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    jrock75's Avatar
    jrock75 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 16, 2008, 06:38 PM
    Entire Breaker Not Working
    Suddenly an entire breaker in my house stopped working. On this breaker are 2 electrical outlets (1 GFCI), 3 switches for 2 bathroom lights and a fan, and 1 switch for an outside light. For about 2 weeks before the power stopped working the lights in the bathroom would flicker if I had the TV on. I have tested the voltage and get 126V hot to ground, 120V neutral to ground, and 6V Hot to Neutral. There are no meaningful readings when the breaker is flipped off. I have checked the connections in the outlets and the switches for a loose neutral, but everything looks good. Any idea? Thanks.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 16, 2008, 08:46 PM
    By stopped working, do you mean that the breaker tripped or just no power when the breaker is on. Are your switches and outlets back wired (wires stuck in little holes in the back)?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 17, 2008, 04:06 AM
    You have an open neutral in one of the receptacles on this circuit.
    Remove every one and check the connections.
    As HK said, if they are back stabbed (wires are stuck in the holes in the back), move them to the side screws.
    jrock75's Avatar
    jrock75 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Jun 17, 2008, 07:43 AM
    I have already checked all the connections and moved the ones to the screws that were stuck in the back with no results. The breaker never tripped, the power just stopped working. I have checked all the switches and outlets, do I also need to do the same for the lights that the switches control?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jun 17, 2008, 12:40 PM
    Also check neutral connection at breaker panel.
    jrock75's Avatar
    jrock75 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Jun 18, 2008, 08:55 AM
    Was nervous about opening the breaker panel, but did it this morning and sure enough one of the neutral screws was loose. Tightened it up and all is working properly. Thanks for the help.
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