Need help with circuit issue, possible short
#1
08-29-16, 04:13 PM
Need help with circuit issue, possible short
to many things were plugged into the circuit. The power to the circuit went out, at least partly. One bedroom with three receptacles, light switch, and bathroom lights, receptacle, and switches are out. The kitchen and garage lights (on the same circuit) still function. ALL of the receptacles and switches get power, however, nothing will work when plugged in. I have replaced the GFCI outlet twice thinking the first two were bad (they might have been). Now have a standard 2 outlet receptacle in place.
I could use a little help in determining the problem. Thank you!
I could use a little help in determining the problem. Thank you!
#3
08-29-16, 05:07 PM
The problem may be in either the last working receptacle or the first non working receptacle. All back stabs on non GFCI receptacles need to be moved to the screws.
You will need to redo all wire nut connections at lights and switches on the circuit. Any switch that uses both a screw terminal and a back stab need to have the two wires pigtailed to the switch screw instead..
The kitchen and garage lights (on the same circuit) still function.
#4
08-29-16, 05:27 PM
When I move the breaker to the off position the lights in the garage and kitchen turn off. Not sure of the terminology for the tester, but it is two single prong sticks connected together with one wire. Stick one in the ground, and one in the hot, and the 120V light comes on. I have another tester that is a three prong tool you plug into a receptacle, and the two lights on the ends light up indicating it is a "ground/hot rev".
Also, I do not know what a back stab is.
Also, I do not know what a back stab is.
#5
08-29-16, 07:05 PM
Your tester is fine. Back stab (AKA Quick Wire) is when the wire is inserted into the back of a non GFCI receptacle.
Testing won't solve this. Each receptacle, switch and light must be opened and connections checked or redone in the case of wire nuts. Backstabs must be moved to the screws.
Note a short would trip a breaker. A short is a low resistance path from hot to neutral or ground. You have an open.
Testing won't solve this. Each receptacle, switch and light must be opened and connections checked or redone in the case of wire nuts. Backstabs must be moved to the screws.
Note a short would trip a breaker. A short is a low resistance path from hot to neutral or ground. You have an open.
Last edited by ray2047; 08-29-16 at 08:27 PM.
#6
08-31-16, 03:55 PM
Member
Stick one in the ground, and one in the hot, and the 120V light comes on.
