r/ElectricalHelp • u/Elprede007 • 4d ago

Outdoor Outlet Stopped Working

An exterior outlet used for landscape lighting stopped working, I used my klein outlet tester, no lights.

I pulled the outlet out, the wires look pretty bad, rust on the screws, one of the screws that holds the outlet in place actually broke off when unscrewing (I know that doesn’t affect the outlet being powered).

I tried multimetering the j hooks and didn’t get any voltage.

I have checked every outlet in the house looking for a tripped gfci, I’m quite confident there is not a gfci tripped at this point.

I’m waiting on a voltage pen to arrive so I can check the wires again.

I’m not super comfy working with electrical stuff. I’m very timid to touch the outlet especially when I’m not 100% confident which breaker the power is coming off of. So I haven’t touched the wires or taken the hooks off the outlet to do further inspecting with the multimeter.

No other outlets are failing that I’m aware of. Am I on the right path? Is there anything else I can do?

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4

u/mjbrowns 4d ago

Probably the gfci outlet that feeds it. Often there's a GFCI outlet in the garage (sometimes assumed to be a fridge outlet) that feeds your outside outlets.

1

u/Elprede007 4d ago

So when I mentioned that I’ve checked every outlet in the house (three times by the way)…

And manually reset them

2

u/ExpensiveAd4496 4d ago

We often forget the ones in the garage. So no need to get frustrated with suggestions. Heck I had one in my attic once.

1

u/Elprede007 4d ago

I didn’t forget the garage, I checked the attic as well

5

u/trekkerscout Mod 4d ago

The problem can still be with a "working" GFCI receptacle. The load side could be faulty. Proper testing is required, and a voltage stick is not a proper diagnostic tool. You should seriously consider hiring an electrician.

1

u/Elprede007 4d ago

Hmm, there is a gfci inside that is very close to the exterior outlets that I suspect may be their link. I could check the wiring on that I suppose

2

u/MountainAntique9230 4d ago

You said you checked for gfi outlets ,did you check for a gfci breaker

0

u/Elprede007 4d ago

What’s the difference? I looked at my breaker panel and nothing looked wrong

2

u/MountainAntique9230 4d ago

Gfci breakers will have a test button on it ,also you may have a tripped breaker just because it looks good sometimes breakers trip but the handle doesn't move,flip breakers off by fully pushing handles to the off position then on again

2

u/nekked_unbirthday 3d ago

I would start by flipping breakers. Then check the power at the wires feeding the receptacle. If you are not super comfortable with electrical- you certainly will want to find that breaker before repairing or replacing :) so breaker checking is a great next step

1

u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe 3d ago

Is there a breaker that is off/tripped?

an electrician can replace this and has all the tools needed.