December 19, 2011 By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Lost Power to Outlet

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No Power to Electrical Outlet

Why an Outlet May Have Lost Power

1. I traced the electrical line to the attic.
2. The white wire goes to white wire connection and the black wire was wire nut off.
3.  I took the wire nut off and connected the black to black connection or other black wires in the box.
4. When I did it shorted out the other lines in the box. I believe this box is on its own line.
5. I know it is the last one in the line because the outlet only has two wires.
6. Could the electrician possibly connected the wires backwards?

This electrical question came from: Lon, a Homeowner from Smyrna, North Carolina.
See more about Home Wiring for North Carolina

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Lon.

Why an Electrical Outlet May Have Lost Electrical Circuit Power

• Lon, I’m wondering if there has been any electrical work or any construction projects done at your home lately.
•  The reason why I am asking this is because I suspect that the electrical cable that leads to the outlet that does not work may have been damaged between the attic electrical junction box and the outlet location.
• Generally a qualified electrician will not connect wires backwards, or leave wires disconnected.
• A close inspection of the electrical wiring in to outlet box and the cable leading to the attic should be performed, and a continuity test should be performed on the circuit in order to check the wiring.
• The reason for the short circuit will need to be discovered and the necessary repairs will be required in order to restore electricity to the outlet.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Outlet Wiring

• Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Electrical Wire for the Home

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

• Electrical Wire for the Home

• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Home Electrical Junction Boxes

• Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring

• Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

Electrical Outlets

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting, so you might find this information useful:

Repair Electrical Wiring

• Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring

• Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.