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    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 4, 2009, 09:54 AM
    Shorting receptacle
    I was putting my receptacle back in and the hot wire shorted out -blackening the copper screw. Do I just replace the receptacle or is there likely another problem
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #2

    Aug 4, 2009, 11:04 AM

    Replace outlet. Wrap screws on outlet with electrical tape. This will help prevent it shorting out again.

    Shut off breaker when working on outlet.

    Good luck

    Chuck
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 4, 2009, 11:30 AM

    Make sure that all unused screws are screwed in. Unused screws that are extended out greatly increase the chance of contacting the box, especially if it is a small box.
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Aug 4, 2009, 05:25 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by creahands View Post
    Replace outlet. Wrap screws on outlet with electrical tape. This will help prevent it shorting out again.

    Shut off breaker when working on outlet.

    Good luck

    Chuck

    Thanks Chuck - done - add prob- it also shorted out my stove which is next to the receptacle. This is weird - wondering if he has linked the two lines?

    schwanny
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Aug 4, 2009, 05:25 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    Make sure that all unused screws are screwed in. Unused screws that are extended out greatly increase the chance of contacting the box, especially if it is a small box.
    Thanks done appreciated
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #6

    Aug 4, 2009, 09:44 PM

    Hi Schwanny

    In post #4 u stated that it also shorted out stove.

    Is the stove electric?

    If not, when short in outlet corrected did stove operate OK?

    Chuck
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Aug 4, 2009, 09:55 PM

    Yes the stove is electric and it was working fine prior to the short. Thanks Chuck

    Schwanny
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Aug 4, 2009, 10:11 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by creahands View Post
    Hi Schwanny

    In post #4 u stated that it also shorted out stove.

    Is the stove electric?

    If not, when short in outlet corrected did stove operate OK?

    Chuck
    The stove was fine and electric prior to short of receptacle - odd?

    schwanny
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #9

    Aug 4, 2009, 10:49 PM

    Not logical, stove should be on circuit by itself and a much higher amperage. Shorting out an outlet should not affect stove unless outlet is part of stove.

    Other possibility is that someone tied in an outlet to stove circuit which would be a big, big no-no.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #10

    Aug 5, 2009, 04:57 AM

    If not with stove circuit, may have blown 1 main fuse or Main Breaker is Half tripped(1 Leg)
    And your saying, shorting the receptacle tripped your 50? Amp breaker?
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #11

    Aug 5, 2009, 08:20 AM

    I agree with Harold.

    If outlet wired to one side of stove, this is a big NONO.

    Which breaker blown when u created the short?

    Shut off breaker to stove and if outlet does not work, it is wired to one side of stove breaker. U should rewire to another outlet or a home run from breaker panel box.

    Chuck
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #12

    Aug 5, 2009, 01:47 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    Not logical, stove should be on circuit by itself and a much higher amperage. Shorting out an outlet should not affect stove unless outlet is part of stove.

    Other possibility is that someone tied in an outlet to stove circuit which would be a big, big no-no.
    Thanks I will get an elect in to see if no no was committed

    Sch
    schwanny's Avatar
    schwanny Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #13

    Aug 5, 2009, 01:48 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    If not with stove circuit, may have blown 1 main fuse or Main Breaker is Half tripped(1 Leg)
    And your saying, shorting the recepticle tripped your 50? Amp breaker?
    It seemed to have - as was same time - I am gettng an elect in tonight to see if he tied the two lines in together

    Many thanks
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