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View Full Version : For no reson lost power on two oulets, brakers are OK


roman067
Mar 22, 2010, 12:19 PM
In my Garage I lost power on two outlets, on two separete walls, on outlet 1, I had a drop light and a radio, on outlet 2 an freezer that has been working fine for the past 12 years, the house is 20 years old, other outlets for garage doors and ceiling lights are working fine.
Took a look at braker box and none are trip, all seemed to be fine.

Any sugestions, Please.

tkrussell
Mar 22, 2010, 12:29 PM
Most likely there is a loose connection in one of the outlets, probably at the last working outlet on the circuit.

maady
Mar 22, 2010, 12:38 PM
You may need to check the fuse box for any blown fuse. If its still okay, you may need to check the continuity from breaker box to outlet. There may be chances when mice cuts the power cable. Ensure that the main breaker is switched off while you open and test the live electrical parts.

roman067
Mar 22, 2010, 12:46 PM
Most likely there is a loose connection in one of the outlets, probably at the last working outlet on the circuit.


Thanks tkrussell

I will keep that in mind, but I keep thinking this lines don't move at all, the outlet that has the drop light, my son uses it to plug another radio when he exercises, three time a week, does not touch the outlet, he connects the radio to the plug on the drop light, on the other wall I have an up right freezer, that's been working OK for over 10 years.

I will try to look at the panel next time ( I'm a military retiree with 20+ years in electronics, not electrical, I mean I'm not expert, but not completely unfamiliar either), if nothing else then I will call the local electrician.

Thanks again.

roman067
Mar 22, 2010, 12:53 PM
You may need to check the fuse box for any blown fuse. If its still okay, you may need to check the continuity from breaker box to outlet. There may be chances when mice cuts the power cable. Ensure that the main breaker is switched off while you open and test the live electrical parts.

Thanks maady

And yeahh the one thing that came to mind was the mouse, which I will not discart, but those cables are pretty hard for a mouse, well who knows.
I will try to look at the panel next time ( I'm a military retiree with 20+ years in electronics, not electrical, I mean I'm not expert, but not completely unfamiliar either), if nothing else then I will call the local electrician.

Thanks again.

mcad
Mar 22, 2010, 04:58 PM
I would have to second Tk on checking the last working outlet. You would be amazed at what can make a connection come loose. And if whoever installed the outlet decided to use the "mystery holes" in the back of the outlet as opposed to actually wiring to the screw terminal, then it makes it that much more possible.

donf
Mar 22, 2010, 06:20 PM
Roman,

The reason you want to check the outlets is because expansion and contraction of the conductors (caused by heat) can loosen connections, particularly if the connections are made using the "Back stabbed" method (the conductors are pushed into the holes on the back of the receptacle instead of using the screw terminals on the side of the receptacle.

Also, make sure that there is not a GFCI receptacle that has tripped and killed the downstream receptacles.