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momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 01:08 PM

We were updating some outlet plates, and after changing 6, we discovered that 2 weren't working. After turning the brakers on and off over and over again, we found out that one of the kitchen's outlets (a GFCI) is also off. We tried to reset it, but it won't turn on. Also the fridge's outlet is not working which is located next to the GFCI outlet that isn't working. What can it be? Everything was working fine before rewiring the outlet plates!

tkrussell · Jan 27, 2011, 01:21 PM

One of the outlets you changed the plate on must have a loose wire connection inside the outlet box where the wires connect to the actual receptacle. Changing the plate must have disturbed a loose connection that was conducting power, now it is open.

Are you able to remove the receptacle and check these wire connections?

If so, be sure to shut the breaker off before removing the device.

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 01:21 PM

They could all be on the same circuit and are likely all tied to the GFCI. What happens when you push the small button on the GFCI?

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 01:27 PM

I tried to reset the 3 GFCI, 2 of them will reset but the 3rd one, which is the one closer to the fridge, won't turn on.

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 01:31 PM

@tkrussell: We were actually rewiring, changing not only the plates, but the whole thing. By "removing the receptacle do you mean taking out the little box that's inside the wall?

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 01:33 PM

Unplug everything that isn't working and then try to rest that 3rd one. TK is thinking loose wire which fits the problem. Could be the GFCI is just doing its job. Something in the area could be the problem like a toaster or the frig itself. You unplugged all of them to put the plates on and now it only takes one small issue with one appliance to trip the GFCI.

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 01:37 PM

This puts a whole new spin on everything. You may have connected one or more recptacles wrong. Pull the breaker and check each receptacle. How many are GFCI, just 3, how many are regular?

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 01:54 PM

3 GFCI's (that we didn't touch)
1 Regular that is not working and we didn't touch either, this one is located next to the GFCI that won't reset)

2 Regulars that we replaced and aren't working (located in the dining room, but is the same wall. The GFCI's and the other regular are in the kitchen).

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 03:31 PM

OK mom here come the tough questions are any receptacles wired to the GFCI to provide downstream GFCI protection?

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 04:15 PM

I don't think so. We moved here less than 2 years ago, and during the inspection we were told that we should ask the previous homeowner to install the GFCIs, which he did himself. Is there any way I can find that out?

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 04:22 PM

Ok lets try this, kill the breaker for the circuit and remove a GFCI, look on the backside, is there a small tapelike yellow stripe covering two screws or are all four screws being used?

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 04:35 PM

Removed the non-working GFCI. There is no tapelike. All four screws are being used. Two whites on one side, and two black ones on the other side. Also the ground wire.

ballengerb1 · Jan 27, 2011, 04:44 PM

This tells me that the GFCI is not only protecting itself but at least one other receptacle that looks normal. Do you have a tester and some elctrical skills, noy sure how far I can safely direct you over the AMHD. Do you have any friends of family who are "handymen" or good with electricity who can help you?

momoftwogirls · Jan 27, 2011, 04:48 PM

Nothing happens. It won't turn on. We tried turning off and on the breaker, and then reseting it (by pushing the smaill button), but we can't get power.