Hi,
I have an electrical issue in my kitchen. I have 3 GFI's (one of which operates), 1 standard outlet and 2 switches (one which operates an exhaust vent and one for an overhead fluorescent light and the disposal. I only have current to the one GFI. The breaker is not tripped, nor is it hot to the touch. I've determined the one working outlet is on a circuit with the refrigerator. I have noticed that the two GFI's don't "click" like the one working when you try to re-set them... Please note this is an older home (late 60's).

Were on a very tight budget and any help would be greatly appreciated. Also I am familiar with basic electricity and use of a multi meter.

Very truly,
Andy Shepard
[email protected]

Andy,

You might want to consider removing your e-mail address.

My immediate reaction is to suggest that you press the reset button on each of the GFCI Outlets. But I can see from your post that you have already done that.

GFCI outlets can exist in a circuit two ways:

1) An outlet protecting only it's single location.
2) An outlet that protects itself and several downstream loads.

Also, There can be GFCI and AFCI breakers installed on the main panel to protect from there. These devises trip when very small amounts of current cause an imbalance. The GFCI trips, protecting further damage to itself or further downstream.

Now that said, do you have enough expertise to use a voltmeter to verify that there is voltage coming into the "Line" terminals on the outlet? If there is 120 coming into the outlet, then the run from the panel box is probably fine. If there is no voltage, shut the breaker off, remove the Black and White wires from the outlet, place the red lead on the back wire and the black lead on the white wire. Turn the breaker back on. Do you get voltage? (Y/N).

If yes, get another GFCI outlet and swap it for the failing one, after turning the breaker off again. On the new outlet, stick the red probe, into the shorter of the two slots on the outlet and the black into longer slot. Turn the breaker on, Do you get power? (Y?N) If the lower outlet is now hot, reset the remaining outlet and check the lower or "Line" slots in just the same manner as you checked the original failing outlet.

Please let us know what you find.