I was changing the garbage disposal with the switch off and power wire hit the ground wire and sparked. This is when I knew there was a wiring problem at the switch. The power went out on the circuit(as it should). I reset the breaker but can't get power to the kitchen outlets. It is supose to be a GFCI ciruit but there is no GFCI outlet on that circuit and the breaker is not a GFCI breaker. There is power leaving the panel but no power at the outlets.
If the answer is yes they will all fail. How do I find which outlet is supose to be the GFCI to install one? And how do I find the bad outlet?
2007-12-30 15:44:32 · 8 answers · asked by j h 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
you will find the answers here
2007-12-30 21:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jack the Toad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to use one GFCI outlet to provide protection to succeeding ordinary outlets using the terminals on the back labeled LOAD to connect to the other units. If the GFCI unit trips or fails, then the others will not have powers (a recent problem at a friend's house). However, if the breaker tripped, it was not the GFCI that was doing the protection.
You may need to look in the bathroom or other nearby wet space also requiring a GFCI to see if you have one that has tripped. You may need to get a circuit tracer that allows you to detect the path of the wiring in the wall by tones to find where the wiring from those outlets goes back to and where the wiring from the breaker goes.
2007-12-30 16:41:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How do you know that the circuit is supposed to be a GFCI circuit? It can't be one if there is no GFCI breaker somewhere. Working on an appliance (garbage disposal or lamp, etc) with the switch off is hardly a guarantee that a hot wire won't inadvertently touch a ground or you (as a path to ground) and trip a breaker (or worse electrocute you).
It generally helps to check with a tester (a voltmeter) BEFORE the power is turned off at the breaker panel to confirm that voltage at the appliance registers high (or zero) with either wire that is/was connected to it (the appliance); then zero with both wires AFTER the power is turned off.
2007-12-30 16:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by answerING 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alright first, garbage disposals as defined by NEC do not need to be GFI protected as long and there is a single recept or it is hard wired directly to the outlet box. Second if you got a spark with the switch off this mean the neutral wire was switched and not the hot wire or the switch malfunctioned. As far as finding why you don't have power there now I can't answer that but check all splices up to that point. Some contractor come off countertop GFI's to feed disposals but in some cases can cause nuisance trips so check to see if all GFI outlets are reset. (rare cases even outside ones) Good Luck!
2007-12-30 16:06:20 · answer #4 · answered by L. J. C. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in either one of your bathrooms or in the kitchen you will have a gfci outlet. hit the rest button on it and it should restore power. all the outlet with in 6 feet of water, should be gfci protected. and the can all run off of one outlet.
2007-12-30 16:58:12 · answer #5 · answered by jimboponder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one of your outlets should have power to it and work. sounds like a bad plug. remember some houses have outlets in different rooms on the same breaker. check around alittle for more that are out, also you can trip the breaker again and see how many outlets and lights don`t work. then you know whats on that breaker.
2007-12-30 16:05:04 · answer #6 · answered by brokeorrich1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot find a GFCI receptacle and don't have a GFCI,
Breaker. you probably do not have GFCI protection.
Call an Electrician and get him to fix the problem.
A problem like this could burn your house.
The few dollars you save trying to DIY.Could cost you a whole lot more.
2008-01-01 01:59:48 · answer #7 · answered by straight foward 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if it is the first outlet in a paralell circuit.
2007-12-30 15:54:33 · answer #8 · answered by Kevin D 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋