I have a regular plug in with two openings. It is above my washer in the garage. I plug the washer into the bottom one and it works but if I plug anything into the top one,including the washer, the top outlet doesn't work ? How can that be ?
2007-07-17 16:41:56 · 7 answers · asked by I Love Jesus 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i take it you are speaking of a regular two plug 110 volt AC
outlet?? the two plug-ins are joined by a shorting bar inside.. this could have burned off when someone put too heavy a load on the outlet,, or someone may have intentionally cut the bar to keep someone from over loading the circuit!!
2007-07-17 16:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have mentioned, most outlets have bridging tabs connecting the top outlet to the bottom one. If the tabs are removed, the two will operate independently of each other. This is often done to allow one part to be controlled by a switch and the other on constantly. It would be a bit odd to have this done in a garage, especially for an outlet intended for a washing machine.
The tabs to occasionally burn off if overloaded. Also, the metal contacts inside the outlet can become damaged if overloaded. Removing a plug from an outlet the wrong way can cause problems as well. In any of these cases, the outlet should be replaced as it is a fire hazard.
2007-07-17 16:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by be_a_lert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The outlet is bad it just happens. I would suggest using a GFI outlet that close to a water source. GFI stands for ground fault interrupt which means it will trip that circuit instantly if you accidentally short it out by means of water or anything. It is just a safety measure. They cost about $10 to $ 15 dollars at Home Depot or Lowes. They are pretty easy to install. Or just call a pro and let them do it. Just say " I need you to remove and existing outlet and install a GFI in it's place." They can quote you a price over the phone. Don't tell them the old one is not working. That way they wont tell you they will have to test and see what the problem is....$$$$$ The total should be anywhere from $30 to $60 for labor. Well worth it for your safety.
2007-07-17 16:59:52 · answer #3 · answered by Marc N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other guys have pretty much gave you the answers.
When you replace the receptecles with new ones, make sure they are GFI outlets. That is now required in garages.
good luck.
2007-07-17 17:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some plugs each plug is sperate. Often used where one is controlled by a switch.
2007-07-17 16:46:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
your top recepticle may be burnt out, controlled by a switch, or there is a loose conection on the recepticle. Pull out the recepticle and check all of the above.
2007-07-17 16:49:55 · answer #6 · answered by Justin D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
therer is a break away tab on recepticles and your is broken . this is meant to run to devises on seperate curcuit breakers .
2007-07-17 16:46:54 · answer #7 · answered by chotpeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋