December 28, 2011 By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Outlets, Wiring

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Problems When Wiring Electrical Outlets

Serious Problems If Outlets Are Not Wired Correctly

• The circuit breaker has been changed as well as the outlets and switches.
• When using a outlet tester on the outlets it reads that the hot and ground are reversed.
• What could the problem be.

This electrical question came from: James, a Homeowner from Lynchburg, Virginia

See more about Home Wiring for Virginia

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

Testing Outlets for Polarity

How to Avoid Serious Problems When Wiring Electrical Outlets

• James, the reading you are receiving from the outlet tester means that the electrical wiring at the outlet is incorrect and that the hot wire and the ground wire are wired in reverse.
• When replacing outlets and switches care must be taken to keep the original wiring configuration, and to avoid bare ground wire contact with other wiring terminals.
• This presents a very hazardous situation and this circuit should be turned off immediately.
• The electrical wiring for these devices on this circuit should all be inspected and corrected as needed.
• I highly recommend that you contact a licensed electrical contractor who will be able to correct this situation for you.

The Following links will assist you with your Electrical Wiring:

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.

Circuit Wiring

• Electrical Circuit Wiring

• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electrical Circuit Breakers

• Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring.
• When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Electrical Outlets

How to Install Bedroom Electrical Wiring

• Bedroom Electrical Wiring Requirements

• Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bedroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

• Testers to Help Solve Electrical Problems
• Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
• Types of Electrical Testers
• Using Electrical Testers

Using Electrical Testers

• Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

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

Why Your Home Lost Power

• How to Identify Lost Power

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