External Lighting Goes South...

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ch1466

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Greetings All, New Poster.

Got a problem with an exterior light fixture that the window repair guys knocked off the wall. Found a replacement, did exactly as was suggested in the instructions and now nothing works.

Including most of the living room electronics (No TV, Lights etc.).

The breaker is 'loose' insofar as the switch will not roll back to active and stay locked but there are no GFIs internal to test the circuit and the new fixture is now back off the wall.

The instructions mention 'grounded black' as a possible wiring issue but the wire coming out of the house hasn't been peeled, only the fixture.

Running out of ideas (not even holding the breaker in will restore power).

Do I need a circuit tester to test the outside wires?


Thank You- CharHac
 
Welcome CharHac:
It sounds like the issue is with the breaker itself rather than with the wiring.
loosen the screw holding the black wire to the breaker, move the wire out of the way, grasp the breaker by the end next to the center of the box and pull it while swinging it away from the center. It will then slip off the pivot easily.
Take the old breaker to Home Depot, Lowes or your local hardware store for a replacement. Attach the wire to the new breaker before installing it, place the heel on the pivot point and click it into place. Now you can turn it on and it should work. OR wait and let the electrician take care of it when he adds the new panel and wiring.
Glenn
 
If your panel happens to be a Federal Pacific..
This is a typical problem. The plug in breakers are prone to burning off at the contact point and the breaker gets loose.
The best fix is to replace the panel, but second best is to get a new breaker and find another slot to install it in.
 
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