Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Why are some electrical outlets out that are not on the same circuits?
3 nights ago my family was watching TV when our living room ceiling light and kitchen lights went out together in our single story ranch. They are not on the same circuit and we checked the fuse box with nothing tripped. 5 minutes later they came back on. The next night we had a few more lights and plugs go out, again to come back on in 5 minutes. Tonight we had the same ones go out, but there are staying out now. Anyone knows what is going on?
The lights are not all on the same circuits, and not all outlets on those circuits are going on. About half on 2 or 3 circuits are going out. If that helps.
6 Answers
- NubbYLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
The only wire common to multiple circuits is a neutral (white) wire. If the breaker is not failing then it is a failed neutral connection. And since devices will only fail downstream from a bad connection the logic dictates you check the wire make up in the closest failed device to the panel, first.
Source(s): electrician - 1 decade ago
Sounds like you have a connection failing. Under load, it heats up and loses contact. Then as it cools down, it makes contact again. Since it's affecting more than one circuit, I would start at the service disconnect. After that, you'll probably have to consult an electrician and/or the power company.
- 1 decade ago
i'm actually going to say GHOSTS on this one. if its 2 circuits at the same time, and then other circuits the next day, both back on in a few minutes, i have never troubleshooted anything like that before in my life. most likely it is ghosts. maybe an aged fuse panel?
- EagleWatcherLv 61 decade ago
Bottom line is a loose connection. The fun part is FINDING it. And if it is on two separate circuits, then you have two loose connections. Have fun!
Source(s): Electrician since 1977 - Anonymous1 decade ago
Call in a qualified Electrician and get it sorted out.
Source(s): Super Man - Anonymous1 decade ago
perhaps a junction box? if not, definitely ghossstsssss!
