[roba]

Hello:

I plugged in a halogen lamp in a room, heard an "electrical noise" and now all the outlets on one side of the room are not working. I checked the circuit breaker and everything looks to be in order (none switched off). Does anyone know what could be the cause of this problem and how I can fix? Thanks.

[hkstroud]

Unplug lamp.

Check circuit breakers again, some times its hard to tell that they are tripped by looking, some just don't move enough. Feel switches, should be firm, if spongy reset, if in doubt reset.

I power does not return remove outlet, (with breaker off) look for obvious loose connection. If outlets are wired using little holes in back remove wires and put under screws on side. The (back stabbing) method of wiring is known to develop bad connections over time. Change all outlets and switches, the fault can be in one of the nonworking outlets or at the last working outlet.