My outlet in bedroom won't work?

Question

I have 2 outlets in the bedroom that won't work. I tested it w/ a volt meter and the meter lit up but when you plug anything into it, it won't work. The house was built in 1980, so I think the wiring is older. I reset the breaker. I tried to replace it but it was really hard as the black and white wire where thick and difficult to wrap around the outlet. Anyways, any suggestions would help!

Answer 1

You probably need a better pair of pliers to handle that wire. You might find it easier to remove the contact screws completely from the new outlet, and form a loop in that wire. Then replace the screw through that loop.

The 1980 wire is probably "up to code". Let's just hope that new electrical outlets will do the trick.

My house was built in 1917. The wiring and electrical box was upgraded in 1988. The older wire was a heavier gauge, and was in pretty good shape, but it is much easier to have modern breakers, instead of fuses.

Answer 2

Sometimes in wiring old houses the wires are merely pushed into the back of the outlets. The connections rely on the spring tension of the outlet to maintain a good contact. After 20+ years these springs wear out. Try and find all the outlets in the circuit and look for the last one in the string that works, and start checking the connections from there.

Answer 3

I've bought, remodeled and sold a few houses. 1980 isn't old wiring. Infact, you should get 30 more years if not more out of it. My *guess* would be a faulty circuit breaker and that would be the first thing I replace. they're only like 5.-10. for a new breaker. Next, I'd replace the outlets.

Lastly you might want to check and see if your GFI switch in the bathroom, kitchen, or garage is tripped. It might be tied to that outlet.

Answer 4

Sir:
With all due respect, I think you are in over your head. If you have a meter that lites up, I doubt you have a meter at all. It sounds like you have a $3.00 test light and very little idea of what you are doing. You are messing around with electricity and with incomplete knowledge it can kill you directly through electrocution or later by fire. You need a competent handyman or maybe even a licensed electrician.

There are just too many variable in this equation for me to offer my help. If I was on the scene it would be different but I have 4 different tester with a combined value of almost $1,000 and a lot of training and experience. Frankly I am concerned that I might miss something in a conversation that I would see in person.

If I am wrong I apologize, but for safety sake I won't even try to guide you through this. Just get someone on scene who can diagnose and repair your problem.

Answer 5

wiring is out dated for todays use.

Answer 6

call an electrician