[NewLook]

So one of the outlets in my kitchen isn't working correctly...

It has juice, but if you plug something into it, it doesn't give out near the power it should.. For example, if you plug in the can opener to it, the can opener barely runs... I've avoided using it for the time being... Anyone know what it could be? Simple fix, or rip it all apart?

 

[Red Squirrel]

First I'd stick a volt meter in there (not the battery tester type! a digital one, that can typically go up to 600v) and read the voltage. It should read 120. Next put a 100w incad bulb in it, see if it lights up or goes dim. Maybe do this while checking the voltage to see if you get a drop. Be careful.

I suspect there may be a loose wire somewhere so there's a big point of resistance. This is very dangerous. There's also the chance that it's in series with something else or something. Is there something in the house somewhere that does not work when nothing is plugged into that plug? See what else is on that circuit, and make sure it's unplugged, and retest to see if there is still a reading.

 

[Leah Frances]

So one of the outlets in my kitchen isn't working correctly...

It has juice, but if you plug something into it, it doesn't give out near the power it should.. For example, if you plug in the can opener to it, the can opener barely runs... I've avoided using it for the time being... Anyone know what it could be? Simple fix, or rip it all apart?

I'm in the process of re-wiring my house. I feel very confident in my ability to do an install to the standards set by my locality.

This makes me feel like pretty hot stuff :laughing:

But I would NEVER attempt to troubleshoot this type of problem in an existing circuit. My knowledge is too limited and the risks are too high. Even if you do your "simple fix, or rip it all apart" will you feel completely, 100%, confident that you eliminated the problem?

Call an electrician. They will fix it faster than you can and offer the sort of peace of mind that hiring a profession brings.

Balance the cost against the safety of your family. A worry free night's sleep is priceless.

 

[Rob1975]

If you are not an electrician or have any experience troubleshooting electrical systems, call someone who does. I would not stick anything in your outlets without having been taught how to do it and what you are looking for. This is coming from an experienced electrician, unless you are okay with the possibility of killing yourself.

 

[WillK]

When you say new outlet in your title, could you please elaborate what exactly is new? Is this something you put in, was it a rewire of the kitchen or a replacement of receptacles using existing wiring, was this an issue before this new outlet became the new outlet you are presently describing?

 

[a7ecorsair]

Start by mapping out your kitchen outlets. Depending on when the house and wiring were done, you may have only one circuit but hopefully you have two. Once you've located all the receptacles that are on the same breaker (or fuse) as the failing one, use a trouble light or something similar and test all the receptacles and see if the light is noticeably dimmer on just the one receptacle. If you only find the one bad, start by replacing that receptacle. I could have weak contacts.

 

[Leah Frances]

When you say new outlet in your title, could you please elaborate what exactly is new? Is this something you put in, was it a rewire of the kitchen or a replacement of receptacles using existing wiring, was this an issue before this new outlet became the new outlet you are presently describing?

Good pick-up. I assumed that it was an existing outlet without giving much thought to the title.

If the OP recently did the install then there may be a way to diagnose the cause and find a cure.

I thought it was an existing outlet that suddenly and without explanation began the described behavior.

 

[joed]

My guess is that a new receptacle was added to a switch loop and the new receptacle is in series with a light somewhere.

 

[Rob1975]

My guess is that a new receptacle was added to a switch loop and the new receptacle is in series with a light somewhere.

That wouldn't reduce the voltage, but shut it off.

It is more likely that you have a common out of phase, but I would consult an electrician. You cannot just grab any old common and use it.

 

[AllanJ]

Just about any serious electrical work needs the ability to use a volt meter.

Turn off the power before doing continuity tests (using the ohms function of a multimeter).

Does a light somewhere glow (not necessarily at full brightness) when the can opener is activated?

What happens if you plug a light (e.g. table lamp) into that receptacle?