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-   -   Additional details, low power electrical outlet (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=177623)

  • Jan 28, 2008, 10:47 AM
    WMorg555
    Additional details, low power electrical outlet
    I have an electrical wall outlet that doesn't put out enough power to support things like my vacuum or computer, but power does come through the outlet because a smal lamp will light. I have shut off the circuit breaker until I get the problem fixed. Will changing the outlet for a new one fix my problem?

    The outlet is on a 15 amp circuit. There are two other wall outlets that I don't use and the ceiling light on the circuit. The other outlets and the ceiling light works fine. Low power means when I plug my shredder into the outlet, the power light comes on but there is not enough power to run the machine. When I plug it into another outlet it works fine.

    WMorg555
  • Jun 17, 2010, 03:09 AM
    malaiyappa
    On line ups total details
  • Jun 17, 2010, 05:04 AM
    Stratmando

    Try not to use until corrected, low voltage can destroy electrical/electronics.
    I would determine which breaker, then what all is on that breaker and check last good one or first bad receptacle. It can be in a switch box or light box as well.
    If you can measure voltage as things are plugged in, you will know you have it fixed.
  • Jun 17, 2010, 05:17 PM
    matt902

    Is this a recpticle that has a 1:1 transformer in it?Like ones used in bathrooms for electric shavers.They limit the power to around 30 watts.
  • Jun 17, 2010, 05:33 PM
    Stratmando

    Matt, GFI's trip on an unbalanced load(a hot trying to go through a person to ground causing the GFI to see the Hot is drawing more than the Neutral(unbalanced)and trips.
    It is not an isolation transformer.
  • Jun 17, 2010, 06:40 PM
    matt902

    Stratmando,the poster did not mention anything about a GFI.Before GFIs,bathroom outlets had a receptacle with a current limiting transformer on the backside which was mounted in a 4"X4" box.
  • Jun 18, 2010, 03:18 PM
    Stratmando

    Matt, was it current limiting or Isolation?

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