[Mark30]

Hello
I have 3 outlets that are dead, checked breakers and they look good, what would be the best way to check to see if there's an open? How do you test with multimeter? Any other things I can check?

Thanks !!

 

[Jim Port]

You could check from the smaller slot to the round slot and from small slot to larger slot. This will check for both voltage and a lost neutral. Check you meter in a working receptacle first.

 

[DangerMouse]

Have you checked for tripped GFCIs in the line hidden anywhere? (don't laugh, it's been the answer here more than once!) If none, I'd power off and look at the outlet nearest to the panel first.

DM

 

[Mark30]

Jim, yes I will try that!

Mouse, I have looked for a tripped gfci but I didnt find one, unless it's like really hidden somewhere! But I don't think there is one though!

Guys if so happens to be an open what's the easiest way to repair it??

 

[user1007]

If the whole circuit went down suddenly, and you cannot bring it back to life? And know obvious GCFI on the line tripped.

How much do you have plugged on that circuit by the way. Two lamps and a ceiling light or multiple power strips with computers, printers and stuff?

You fried a breaker switch. Or you are over loading it so it trips.

Either way, you need to pull the cover off your service box, yank the suspected failed breaker out. And reach in and tighten all the wires to the main. You may just have a neutral wire loose. Then you have to press the breaker back in place. If it has oodles of things plugged in exceeding the amps on the breaker, I pray it should trip again.

Personally, I would do one of two things in either instance as a DIY self project.

1. Call an electrician.

2. Call an electrician.

Of course all that work for me swim in money, have the personalities of garden slugs, and have been known to give me only bags of wire nuts for Christmas. Mine are not all that expensive and I have never had a project set on fire yet because of them. My fave over the years have been from a union contractor that on the side of the truck, advertises something like we want to get into and fix your shorts.

 

[sirsparksalot]

Hang in there Mark. Try and find the bad receptacle, as per Jim and DangerMouse's instructions first. Once you find it, we'll guide you though it.

 

[sirsparksalot]

Check the first outlet closest to the breaker panel, as DM suggested. What are the results? If it's dead, let us know.

 

[DangerMouse]

I have looked for a tripped gfci but I didn't find one, unless it's like really hidden somewhere!

In one case, it was in ANOTHER ROOM and had tripped!
Anything's possible! :laughing:

DM

 

[sirsparksalot]

GFCIs can be inside, outside, in a garage, crawlspace, attic and everywhere. YES, I've found them in crawlspaces protecting receptacles and lighting !!!

 

[Mark30]

Thanks for your concerns, but I'm pretty comfortable doing this myself I'm not an electrician but I know a lot about electricity and done many jobs just my troubleshooting skills are a little rusty lol

I'll keep looking per your advise and let you guys know what I find thanks!

 

[The Deez]

could be a stab with a loose connection somewhere as well. affecting the other plugs down the line