[gsensel]

I have a bathroom with 2 outlets in it one is a GFI and the other isn't. The GFI is not tripped and provides electricity. The other without the GFI does not work. From one of your videos and looking on google I have taken them out and they are connected (the GFI provides power to the non GFI). The GFI does not test/reset, but still has power.

Is it just a bad GFI that I can replace myself or a bigger problem that I should call a professional on?

 

[bbo]

I have a bathroom with 2 outlets in it one is a GFI and the other isn't. The GFI is not tripped and provides electricity. The other without the GFI does not work. From one of your videos and looking on google I have taken them out and they are connected (the GFI provides power to the non GFI). The GFI does not test/reset, but still has power.

Is it just a bad GFI that I can replace myself or a bigger problem that I should call a professional on?

I'm no electrician, but if a GFCI does not trip with the test button, it certainly should be replaced.

You are not working on this with live wires, are you?

 

[jproffer]

The GFI does not test/reset, but still has power

That's a problem. If it won't test, then it won't trip and is as good as nothing.

What wires are on the back of the GFI? And on what terminals? (pictures are better than words, but words are better than nothing )

 

[ben's plumbing]

start by replacing gfi.....TURN OFF POWER 1ST....

 

[joecaption]

Are the lines going to that outlet connected to the load side of the GFI?
It will say load on the back side.

 

[jbfan]

Some older model gfci's would disconnect the downstream power, but would stay hot themselves.

Newer ones will not reset if the power is not correctly connected.

Replace the gfci and test again.

 

[Jdizzle]

Recheck your line and load before replacing.

 

[gsensel]

I will try pictures and words. The BOTTOM screws have Line and the TOP have Load. There are 2 black wires connected to the RIGHT side 2 white wires connected to the LEFT side. All directions are looking straight at outlet.

http://twitpic.com/87c31g
http://twitpic.com/87c43x

The house is about 100 years old and a previous owner did work on it their selves. Given the way other things are done it would not surprise me if something is wrong. They were the type who give DIYers a bad name.

And just to clarify the power was off when I had the plug out getting the pictures and I had the power on when trying to test/resest.

 

[gsensel]

I am going to be out today, so I am going to stop by a hardware store and get a GFI outlet and Outlet/GFI tester.

 

[TarheelTerp]

I am going to be out today....

While you're there pick up a non contact tester... or better yet get a basic analog VOM which is about the same cost and always useful to have around.

When you get home you'll need to determine which of those two pairs of wires (B&W) in that box is always hot. They'll go on the "line" side terminals of the new GFI.

 

[bbo]

While you're there pick up a non contact tester... or better yet get a basic analog VOM which is about the same cost and always useful to have around.

When you get home you'll need to determine which of those two pairs of wires (B&W) in that box is always hot. They'll go on the "line" side terminals of the new GFI.

better yet, get two. that way you'll always have one with batteries. they really aren't expensive. I tend to overdo it with safety equipment.

 

[gsensel]

When you get home you'll need to determine which of those two pairs of wires (B&W) in that box is always hot. They'll go on the "line" side terminals of the new GFI.

I did pick one up. Work until Friday, so haven't done anything yet. Not sure how to do this part.

 

[gsensel]

Ok I got a tester, and the GFI is wired correctly according to it, but the GIF did not trip so I will replace it. The other plug when I put the tester in showed no lights which I assume to mean no power. I put it in another outlet and it gave the lights for correct, so am I correct that the outlet not working is not getting power?

If my thought is correct does that mean it would need to be rewired or will replacing the GFI possibly fix the issue?

 

[Julius793]

Ok I got a tester, and the GFI is wired correctly according to it, but the GIF did not trip so I will replace it. The other plug when I put the tester in showed no lights which I assume to mean no power. I put it in another outlet and it gave the lights for correct, so am I correct that the outlet not working is not getting power?

If my thought is correct does that mean it would need to be rewired or will replacing the GFI possibly fix the issue?

If the gfi doesnt trip it MUST be replaced, hopefully that will resolve the other issue however if it doesn't come back.

 

[gsensel]

After taking the old GFI out and putting the new one in (wired the same way) I had no power to either outlet. So I thought I had a wire on bad (used curved method to the screw, and my ground fell of after barely touching. I then trimmed and used the holes, but still had no power.

Even though I was not keen on the idea of having live wires out where I would be near them I turned the power on and check for which was the hot set. Upon doing this I found out the hot were going to the load side (again I did not install it the first time)

So I switched the load and line and it powered up just fine, showed it was wired correctly and GFI tripped, and now the other outlet works.

This just nails home my opinion that if you are going to DIY be sure and have knowledge or Google it before trying. Thanks for all your help!

 

[jbfan]

Glad you came back and told us.

 

[bbo]

thanks for coming back.

always good to get a number of opinions before attempting anything that could be unsafe if done improperly.

Since I so infrequently do electrical work, I like to verify my procedures each time. those three way switches trip me up every time :laughing: