Help Please! Outlets not working
#1
10-08-03, 06:59 PM
Help Please! Outlets not working
The outlets in my Family room are not working, neither is the light switch for the porch, two other outlets on the same breaker work though in other rooms and the power in the whole house shuts off at least once a week, I'm not sure on how long, I find out when I get home from work and everything in my house is reset or blinking. Is this something I can fix myself or should I hire an expert? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!
#2
10-08-03, 08:09 PM
Member
There are quite a few possibilities.
If your problems are self healing, then a loose connection is usually implicated. Often these loose connections are the result of failing "backstab" connections (wires poked into little holes in the back of receptacles and switches). The problem may be either at a box with a non-working receptacle or switch, or at a working box. It is adviseable to move such connections to the adjacent screw (with the breaker off, of course). If there is already a wire on the adjacent screw, you'll need to use a wire nut and a "pigtail" (a short length of wire).
If the problem affects more than one circuit, then the power company equipment is sometimes at fault. They are usually will to check out their stuff if you ask them. Failing that, you might have a bad connection in your panel. I would recommend you have an electrician check that out.
Bottom line: Start by calling your power company.
If your problems are self healing, then a loose connection is usually implicated. Often these loose connections are the result of failing "backstab" connections (wires poked into little holes in the back of receptacles and switches). The problem may be either at a box with a non-working receptacle or switch, or at a working box. It is adviseable to move such connections to the adjacent screw (with the breaker off, of course). If there is already a wire on the adjacent screw, you'll need to use a wire nut and a "pigtail" (a short length of wire).
If the problem affects more than one circuit, then the power company equipment is sometimes at fault. They are usually will to check out their stuff if you ask them. Failing that, you might have a bad connection in your panel. I would recommend you have an electrician check that out.
Bottom line: Start by calling your power company.
