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View Full Version : Switched outlet troubleshooting


relehew
May 4, 2008, 11:29 PM
I have a switched outlet that has a problem. The switch and outlet have both been replaced. There is voltage present at the switch and the outlet. When a lamp is plugged in it will no work but the lamp will work with other outlets. I haven't had this house very long but this has always been a problem. Anybody have any thoughts on this - is driving me crazy. Thanks

hkstroud
May 5, 2008, 04:59 AM
My guess is that you have an open neutral. Voltage between the hot and ground and no voltage between the hot and the neutral would confirm that. If all connections in the outlet appear to be good, check other outlets on that same circuit. If outlets were wired by inserting the wires in the little holes in the back, remove and put under the screws. Using the quick connect holes in the back of the outlets is known to cause poor connections after a period.
By check outlets, I mean remove the outlet and physically check the wiring. The faulty outlet can work and still have a faulty connection to the non-working outlet.