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    stevejl's Avatar
    stevejl Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 16, 2009, 03:24 AM
    Lights are flickering on multiple circuits
    Hi all.

    I live in an apt. bldg, circa mid-1960's in Canada, have own conventional fuse panel in apt. with 6 fuses for outlets and lights, plus stove separate.

    I recently bought a new surge-protected 7 outlet power bar (APC), plugged it in and connected a 2-prong plug to it (router) and got a fairly large spark at the location I was plugging into (did not go all the way in), and immediately pulled the plug away. This spark did not blow the fuse (on panel), nor trip the breaker on the power bar, nor damage the router, but now lights (both switched overhead incandescent and plugged in fluorescent/incandescent lamps) on the same circuit, plus others on a separate circuit/fuse have started flickering. I have disconnected and shelved the power bar (will exchange). A friend tested the power bar and it indicates hot/ground were reversed but it died and blew his circuit while he was testing it. I tried disconnecting the fuse on the circuit that I was plugging into, for 15 minutes or so, hoping that would reset something, but no luck.

    What I wonder is what could be causing the lights to flicker now and what possible dangers might have been introduced? I have computer equipment on this circuit also.

    Thank you for any advice.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 16, 2009, 05:29 AM

    Remove the fuse to that circuit, then check recepticles and lights to see what is on that circuit, Likely a loose connection in one of the
    Recepticles, light or switch boxes.
    May be in a Junction box in Basement or Attic.
    Are some lights/recepticle steady on that circuit, problem may be in first bad receptacle or last good receptacle.
    Was the spark between the routers plug and Power strip?
    stevejl's Avatar
    stevejl Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 16, 2009, 11:58 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    Remove the fuse to that circuit, then check recepticles and lights to see what is on that circuit, Likely a loose connection in one of the
    recepticles, light or switch boxes.
    May be in a Junction box in Basement or Attic.
    Are some lights/recepticle steady on that circuit, problem may be in first bad recepticle or last good recepticle.
    Was the spark between the routers plug and Power strip?
    Thank you for responding, and am going to check the junctions at all switches and recepticles, as you suggest.

    And yes, the spark was between the routers plug (a walwart) and Power strip.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 16, 2009, 12:11 PM

    In addition to what has been offered I'd also call your landlord. They usually do not want you touching any part of the actual panel or circuitry.
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