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    enid666's Avatar
    enid666 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 9, 2008, 12:41 PM
    Reduced voltage in new series of outlets
    Hello.

    I recently added a new breaker when I remodeled my basement. It is a 20A, with 14-2 wire. The only thing that is downline are 4 outlet boxes. I tested all the outlets when I first turned the breaker on and all were "live" with a simple circuit tester. I just finished putting up the drywall, mudded it, etc. and now when I tried to use the last two in the circuit, there's not enough power to run anything.

    The first two work fine, although I haven't bought a voltage tester yet. Have I done something wrong? I pigtailed all junctions, etc. Is the 20A a wrong choice? Should I switch to a 15A? I would hate to break into the drywall which I just finished!! :(

    Thanks in advance,
    John
    Buffalo, NY
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 9, 2008, 01:16 PM
    With #14, 15 Amp is maximum breaker, If you had #12, a 20 Amp will protect that wire.
    What are you plugging in?
    Whatever you are plugging in to first outlet, then try 2nd, then 3rd, and so on.
    Are you plugging in high current appliance, then another, then another?
    Since #14 is in the wall, it will need to be reduced to !5 amp breaker.
    enid666's Avatar
    enid666 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 9, 2008, 03:19 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by enid666
    Hello.

    I recently added a new breaker when I remodeled my basement. It is a 20A, with 14-2 wire. The only thing that is downline are 4 outlet boxes. I tested all the outlets when I first turned the breaker on and all were "live" with a simple circuit tester. I just finished putting up the drywall, mudded it, etc., and now when I tried to use the last two in the circuit, there's not enough power to run anything.

    The first two work fine, although I haven't bought a voltage tester yet. Have I done something wrong? I pigtailed all junctions, etc. Is the 20A a wrong choice? Should I switch to a 15A? I would hate to break into the drywall which I just finished!!! :(

    Thanks in advance,
    John
    Buffalo, NY
    Never mind, found the problem. An outlet (3rd in series) had a neutral snapped in the box. Don't know how it happened, but everything works now. Thanks for the help.

    John
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Feb 9, 2008, 03:26 PM
    Good Deal, should still be on a 15 amp breaker to reduce the risk of fire.
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