My homes external power outlets don't work - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

ken0042 · 11-30-2008, 04:39 PM

There isn't a GFCI looking device near your breaker box, is there? Because that's where the control for my outside plugs is.

Ford Prefect · 11-30-2008, 04:40 PM

I thought it was code that outdoor electrical outlets had to be on a GFCI system. Is there any chance there's one hidden somewhere?

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

They never have since I moved in. Any idea what the hell I can do to troubleshoot. The power box shows the circuit they are on, tried flipping it back and forth and nothing. Online help seems to say that there will be a GFCI thing on one of them, but there isn't, the garage outlets work. Tried to reset the basement bathroom gfci, it didn't affect anything. Any other ideas other than phoning an electrician. I have a funny feeling its something simple.

Normally, they will all be slaved off of one outside GFCI outlet, but sounds like you've looked into that already.

HOOT · 11-30-2008, 04:55 PM

You have your 4X4 Multi switch inside? Does it get hot?

Dan02 · 11-30-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Here is the box mess.

http://cp.darkmatter.ca/gallery/misc/P1030920

Could it be inside the box, if I take the cover off?

where'd you guys get the door? i have a open panel somewhat like that that needs a door.

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Here is the box mess.

http://cp.darkmatter.ca/gallery/misc/P1030920

Could it be inside the box, if I take the cover off?

Unlikely. Also, only attempt this if you are 100% sure if you know which breaker to turn off or you have a voltage detector.

I see only one AFCI breaker in your panel. No bedrooms in your developed basement?

FYI, a person could probably figure out your address based on the permit numbers on your inspection stickers.

Dan02 · 11-30-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

FYI, a person could probably figure out your address based on the permit numbers on your inspection stickers.

That and it says the address on it

i'd get my stalker on but fotze might like it....

And i should add, i have one plug in my house that won't turn on either, no reason why.

Frequitude · 11-30-2008, 05:02 PM

I knew Nancy would be all over this thread with help. Can a mod please change her title to "Resident Electricianeuse"?

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan02

That and it says the address on it

i'd get my stalker on but fotze might like it....

And i should add, i have one plug in my house that won't turn on either, no reason why.

Ah yes... reminds me, I'm due to visit the optomotrist.

Aeneas · 11-30-2008, 05:07 PM

There are three types of circuit breakers (bear with me, I am not an electrician at all.) The outside ones could be in the circuit box (you say they are not) they could have a reset right on them like your normal bathroom ones (you say they do not), so have a look underneath your basement circuit box for a reset button all by its' lonesome. That's where our outside ones were located.

Hard to see in a shaded dark room. It was kind of hidden half behind the hot water tank.

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

You bastidss!!!> Well I did find a gfci outlet outside in a goofball spot, but the little black button isn't able to be pressed in, like its stuck so I can't rest it. Tried ramming it too cause I'm pissed off. Is replacing one of those things relatively easy?

Try pushing the test button first, then the reset button. You may have to do this a couple of times, then it will come on. I hear that these outlets do have limited life spans, so its possible it is worn out.

To replace it isn't rocket science, but I'd say you'd be better off finding someone who has done this sort of thing before.

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

Try pushing the test button first, then the reset button. You may have to do this a couple of times, then it will come on. I hear that these outlets do have limited life spans, so its possible it is worn out.

To replace it isn't rocket science, but I'd say you'd be better off finding someone who has done this sort of thing before.

Or you have a short in the circuit, which would really require an electrician.

Frequitude · 11-30-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

Try pushing the test button first, then the reset button. You may have to do this a couple of times, then it will come on. I hear that these outlets do have limited life spans, so its possible it is worn out.

To replace it isn't rocket science, but I'd say you'd be better off finding someone who has done this sort of thing before.

Nahhhhhh, just wear a pair of rubber gloves and post a good trip report.

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan02

where'd you guys get the door? i have a open panel somewhat like that that needs a door.

If you put a door on it, code requires that you have certain clearances around the panel so that someone would be able to work on the circuit in the future.... something like an opening area at least 30" wide, but the panel can be off to one side of the opening, as shown in Fotze's picture.

Lastly, I am not an electrician, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Frequitude · 11-30-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

Lastly, I am not an electrician, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Well played!

Haven't you mentioned that your husband is though?

Nancy · 11-30-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I rammed both buttons and now have a giant dent in the palm of my hand from the pen, probably need to replace the thing.

Make sure you have absolutely nothing plugged into the circuit first. Then try again. The GFCI could be defective, but there is also a chance that you have a short or something in one of your outlets.

Do neither of the buttons move, do they both appear to be permanently jammed in?

Crispy's Critter · 11-30-2008, 07:14 PM

I don't know why you're even bothering with your outside plug ins.......someone will probably come steal your extension cords anyway, since we all know your address now, and the cord thief is still at large

Dan02 · 11-30-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy

If you put a door on it, code requires that you have certain clearances around the panel so that someone would be able to work on the circuit in the future.... something like an opening area at least 30" wide, but the panel can be off to one side of the opening, as shown in Fotze's picture.

out panel actually has a box built around it already similar to Fotzes,- we just don't have a door for it. Just by eyeballing it, if it's not 30 inches it's damn close.

Quote:

Lastly, I am not an electrician, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

Bah if you posted it on the internet it must be true.