three outlets do not work. All three outlets read 118-120 volts when I test them. But if you plug a TV or even a phone charger, the devices do not work. What's the problem???
2006-11-29 14:38:07 · 6 answers · asked by MYSTIKAL_NLP 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
one of the three outlets sparked, when I checked it, the neutral and hot were burned,so I cut the romex until there was no sign of burnt wire and re-connect the wires into a new outlet, the other two outlets have no sign of damage,
2006-11-29 17:10:43 · update #1
Go to your local hardware store and purchase a one of those small plug in circuit testers with the three LEDs. Plug it in and in less than a second, you will know exactly what is wrong (reverse polarity, open neutral, open ground, etc....) I think they cost around $3.50 - and they are very handy.
Be sure to cut the power before attempting any repairs.
I suspect you'll find that the three outlets are on the same line (circuit) and the originating plug has lost the neutral wire - just a guess based on 35 years experience.
2006-11-29 14:59:06 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a really fun household project problem, primarily cuz I've never run into this one....
1) Suspect your voltmeter. Verify it's a valid AC reading.
2) I now use a fairly cheap plug-in checker to verify polarity and proper grounding.
3) GFCI devices could be acting funny, so check for those on the line, including the breaker. If the neutral was miswired and swapped for the ground it can confuse you and every protected device along the way.
4) I'll flag this hoping you get some good answers.
5) And test first by using a standard light bulb --- the TV and the phone charger are way too complicated.
And remember --- you can have 120 volts anyday of the week and have it be useless if there are no amps to go with it....
Good luck.
2006-11-29 14:58:08 · answer #2 · answered by Boomer Wisdom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put your Voltage Meter, and test agains Life to Earth and Life to Neutral. All should give you the reading of 118-120. Here is the terminology.
If
1. Life to earth, and Life to Neutral is not working, then no power
2. Life to earth is not working, then test the ELCB if is still working correctly, or need additional earth point.
3. life to neutral is not working, open your Swich Socket Outlet, and see if the neutral connected probably. Then go to your Switch Board to see if all screw is tightly screwed or not.
hope this work
2006-11-29 16:35:47 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Logic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check the amperage in the wires not the voltage. The amperage tells how much "current" is flowing thru the wires. It is possible that you have too much on the circuit and need to remove some of the items on the circuit breaker or fuse.
2006-11-29 14:52:51 · answer #4 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hi
i think ur connecting metre for reading to ground & phase wires.
checkout for the continuity of the wire of neutral wire.
2006-11-29 14:49:28 · answer #5 · answered by G K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have voltage there your stuff should work
are you testing using the hot wire (usually black) and the ground wire?
maybe the white wire is broken. pull the receptacle out of the box and check it.
could use more info
2006-11-29 14:46:24 · answer #6 · answered by hidingbehindthisemailaddy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋