whats it mean when a rcepticle (or many)quits working but the breaker didnt trip and still has power?

Question

i plugged a light in and it sparked then that recepticle stopped working. It now appears that the whole circurt is fried.None of the receptiles/fixtures have power going to them, but he breaker didnt trip.In fact it still has power???????why didnt it trip the breaker and where do I begin to find the problem?

Answer 1

In addition to the above, many modern houses use outlets that are connected to the wire with push in terminals as opposed to the screw terminals. I've seen where the connection breaks down in the outlet where the wire goes in. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the outlet you had trouble with either. It could be in the one ahead of it (toward the breaker panel). If you're not electrically inclined, make sure ALL breakers are off before you investigate. If you're not sure about what you're doing, an electrician will have no problem with this.

Answer 2

If you know how to check for power at the breaker that is fine. If you do not know how to handle electricity then you should call a professional. Sometimes breakers can appear to not be tripped, and will be. But you said the breaker was fine, so lets move on. It is often common practice to feed power from one receptacle to another in a home, like a chain. I have seen where the wire would break right at the receptacle and thus making everything downstream from that point, dead. A professional would start right at the receptacle that you are having the problem and move upstream from there, after measuring the voltage right at the breaker for that circuit. This is absolutely something that should be checked by a licensed electrician, just for your personal safety. If you have any doubt, it is only a $100 for the pro, as opposed to your life.

Answer 3

could have a faulty breaker or faulty wiring to the first recepticle to/from the line. if you are handy enough, open it up and check the voltage coming to the first outlet in the line. should be about 120 V

if not handy, call a licensed electrician

Answer 4

I am no electrician but, in my house I have 2 outlets, one in the downstairs bathroom and one in the kitchen that have circuit breakers in them. There are two buttons, one red and one black.
the black is to test the breaker and the red one is used to reset the circuit if its been tripped.

Answer 5

Start with the receptacle that sparked. Pull the cover off, take the receptacle out, and check for loose wires behind it.

Answer 6

ummmmm broken wire.