Outlets do not work but has 120v!

Scuba_Dave

Have you tried plugging in a known working light ?

oberkc

You get 120V across A and B. As mentioned earlier, you may conclude that you have power. You should also get 120V across B and C and no voltage across A and C. Did you follow the suggestion to plug devices into other receptacles and did that work? The fact that you get nothing between the right hole and center hole makes me suspect you have an ungrounded outlet. This is not uncommon, but introduces a potential shock hazard.

Assuming you are not blowing circuits or fuses, my first guess is either worn plug on device or worn receptacle. Plugging device into an extenstion cord, then receptacle, may work. If so, then you can reasonably conclude that you have a failing receptacle. Replacement is fairly routine, if this is the case.

cosmokramer

Oh boy! I would hate to admit it... but have to. I had tried plugging in the microwave and it never worked! Therefore for a year so, I had the microwave in another area. Now with unscrewing and screwing the outlet back in - plugged in the microwave; waaalaaaa.

Bob Mariani

Damn.. missed that... not plugging it in!.. Thought that only was a fix for refrigerators and computers.

ryanh

Great thread, I have the same problem at a rental property they called me about today in the kitchen, Can get 120v from ground to hot, but nothing from hot to neutral. Guess tomorrow its going to be focusing on tracing those 2 plugs (hopefully the wiring is correct in this house and they are on their own circuit being the counter plugs).

Heres to hoping to the neutral is just loose somewhere, and putting new plugs and hooking them up fix the problem

wilsonstark

Just an addition to the fellow who is new to this stuff. That multimeter is great, but get one if these outlet testers to test outlets. Plugs right in and will show you most of the common problems/mistakes with a 120 outlet. shouldn't cost more than $12 or $14 at any hardware store.

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