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Outlets / lights just quit

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08-10-03, 01:27 PM

gibsobguy

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Outlets / lights just quit

My lights and two outlets in our lower level just quit working. This includes an outside outlet and deck light as well. No circuit breakers have been tripped, nor have any GFCI's.
The only common thread is a two way switch that is in the circuit. How can I check this switch to see if it's gone bad?
The house is only 9 years old.

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08-10-03, 05:58 PM

John Nelson

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First of all, reconsider GFCI. There's a 97.3% chance that this is a GFCI problem, despite your belief to the contrary. On a house that is only 9 years old, you will have a number of GFCIs. Check the one in the garage first (yes, there is one there). Then check everywhere else, including all bathrooms, porches, and the basement. Then check all those places again, plus absolutely everywhere else inside and out, because you missed it the first time.

For ideas on the other 2.7% chances, do a search of this forum for the keyword "backstab". You will find quite a number of other posters who have complained of similar symptoms, and a number of suggestions are presented.

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08-10-03, 06:46 PM

gibsobguy

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You were right! I checked every GFCI in the house and finally found the one. I don't really understand how it affected that particular curcuit, but it doesn't matter, because you saved me a sizeable bill I would have paid to an electrician.

Thanks very much. I'm now sold on this website. Great job!

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