Socket repair tools
It is impossible to understand whether the socket or wiring is broken without tools and devices to determine the voltage parameters in the network.
To carry out minor repairs you will need the following set of tools:
- Special screwdriver with indicator;
- Insulated pliers;
- A set of screwdrivers (a Phillips head is required);
- Cutting tool;
- Equipment for dismantling.
The last tools are additional and optional. The need for them arises during work of a cardinal nature. You will also need a chair and a table lamp to provide easy access to the electrical accessory.
Common causes of socket failures
Most of the electrical outlets in the apartments are classic, installed during the commissioning of the house. To ensure comfort and ease of use for residents, old models are being replaced with new, innovative ones.
Incorrect manipulations with the installation often lead to breakdowns and inconvenience, causing a short circuit in the network and creating a fire hazard.
Important! Damages can be visible or hidden. The latter make themselves known by a burnt out and deformed box, an unpleasant odor or a spark. To detect hidden defects, you will need to dismantle the structure, inspect the internal working part, or disconnect the contacts.
All sockets are broken at the same time
The absence of power in the socket can be checked using an indicator tool. A two-pole instrument will show one hundred percent correct information. If the zero phase is broken with a single-pole tool, the breakdown cannot be detected.
After detecting a breakdown of all sockets in the house, it is necessary to check the voltage at the input. Perhaps the power supply interruption occurred there. Other reasons for inoperability may be:
- “Knocked out” machine guns;
- Breakdown of the junction box;
- Damage to wiring (provided that all accessories are connected from one place);
- Damage to the machine.
When determining the last cause, it is necessary to check the terminals and the current flow to them. If there is incoming current, but no output, you need to repair the device or buy a new one.
Pay attention to the toggle switch, it can also jam.
Electrical sockets are broken in one room
Often, electrical outlets can stop working in one room all at once. This is possible in the absence of current in a single working group. When the sockets in one room do not work, start looking for the cause with the machine.
Turn the device on and off one by one, determine the functionality of each accessory and its dependence on a specific device.
The reasons for the inoperability of one group of electrical outlets may be as follows:
- Large load on the machine - you will need to purchase a device with high power characteristics;
- If the protective function has been activated, a mandatory check of the wiring will be required for a short circuit in the network.
In the latter situation, you need to check the wiring in the visible part of the panel. If a hidden wire breaks, the line along with the entire wall may be energized, and the device may not work. It will not be possible to fix the problem without the experience of an electrician. It is better to use the services of professionals. Such reasons are rare.
Most of the malfunctions of sockets in one room are associated with incorrect installation of electrical devices or damage to the insulating part. An indicator screwdriver will help determine the malfunction.
There is no current in one socket - what to do?
The accessory may break immediately or after prolonged use. Incorrect installation of the device can lead to damage to one outlet or group of devices.
Checking the correct operation of sockets and troubleshooting involves performing the following actions:
- De-energize the room;
- Remove the outer panel;
- Assess the performance and reliability of the connecting part of the wires;
- If they are loosened, tighten the connecting parts.
Inspect the box for signs of loss of original characteristics and the appearance of a specific odor. If available, we suggest you proceed with the steps below.
The box is burnt, there is a specific smell
A visual inspection of the box will allow you to determine why the outlet cannot work and what to do about it. The presence of traces of melting and deformation of the socket is the first sign of a short circuit.
Also, the reasons for the loss of original characteristics may be the following:
- Violation of contact isolation rules;
- High load on the outlet due to the high power of electrical appliances;
- Poor quality electrical appliance.
If there is current in the network and it is impossible to route the wire into the device, the socket will need to be replaced and installed in a different location. Most likely the wall will be damaged and will require cosmetic repairs.
Stress relief work
About safety precautions
Any electrician in his practice, neglecting safety rules, received an electric shock. Therefore, he performs them comprehensively in three steps:
- Turns off the circuit breaker.
- Locks it or takes other measures to prevent unauthorized activation by random people.
- Using a voltage indicator, it checks for phase loss on those contacts where it was present before disconnection.
Working with an unfamiliar circuit requires special attention to be paid to the third point: among home “craftsmen” there are still cases of theft of electricity and unauthorized connection to someone else’s phase wire. Only after these three steps have been completed can we consider that the voltage has been removed from the socket: the top decorative cover can be removed for internal inspection
Only after these three steps have been completed can we consider that the voltage has been removed from the socket: the top decorative cover can be removed for internal inspection.
Features of the work
It is necessary to turn off the power to the input circuit breaker to check the circuits:
- working zero;
- protective PE conductor;
- assessing the installation of internal circuits.
Troubleshooting is based on the principle of measuring the electrical resistance of a separate circuit from a built-in EMF source.
Therefore, the supply voltage of household wiring will, at best, interfere with the measurement, and at worst, it will create an emergency short circuit. The input circuit breaker should be turned off to check the remaining circuits.
In both cases, the ohmmeter probes are applied to opposite ends of the conductor, for example, in the input panel and socket. The resistance of a good wire will be close to zero, and a broken wire will be ∞.
To test electrical circuits, color marking of the insulation of wires and cables is used.
It is customary to install the protective conductor with yellow-green conductors, and the working zero with one of the remaining colors. However, it is not always possible to adhere to this rule. Therefore, preference should be given to electrical measurements.
Breakdown of the junction box
Often the problem lies in the junction boxes, because it is there that a short circuit can begin and the connecting wires can break.
When the outlet stops working because of the box, do this:
- De-energize the apartment by turning off the machines;
- Open the device;
- Check the presence of current in the network with an indicator screwdriver;
- Inspect the reliability of the connection of the contacts (disconnect the twists and twist them again, if necessary, strip and insulate the wires).
Clean charred and oxidized wires with files and insulate them. Connect the device in reverse order.
Problems in the junction box
If everything is normal on the panel and in the socket, then the breakdown may be in the junction box. In this case, you should find it and unscrew the lid. Pay attention to:
- condition of the wires in the box;
- condition of twists or terminals, i.e. cable connection points;
- insulation state;
- presence of voltage on the line you need.
Most often it is the joints that suffer, especially if they are not done properly.
Classic socket testing circuit
You can independently determine whether the outlet is faulty by following these steps:
- Take an indicator screwdriver and press the shunt contact with your index finger;
- Check one by one for the presence of phase on the first and then on the second terminal of the socket;
- Check the absence of a phase (ground pin);
- Check with a multimeter that there is no current flowing.
If you can’t draw the right conclusions, you can’t understand what to do if the outlet doesn’t work, contact an electrician or a specialized company for help.
The intervention of a specialist will make the work safe and the sockets will work correctly.
When to ask for help?
It is not uncommon to have to replace an electrical outlet or part of the wiring in your home. Not everyone can do this, so if in doubt you will have to call a specialist. You cannot do without a technician if all the steps described above did not produce results, the malfunction remains unclear.
The easiest way is to contact the management company - they always have full-time electricians. The master will carry out all the work safely and reliably, you will be able to use the equipment in the apartment without fear.
Electrical wiring is a rather complex system with important features and nuances. It happens that serious breakdowns occur in it. Two phases in an outlet are a good example. Let's consider what a malfunction is, for what reasons it occurs, and how it is eliminated.
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If a person does not have experience in repairing electrical circuits, it is better to contact specialists (electricians) who will help in resolving the issue. Alternatively, ask a friend of yours for help.
The simplest things, such as turning on the machine, drawing and stripping contacts, can be done yourself. But at the same time you need to remember about safety, have the necessary tools and be prepared for work. Without experience in electrical repairs, it is better not to joke.
The easiest way is to contact the management company - they always have full-time electricians. The master will carry out all the work safely and reliably, you will be able to use the equipment in the apartment without fear.
