One entire circuit in my house was not working. All the lights and outlets connected to that circuit were off.
Step 1: Check circuit breaker. Circuit breaker was not tripped. Voltage on breaker measured to steady 124v. I tried turning off and on the circuit breaker but the lights still didn't work.
Step 2: I started unplugging everything from the outlets in the room. When I was unplugging a power strip that was plugged in, when I had it half way out, all the lights came back on.
Oddly enough, when the plug is properly inserted, lights don't come on. When it's removed, lights don't come on. Only when it's oddly plugged in at a slant, the lights come on.
I am going to open up that outlet tomorrow. I am suspecting the neutral wire is loosened. Any other thoughts what it may be?
Best Answer
I suspect the receptacle is the problem. Either one of the screws are loose or it is the old stab-in back wired receptacle which were notorious for problems. The new stab-in's are much improved. Either way I say replace the receptacle. They need to be changed periodically any way.