How can I check a circuit breaker, several switches/plugs do not work, but none of the breakers is tripped.

Why would you want to check them if it isn't triipped? If your just curious DON'T! If you ar.

All panels have a main disconnect. Make sure that is off and go from there.

This is a frivolous post by Ice Cream with a useless, condescending answer.

An outlet with no power and no tripped breakers will most likely be a loose connection somewhere in the circuit, anywhere from the breaker to any wire in any outlet or junction box.


You will need a voltage tester. If you know which circuit breaker feeds the outlets with no power, try opening the last working outlet on the circuit looking for a loose wire connection on the back of the outlet.

If the wire connections are push in the back type, these are popular causing loose connections. Change any push in style connection to wrapped around the screw connection.

I agree with Kevin, what a goofy answer from Icecream. Are all of your nonworking outlets on the same circuit? Do any outlets on this circuit work or is the entire circuit out?

I would not rule out a tripped breaker just yet. Sometimes the breaker handles don't have enough throw on them to be seen as open. If you know the breaker, turn the breaker all the way off and then back on and let's see what happens.

If you are seeing a complete dead circuit I would bet on there being an open connection within the circuit, get out a meter and start checking. I would look for voltage first.

Sometime breakers will trip, but will not "throw". Sometimes you can run your finger down each row of breakers lightly, Not enough to turn off, but enough to expose tripped breaker. Someone may have wired onto GFI circuit, Test for power at your GFI's.