Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Electrical & Lighting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105)
-   -   Story of the Outside outlet and the jolly pressure washer (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=47508)

  • Dec 9, 2006, 09:12 AM
    microphish
    Story of the Outside outlet and the jolly pressure washer
    I have a single non GFCI outlet on my front porch that we hook up all Christmas lights, yard tools, 14V light timer, etc to. I was pressure washing my front porch last weekend and forgot to unplug the lights from the outlet. When I noticed the lights didn't come on that evening I knew I had screwed up as I am sure I doused that live outlet with my pressure washer.

    I used a voltage tester and got no response plugging it into the front plugins and also tested the two metal tabs on the sides of the outlet so it seems as no power is coming from the wires at all.

    I have searced for other outlets that might have been affected by the one I got wet for a tripped GFCI but I can't find one. Nothing tripped on my main circuit breaker and it's like this one porch outlet is an island to itself. I have no clue where the power source to this outlet is coming from and why it isn't working now. I would replace the outlet but I feel like I would be wasting my time.

    Am I missing something obvious? I've done all I know to do without calling an electrician.

    Thanks in advance.
  • Dec 9, 2006, 09:30 AM
    labman
    Sometimes a tripped breaker doesn't look tripped. Try to narrow down the suspects, and turn the breakers all the way to off and back on.
  • Dec 9, 2006, 02:54 PM
    tkrussell
    Or the connections at the outlet are lose or corroded. Pull the outlet out and check the wires directly to see if there is 120 volts.

    Or wires may be loose at a nearby outlet.

    This outlet should be GFI protected. Did you look at the panel, basement, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, for a GFI outlet?

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:44 AM.