I have an outlet plug that doesn't work, but shows it has power when tested with a tester. The electrical outlet has been replaced and still the same problem. Why does it show it has power and still not work? Please help me with an answer.
By jason from Castlegar, BC
Maybe the appliance you are using in the outlet in question is not working. You don't say what appliance you are using in the outlet. Check the appliance in another outlet to see if it is working. (04/05/2010)
By Deanj
We had a similar problem in our house and discovered it was run by a switch so you could plug something in and turn it on/off by the switch. The crazy thing was the top outlet worked alone, the bottom one ran by the switch.
Hope that helps! (04/06/2010)
By Mama Misty
When you tested for power, did you use a voltmeter or just a test indicator?
If you are reading 90 volts or less, check the neutral connection.
If you have full voltage 110-120 volts, compare the tension of the outlet to another outlet. If there is a difference and the one that is the problem feels sloppy or loose, replace the outlet.
Ria (04/06/2010)
By REE
If you are using one of those testers that glow when you hold it in the outlet then you have power on the hot wire, but no neutral. Looking at the outlet, the smaller slot is supposed to be hot and should have the black wire on it. The larger slot is the neutral and should have the white wire on it.
If you are using one of those testers that glow have someone watch it and someone else to turn on and off breakers at the breaker box. When you find the corresponding breaker to the socket the black wire will be on it. Then check that the white wire is firmly under it's screw. If that doesn't fix it, then the white wire is broken somewhere.
Hope this helps. (04/07/2010)
By Woody
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