Expert: Bob Sponaugle - 7/13/2009

Question
Bob,

I recently went on vacation and flipped some of my breakers off in the garage to save energy.  When I came back from vacation, I flipped them all on and for the most part everything turned on as planned.  However, on one circuit, the power did not come back on.  There is power to the wires in the circuit, but one of the plug-in testers says that the Hot/Ground are reversed.  There should be no reason for this as I have not done anything to the wiring.  Suggestions for places to start troubleshooting?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi.

Things just happen sometimes.

Usually strange readings like this are caused by a loose or disconnected white neutral wire.  I doubt if the hot and ground are really reversed.

Check in all the boxes, including any part of the circuit that is still working for a loose white.  It could be where it enters an outlet if it is stuck in the hole in the back.  It could also be loose under the wire nut.

I hope this helps.

Bob