Standard light switch to receptacle... hooked all wires up, reads 120 with test meter but nothing works when plugged in... help?

So if you test on the silver and brass screws on the terminals of the receptacle you get 120 but did you put your test probe into the two receptacle slots? Do you get a reading there too, if not get another receptacle.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

So if you test on the silver and brass screws on the terminals of the receptacle you get 120 but did you put your test probe into the two receptacle slots?? Do you get a uureading there too, if not get another receptacle.

---

I think there is feedback somewhere... test meter reads 120 on BOTH sides... is that right? We checked other receptacles and only one of the slots gives a reading of 120... we are novices but have done simple wiring before... argh!! Frustrating!!

Not sure how you are going about testing the receptacle. Place a test probe in each slot at the same time. The larger slot is your neutral or white wire, smaller slot is hot/black. You should read 120.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Not sure how you are going about testing the receptacle. Place a test probe in each slot at the same time. The larger slot is your neutral or white wire, smaller slot is hot/black. You should read 120.

---

Yes, that is correct, but we also used it to test each side by grounding one probe and testing each side individually. Both sides read 120, but that is not the case with others we tested that way. That's why I'm thinking feedback from the jumper wire in the attic.

Turn the breaker off and replace receptacle

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dogdeville

Turn the breaker off and replace receptacle

---

We did that too... still get the same results.. we have tried 4 dif receptacles... bought 2new ones and used one already in the house that was working properly... same result.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dogdeville

Turn the breaker off and replace receptacle

---

I wish I could help but I'm clueless on this one!