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    charles1962's Avatar
    charles1962 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 14, 2008, 03:45 PM
    No volatage to outlets and lights
    I was trying to find a breaker to a circuit and took the switch wires and touch them together it cause the lights to go off,but the breaker did not trip and now I can't get the lights back on also the main breaker was arcing as I turn it on and off
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 14, 2008, 03:49 PM
    Are you sure that the wires are not still in contact with each other or part of the box? It sounds like you still have a dead short. Did you mean to say main breaker is arcing or just the breaker for the line you were working on?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 14, 2008, 05:08 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by charles1962
    but the breaker did not trip and now i can't get the lights back on also the main breaker was arcing as i turn it on and off
    CALL AN ELECTRICIAN right away!
    This just became a pro-only situation. Replacing a main breaker is NOT a DIY job.
    It is actually likely that the panel will need to be replaced since the buss is likely burned.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 14, 2008, 05:11 PM
    BTW - who told you it was OK to short out wires to find a breaker?? We don't do this any more.
    If you want to continue in this trade and look like a pro I'd lose that practice right away!
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