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HVB · Mar 21, 2009, 05:52 PM

All of a sudden several outlets and some lights quit working. I have checked and changed the circuit breaker that appeared to be loose. None of the breakers has been tripped. 24 hours later our electric range turns on but only gets warm, will not get hot? The home is 30 years old with I believe original circuit breakers. I have changed some of the wall plugs to heavy duty ones a couple of years ago, fine till now?

tkrussell · Mar 22, 2009, 06:40 AM

You will not solve this without a voltage meter. Just changing parts without knowing whether the part is defective or not clearly does not work.

There is most likely a loose connection somewhere. If any of the outlets you changed are on the circuit that is not working properly, those would be the first to check.

However, the electric range not working properly indicates a problem that is at the service or the incoming lines, and may common to the outlets not working.

Some simple testing with a volt meter at the panel may help find the problem, or at least confirm a voltage problem exists.

Opening a live panel has risks, so knowledge and safety is in order.

What are your abilities? Do you have a voltmeter rated to handle up to at least 250 volts AC?

stanfortyman · Mar 22, 2009, 07:33 AM

Sounds like half the service is out. Could be inside but could also be on the utility side.

HVB · Mar 22, 2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

You will not solve this without a voltage meter. Just changing parts without knowing whether the part is defective or not clearly does not work.

There is most likely a loose connection somewhere. If any of the outlets you changed are on the circuit that is not working properly, those would be the first to check.

However, the electric range not working properly indicates a problem that is at the service or the incoming lines, and may common to the outlets not working.

Some simple testing with a volt meter at the panel may help find the problem, or at least confirm a voltage problem exists.

Opening a live panel has risks, so knowledge and safety is in order.

What are your abilities? Do you have a voltmeter rated to handle up to at least 250 volts AC?

I have some knowledge, I have changed the circuit breakers & have changed electrical outlets in the past. How do I check for a loose wire? And could the oven breaker be only half on since it is a dual breaker? Thanks HVB

tkrussell · Mar 22, 2009, 02:13 PM

Could be anything, Stan said it the simplest.

Without a tester will only result in guessing.

Connections can be screw terminals inside the meter and at the aerial connections, all which need an electrician and the utility company, or at the Main breaker, branch breakers, how the breakers are plugged in, or at outlets, along with splices, however yours is done. Even though a connection looks good, loosening and re-tightening usually works.

Using a tester you can find or narrow down the connection that is bad.

If you don't have 240 volts across the main breaker, and 120 volts to neutral, then the problem is ahead of the panel.