AboutBob Sponaugle Expertise Just about any home wiring question. (not appliance repair) I have done all kinds of home wiring for myself, including adding a new breaker box, etc. Please, questions from North America only. Please be specific with details.
Question I blew an outlet checking it with a tester on the wrong setting, but the breaker never tripped. I now have no power going to the outlet even when the breaker is on. There is not an gfi circuit tripped or even included in the line to the breaker. Could I have a bad breaker that didn't trip and now has no power or could it be something else?
Answer Hi.
The short probably burned a wire loose somewhere. These things can be hard to track down. Somewhere in the circuit, there is a break. It could even be at a device that is working, because it could be the wire leaving the working device that is not working.
Check all outlets, switches, and lights. Check the wire nuts, because the wire could look connected, but not be. Especially check any outlets and switches that have the wires pushed in the back rather than screwed to the sides, because sometimes these fail. You may want to get a circuit analyzer for under $10 at any home center which will narrow it down to the white or black wire.
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here
