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j1mhorn · Oct 31, 2009, 01:48 PM

Just moved into a 20 year old house. Garage outlets worked when I moved in but don't work now. Outside lights don't work either.
I checked electrical panel and everything seems OK. I flipped all switches on and off but no improvement. I tested all CGFI's in the house and they all work and none of them have tripped. How do I look for the first switch in the group that is dead? What testing procedures should I use?

Jim

ballengerb1 · Oct 31, 2009, 02:04 PM

The gargae could be controlled by a GFCI breaker or through a GFCI receptacle, all other outlets tap from there. Check every outlet in the garage to see if you find a GFCI outlet

Herb A Stewart · Nov 1, 2009, 04:59 PM

This question is for a Comerical Electrician. Can you tell me what section of the NFPA70 to look in for a Comerical Kitches to require all 120 Volt outlets to be GFIR'S?

Herb A Stewart · Nov 1, 2009, 05:09 PM

One possibility is that the circuit breaker is diffective. Another is that the neutral may not be tight on the Neutral Buss. If you are getting a voltage in one of the boxes, there is a possibility that the Neutral may have opened. You really need a voltage tester to chase something down like this. Like the other person said,"Look for a defective GFI receptacle or a tripped one. The older GFI receptacle sometime will not re-set. Good Luck. Herb

donf · Nov 2, 2009, 08:01 AM

I'm curious how Herb got to a commercial kitchen and NEC codes on this one. Herb, if you are asking a new question, please create your own post, please do not piggy-back on an existing question.

As Herb stated, you need to get a "Volt/Ohm" meter. You can pick them up and just about all hardware stores, certainly at Home Depot or Lowe's. You want to make certain that the meter you choose will test for a voltage greater than 240 VAC.

Once you have the meter, set the meter for greater than 120 VAC. You will need to go into the Main Service Panel, so if you are uncomfortable and not familiar with the panel box and safety, call an electrician. This area can be deadly.

Place the Black probe from the meter onto either the Neutral bus or Ground bus. Place the red probe on the breaker that feeds the garage and lights. You should see approximately 118 VAC (+/-). If it is at zero, then the breaker is either off or defective.

First thing to try is to push the breaker handle as far to the "OFF" position as possible to make sure that you reset the breaker. Sometimes the panel cover can bind the movement of the breaker handle and prevent the breaker from being reset. Then move the handle to the "ON" position.

If you see a 120 VAC reading, then you should be fine. If you do not see the correct voltage, the breaker should be replaced.