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    joshapollo's Avatar
    joshapollo Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 26, 2009, 10:12 AM
    Breaker turn on but lights don't
    My lights in my kitchen along with my washer,and a/c all went out one day. This has happen before, and all I needed to do was go to the breaker box and flip things back on. Well it's done it again but this time when I flip the breaker they don't come back on.. I was wondering if it is possible that one of the wire on the outlet became lose or maybe got blown off with a surge? Because you must understand that my stove, refrigerator, washer, and a/c are all on this breaker.. (hey I live in NYC) if what I'm thinking is true, wouldn't I just have to go around and find the lose wire in the outlet attach it and things should work? Plus I can't really recall if it a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker but I do understand that what ever it is I should upgrade it right?
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 26, 2009, 10:46 AM
    My lights in my kitchen along with my washer,and a/c all went out one day. This has happen before, and all I needed to do was go to the breaker box and flip things back on. Well it's done it again but this time when I flip the breaker they don't come back on.. I was wondering if it is possible that one of the wire on the outlet became lose or maybe got blown off with a surge? Because you must understand that my stove, refrigerator, washer, and a/c are all on this breaker.. (hey I live in NYC) if what I'm thinking is true, wouldn't I just have to go around and find the lose wire in the outlet attach it and things should work?
    Your breaker may have failed and may need to be replaced. It's also possible that a wire burned. I'd recommend getting an electrician. You don't seem to understand the principles involved and it can be dangerous.

    Plus I can't really recall if it a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker but I do understand that what ever it is I should upgrade it right?
    You can't simply "upgrade" a breaker from 15 to 20 amps unless you run new wiring. A 20 amp breaker uses at least 12 gauge wire and a 15 amp breaker uses at least 14 gauge (or smaller) wire. The breaker must match the smallest wire (largest gauge) in the circuit.
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