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howardx · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 5

I live in Toronto, Canada. The lights and receptacles are not working in 3 rooms of my home. All 3 rooms are connected to the same circuit breaker. The circuit breaker did not trip, but I reset it anyway and the power is still out. I performed continuity checks on all light switches, and all switches show continuity. I tested all receptacles and light switches with a neon tester, and all show voltage is present. However, lights and receptacles are still not working...Please help? Does the circuit breaker need replacing? If so, would I require an electrician, or can I do it myself....Thanking you in advance.

vince knight · Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject:

Your neon tester will not show the presence of a neutral, have you tested that ok by another means?

Vince

howardx · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 5

No, how do you test for a neutral? What exactly does a neutral mean. I have a multitester, but I am a novice. The lights and receptacles worked fine in the past.

Thanks again for your prompt response.

cleverdick · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 44

I guess it all depends on what you mean by a 'neon tester'. If it was a screwdriver type you used, then it won't tell you very much. If you can get a plug-in type, that would be preferable for a quick and simple test. In the UK there are several available, sold under the brands of Martindale, Socket & See, and so forth. Of course, I'm not familiar with Canadian wiring so can't speak with too much authority. But if your system has a combined neutral/earth conductor, then if you've lost the neutral you may end up with exposed metalwork becoming live, via the load resistance of whatever you may have connected at the time. So you need to get that checked out ASAP, by a qualified electrician if you're in any doubt. By the sound of it, it could well be the responsibility of your supply company.

howardx · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 5

Should I be concerned... I was performing tests between the hot and the ground and the neutral and the ground on all affected receptacles. I found no problems, and suddenly all receptacles on light switches started working again. This is the 2nd time that this has happened in about 3 years. Is there some underlying problem? Should I call in an electrician?

vince knight · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:07 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere, get it checked as it may arc and cause a fire.

Vince