Check out some similar questions!

Keepscouting · Dec 20, 2010, 06:08 AM

I have an outlet that when I plug a VM into I get no power across the Neutral and Hot. But when I plug the tester into the Ground/Neutral and Ground/Hot both have 120 volts. This is probably 15 year old wiring and started when a plug was inserted into a multi-port adapter. One that screws onto the single gang itself. When the plug was inserted it was inserted in to 2 plugs at the same time. It filled the slot of two outlets. Which caused the short I am assuming. No breaker kicked and every outlet I test on that circuit reads the same way. I swapped that plug with a known good plug and also swapped the breaker with a known good breaker and had the same results with Ground/hot and Ground/Neutral having 120

tkrussell · Dec 20, 2010, 06:26 AM

First off, the word "plug" you mean the female receptacle?

I suspect you have a broken, or other wise, open neutral in the circuit causing the readings you are getting.

You need to trace this circuit, open each juncction box, receptacle, etc. checking for a loose neutral connection. Confirm that you have 120 volts at H-N and H-G and zero volts +/- N-G.

Keepscouting · Dec 20, 2010, 07:22 AM

Sorry plug was meant as a device being plugged into a receptacle that previously had been OK. Would there be any clues to look for. I have found this circuit includes lights and receptacles in 3 or more rooms and am testing one by one.

tkrussell · Dec 20, 2010, 08:06 AM

Popular loose connections to watch out for is when wires are pushed into the back of receptacles and switches, called Wiz Wire, Stab in the Back, Quick Wire, etc.

Change any connection such as this found to wrapped around the screw type of connection.

Keepscouting · Dec 20, 2010, 08:48 AM

Thanks... everyone one I have checked so far are the quick wire type.. lol