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View Full Version : Electric Outlet just stopped working


JayCe52
Jun 20, 2007, 03:41 PM
Any idea why my outside electric outlet would just stop working? It worked just fine the other day. Nothing unusual happened but today it doesn't work. Thanks

Stratmando
Jun 20, 2007, 03:47 PM
Could be on a GFI circuit, The Recepticles with Trip and Reset buttons, Like in Baths and Kitchens. They also have GFI Breakers in panel. Reset any that are tripped.
Is it on a switch?

JayCe52
Jun 20, 2007, 03:52 PM
Thanks for the quick response but it is not a GFI circuit (it does not have a reset). I also already tripped and reset all my circuits to see if that was the problem but no luck there either. And it is not on a switch. Any other thoughts. Thanks

Stratmando
Jun 20, 2007, 04:22 PM
What I woud do is plug in extension cord into known outlet, and bring outside, next to bad outlet, You will need meter. Verify Hot, Neutral, anfd ground at cord. This is your reference.
Place 1 lead of meter in neutral of cord, and other lead in hot(small prong) of receptacle.
No Power? This confirms no hot.
Now, Place lead of meter, in hot of cord and other lead into neutral of receptacle.
No Power? This confirms no neutral.
Losing Hot and neutral usually tripped gfi.
Losing hot, can be breaker, wire, connection, or switch.
If you lose hot, neutral, and ground, Cable may have been severed

21boat
Dec 14, 2008, 01:51 AM
Its not a G.F.I and sounds like an old metal with cover. Old gets old in the elements. I think it just might be a bad outlet. Check what other outside outlets might be on the same line and do they work. But be carful. Take your cover palate off and look at the wires in the box. See if it looks old and ruff. If you need to take it out of the box and since you don't know what circuit its on well? Shut down the house 15 and 20 amps ot just shut the main and be safe. I personal just pull them out no matter. But I do is for a living.

tkrussell
Dec 14, 2008, 04:45 AM
Question is over a year old,

And now closed.