Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: ceb58, Location: Raeford, NC
Asked on: Friday, April 17, 2009 at 6:16 pm EDT
Answered on: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm EDT
Question: Call from sister-in-law her boss's recpt. in master bath stopped working. I think bad or tripped GFCI. Simple. Not. House is 5000+ sq ft. Full basement, 1'st and 2nd floor. Recp in basement bath dead, 2 recp in master bath on 1'st floor dead, recp. dead in half bath, outdoor recp. on front dead and recp. in one of the baths on 2nd floor dead. No GFIC to be found. Pull out recp. all wired with 14-2 romex. I found two hidden J-boxes joints good no problem. I have been up and down stairs all day panel boxes in basement.This house was wired in 96 by one of the largest electrical co. around here. Starts with W. I was thinking back stab wire bad joint cannot find any thing. The only thing I have found that is worrying me is on all of the dead recp. I cannot get continuity between ground and the neutral. (grounds and net. tied together in panel) I have power leaving every wire in the panels. The legend on the panel is vague and I found several that were missed labeled. My thought now is some where the wire has completely broken. Any other ideas?
Possible Causes
Loose Terminal Connections
Check all terminal connections in the affected receptacles and junction boxes.
Broken Ground Wire
As you mentioned, a broken ground wire could cause the symptoms you're describing.
Faulty Wiring
Broken or frayed wires can interrupt continuity between the ground and neutral.
Circuit Overload
A recent power surge or excessive load on the circuit can trip a breaker or GFCI, even if there isn't one visibly accessible.
Ground Fault Interruption
A true ground fault could have tripped a hidden GFCI or caused the breaker to trip.
Troubleshooting Steps
1.
Check Terminal Connections
Remove the dead receptacles and junction boxes and inspect the terminal connections. Ensure the ground and neutral wires are securely fastened.2.
Check for Broken Ground Wire
Use an electrical continuity tester to check for a broken ground wire. Connect one probe to the ground terminal on the receptacle and the other probe to the bare copper wire inside the junction box or panel. If there is no continuity, the ground wire is likely broken.3.
Inspect Wiring
Look for any visible damage to the wires, such as cuts, frays, or discolorations. Use a wire tracer to identify the path of the wires and check for any breaks.4.
Reset Breakers and GFCIs
Check if any breakers or GFCIs have tripped. Reset them and see if power is restored to the affected outlets.5.
Consider a Hidden GFCI
Even if you cannot find a visible GFCI, there may be one hidden behind walls or in the ceiling. Check with the homeowner or electrician if there are any known hidden GFCIs.
Additional Considerations
Professional Electrical Service
If you are unable to locate or fix the issue yourself, consider contacting a licensed electrician.
Safety First
Always ensure that the power is turned off at the panel before working on electrical components.
Document Your Work: Take pictures or notes of any work you do for future reference or to share with an electrician if necessary. Flag for review