Solving Bob's Electrical Problem After Storm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting an outdoor electrical outlet that stopped working after a severe storm. Participants explore potential causes for the malfunction and methods for diagnosing the issue, including the possibility of loose connections or wiring problems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Bob describes the situation where an outdoor outlet stopped working after a storm, questioning whether the storm could be related to the issue.
  • Some participants suggest that the problem may be due to a loose or corroded contact in the outlet.
  • One participant recommends using an electrical socket tester to check the wiring and suggests inspecting the outlet for loose connections.
  • Another participant questions Bob's initial troubleshooting plan, implying that the storm's impact may be coincidental.
  • Bob expresses uncertainty about the term "AC Mains" but indicates familiarity with checking the outlet as suggested.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the outlet's malfunction, with multiple viewpoints on whether the storm was a factor or if the issue is unrelated and possibly due to a loose connection.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the problem, including the potential for underlying issues in the wiring or connections that have not been fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in home electrical troubleshooting, particularly those dealing with outdoor outlets or experiencing similar issues after severe weather events.

Wannabeagenius
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Hi All,

A couple of nights ago we had a fearsome rainstorm with gusts up to 55 mph. The next day, the outlet outside connected to our Christmas lights didn't work and nothing apparent seemed to be wrong. I decided to troubleshoot and fix it the next day.

Before I started my wife recommended that I check it again since it may have been related to the storm. My response was that anything related to the storm other than a power failure would cause a short and blow a fuse. She insisted so I checked again. Guess what? It worked.

Could someone please explain to me what is happening or was I correct and perhaps I still have a problem.

Thank you,

Bob
 
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Wannabeagenius said:
Hi All,

A couple of nights ago we had a fearsome rainstorm with gusts up to 55 mph. The next day, the outlet outside connected to our Christmas lights didn't work and nothing apparent seemed to be wrong. I decided to troubleshoot and fix it the next day.

Before I started my wife recommended that I check it again since it may have been related to the storm. My response was that anything related to the storm other than a power failure would cause a short and blow a fuse. She insisted so I checked again. Guess what? It worked.

Could someone please explain to me what is happening or was I correct and perhaps I still have a problem.

Thank you,

Bob

Sounds like a loose or corroded contact.

I'd start with an electrical socket tester (the simple 3-neon bulb type) to check that it is wired correctly, and then (if you are comfortable with home AC Mains handyman type stuff), I'd pull the socket out of the wall and check the contacts. The problem could also be in the wall or ceiling, if a wire nut is loose and the contact is not reliable.

Have you worked with AC Mains projects at home before?
 
My question is that if you had to ask, how did you plan on troubleshooting in the first place? I would say that what berkeman said is about right. It may just be coincidence with the storm.
 
berkeman said:
Sounds like a loose or corroded contact.

I'd start with an electrical socket tester (the simple 3-neon bulb type) to check that it is wired correctly, and then (if you are comfortable with home AC Mains handyman type stuff), I'd pull the socket out of the wall and check the contacts. The problem could also be in the wall or ceiling, if a wire nut is loose and the contact is not reliable.

Have you worked with AC Mains projects at home before?

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not sure what you mean by AC Mains but I know how to check the outlet like you suggested.

Bob
 
AC Mains is just one term for the power wiring in buildings.
 

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