously wasn't. Since you are obviously comfortable around the breaker panel, it couldn't hurt to swap a couple of wires. |
#16
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Power outage
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message ... " One more test that I would try is to swap the wires at the suspect breaker with another breaker. The breaker may test good with no load on it but fail once current starts flowing. I recently had intermittent flickering of all the lights on one circuit. I swapped the hots between breakers and the flickering moved to the other circuit. The bad breaker tested good, but obviously wasn't. Since you are obviously comfortable around the breaker panel, it couldn't hurt to swap a couple of wires. ================================================== =============================== Good idea. I'll add that to the troubleshooting list. Thanks |
#17
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Power outage
On 1/12/2013 5:50 PM, Meanie wrote:
Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. |
#18
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Power outage
"RBM" wrote in message ... OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. ================================================== =================================== ALL outlets and switches are dead with breaker on. No outside outlets are on this circuit. I like the suggestions. Will add to the list and troubleshoot. Thanks |
#19
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Power outage
On Jan 13, 9:28*am, "Meanie" wrote:
"RBM" *wrote in ... OK, you have an open *somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. ================================================== =========================*========== ALL outlets and switches are dead with breaker on. No outside outlets are on this circuit. I like the suggestions. Will add to the list and troubleshoot. Thanks By dead with the breaker on, do you mean that you're reading 120V at the breaker wire and you've at the same time reading that you don't have 120V between either hot and neutral or hot and ground at any of the switches and outlets? |
#20
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Power outage
wrote in message ... By dead with the breaker on, do you mean that you're reading 120V at the breaker wire and you've at the same time reading that you don't have 120V between either hot and neutral or hot and ground at any of the switches and outlets? ================================================== ===================================== Originally, by dead, I meant the breaker was on but all outlets/switches were dead. I didn't use the tester to confirm that because things were plugged in but not on and the hall switch and bathroom switch have the inner light which can be seen when it's off. They were both off and I assumed there wasn't power. BUT NOW.......I turned the breaker on and those inner lights in the switch were on. I metered the outlets and read 115v on all. Thus, I turned on the hall switch and nothing. That inner glow light went flickering and upon checking the outlets again, voltage was roughly 55 to 65v in the outlets. I turned the breaker off then on again and the inner switch lights are aglow and the outlets are reading 155v again. My conclusion is a bad neutral SOMEWHERE which is triggered when I hit the light switch and/or was triggered when I turned on an appliance (computer, tv, etc) when I had them all plugged in. I'm wondering if it can still be in an outlet or switch. If so, I am considering the advice of purchasing a box and replacing all just for process of elimination. |
#21
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Power outage
"Meanie" wrote:
wrote in message ... By dead with the breaker on, do you mean that you're reading 120V at the breaker wire and you've at the same time reading that you don't have 120V between either hot and neutral or hot and ground at any of the switches and outlets? ================================================== ===================================== Originally, by dead, I meant the breaker was on but all outlets/switches were dead. I didn't use the tester to confirm that because things were plugged in but not on and the hall switch and bathroom switch have the inner light which can be seen when it's off. They were both off and I assumed there wasn't power. BUT NOW.......I turned the breaker on and those inner lights in the switch were on. I metered the outlets and read 115v on all. Thus, I turned on the hall switch and nothing. That inner glow light went flickering and upon checking the outlets again, voltage was roughly 55 to 65v in the outlets. I turned the breaker off then on again and the inner switch lights are aglow and the outlets are reading 155v again. My conclusion is a bad neutral SOMEWHERE which is triggered when I hit the light switch and/or was triggered when I turned on an appliance (computer, tv, etc) when I had them all plugged in. I'm wondering if it can still be in an outlet or switch. If so, I am considering the advice of purchasing a box and replacing all just for process of elimination. Have you swapped the hot to another breaker as I suggested? Intermittent and changing symptoms like you are seeing could be a bad breaker. The flickering problem that I mentioned in my other post was intermittent, sometimes not happening for days, sometimes happening for 1 minute, sometimes happening for hours. Swapping the hots between 2 breakers moved the flickering to another circuit. Changing the breaker solved the problem. |
#22
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Power outage
On Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:12:12 -0500, "Meanie" wrote:
I'm wondering if it can still be in an outlet or switch. If so, I am considering the advice of purchasing a box and replacing all just for process of elimination. I'd start with the switch you first turned of and they all went out. |
#23
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Power outage
On 1/13/2013 9:28 AM, Meanie wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message ... OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. ================================================== =================================== ALL outlets and switches are dead with breaker on. No outside outlets are on this circuit. I like the suggestions. Will add to the list and troubleshoot. Thanks How many lights and receptacles are on this circuit? What type of rooms are they in?, bedroom, bathroom, hall, etc. When was the house built? |
#24
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Power outage
"RBM" wrote in message ... On 1/13/2013 9:28 AM, Meanie wrote: "RBM" wrote in message ... OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. ================================================== =================================== ALL outlets and switches are dead with breaker on. No outside outlets are on this circuit. I like the suggestions. Will add to the list and troubleshoot. Thanks How many lights and receptacles are on this circuit? What type of rooms are they in?, bedroom, bathroom, hall, etc. When was the house built? ================================================== ===================================== 6 receptacles and 4 switches/lights. Computer room/Office (spare bedroom) = 3 receptacles and 1 wall switch/ceiling fan light Spare bedroom = 2 receptacles and 1 wall switch/ceiling fan light. Living room = 1 receptacle Bathroom = Wall switch for lights Hall = Wall switch for ceiling light |
#25
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Power outage
On 1/13/2013 2:17 PM, Meanie wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message ... On 1/13/2013 9:28 AM, Meanie wrote: "RBM" wrote in message ... OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. ================================================== =================================== ALL outlets and switches are dead with breaker on. No outside outlets are on this circuit. I like the suggestions. Will add to the list and troubleshoot. Thanks How many lights and receptacles are on this circuit? What type of rooms are they in?, bedroom, bathroom, hall, etc. When was the house built? ================================================== ===================================== 6 receptacles and 4 switches/lights. Computer room/Office (spare bedroom) = 3 receptacles and 1 wall switch/ceiling fan light Spare bedroom = 2 receptacles and 1 wall switch/ceiling fan light. Living room = 1 receptacle Bathroom = Wall switch for lights Hall = Wall switch for ceiling light You didn't give me the age of the house, but in another reply you mentioned that the bathroom outlet was separate from the light circuit. This leads me to believe you're in at least a 1980s house. Unless you got a really cheesy electrician, it does sound like it is the entire circuit that is dead. You didn't determine if it was the hot leg or the neutral that is dead though. I would check the panel to see if this dead circuit is part of a multiwire branch circuit. This is one where there is a red hot wire and a black hot wire, that share a common neutral. If it turns out that the neutral is open, and it's a multiwire circuit, I would be looking for the junction box where the 3 wire cable splits into two individual circuits. It will likely be in a live circuit adjacent to the dead one. It is also just as possible that the first outlet in the string, possibly the one nearest to the breaker panel, has a bad connection. |
#26
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Power outage
Approximately 3 days ago, I noticed a few quick power bumps whenever I
would turn on a light switch or my cable box or my computer, which are all on the same circuit. Everything on that circuit would shut down and start up instantly. Today, it did it again when the wife turned on the bathroom light (same circuit). Therefore, thinking it may be a loose breaker, I turned off then back on the breaker. Upon restarting my computer, the entire power within that circuit went out and this time, never came back on. I tested the breaker which indicated good. I removed the breaker feed, turned the breaker on and read 120v. Therefore, I assume the problem is elsewhere in the field. I ensured all neutral connections were secured. I reconnected the breaker feed and turned on the breaker and still no power. The good part is, it's designated to one circuit and not the entire house. The bad news is my router and modem are on that circuit, but I am running an extension cord to another outlet. Any suggestions what the problem could be? My guess is a wire, but uncertain and where. Thanks OK, you have an open somewhere on that circuit. The first thing I would do, is determine if it's the hot leg or the neutral that's open. The second thing I would do, is determine if all of the outlets on that circuit are dead, when the breaker is on. If some outlets remain live, I would try to determine the wiring sequence and look for the open circuit at the last live outlet in the chain, or the first dead outlet on the chain. Sometimes you can locate the location of the loose connection by plugging in a test light bulb, into one of the dead outlets, then tap on all the other outlets, and switches on that circuit. If you whack one, and it causes the light to flicker, look for your loose connection there. Don't overlook outdoor outlets, that may be on that circuit as well. *I agree with RBM. You need to open up electrical outlets and see what is going on. You should also look into the wall switches if you don't find the problem in an outlet. There could be a loose splice in the switchbox. |
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