View Full Version : No power to my overhead electrical connection
sparola
Aug 26, 2008, 03:16 PM
I removed an overhead fan several years ago and today I decided to install a new one. The problem I'm having is not getting any power with my tester. Have tried it on other electrical sockets and it works find.
I have power throughout the home (this is a mobile home) and I need help.
Thanks, Salle
thommyschnak
Aug 26, 2008, 05:42 PM
This may be way too obvious but is there a switch that controls your "overhead electrical connection, and if so is it on? Also what kind of tester do you have? Some touch testers can be extremely unreliable.
sparola
Aug 26, 2008, 06:00 PM
Yes . Thank you . Switch was off and on. Tried it both ways. The old fan had a chain which I think I shut it off that way. Cannot remember.
The test I have is EXTECH voltage tester. One point on hot, one on neutral or ground.
Salle
smearcase
Aug 26, 2008, 06:29 PM
Equally obvious, is the breaker off?
sparola
Aug 27, 2008, 05:02 AM
Still no power.
KISS
Aug 27, 2008, 06:38 AM
<Moved to Electrical and Lighting>
ballengerb1
Aug 27, 2008, 08:52 AM
Put your tester on the wire coming into the switch box and the other wire to a ground, do you have power entering the box? Do not try to test one wire on the switch to the other wire on the switch, you need to get a ground.
sparola
Aug 27, 2008, 02:45 PM
The testing I did was at the ceiling outlet. Wires are exposed. Should I take apart the on/off switch?
S
donf
Aug 27, 2008, 02:57 PM
You can actually make a voltage test at the switch.
With the switch in the "OFF" position, place the red probe on the upper screw connection of the switch and the black probe on the lower screw connection.
With this configuration you should see voltage of about 118 VAC. Now turn the switch on. In this configuration, you should see the voltage drop to zero.
If you still see the voltage, then turn the breaker for this circuit off. Then set your meter to the Ohms position (1K ohms). With the switch in the Off position there should not be anything registered on the meter. Whit the switch n the "ON" position, there should be zero (0) Ohms registered on the meter.
If the correct Readings for Ohms are seen, then the switch is working properly and you need to take a look at the connections feeding the switch.
thommyschnak
Aug 28, 2008, 03:55 PM
I will need to ask you a couple of questions of my own in order to help you, so please bear with me, please answer the following;
What type of box do you have in the ceiling, is it plastic or metal? How many wires are there in this ceiling box, and what color are they?
Are their any wires that may be spliced in the box, and if so can you please describe them?
Do you have the same type of wires at the switch box as you have in the ceiling? If you have the same type of wire at the ceiling box as you have at the switch box, disconnect them and verify that it is one continuous wire from the switch box to the ceiling.
Do you have an attic above the ceiling box, and if so is it accessible, the reason that I ask is you might be able to verify that the wire is not spliced incorrectly in this would be attic.
With these answers I will be better able to help you. Oh and by the way did you ever remove the switch and check to see weather or not it is hooked up? Let me know how you make out, I would love to help!
Sincerely, TOMMY SCHNAK:cool: