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r/electricians•
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Determining which breaker needs to be replaced

I removed a surge protector from an outlet without first shutting it off. When I did so, I heard a sound (probably from the breaker box) and now the outlet is dead. Additionally, all the outlets on the same circuit are dead. However, no breaker in the breaker box was tripped, leading me to think that the fuse in the breaker has blown.

It seems straightforward enough to replace a breaker, but it is not clear which breaker specifically is dead (they are labeled but there are a few candidates). I have a non-contact voltage tester which might be too sensitive to use to isolate the specific breaker that needs to be replaced. When I get my multimeter back from a friend, I believe I'd need to remove the trim to the subpanel while hot in order to test. I've done some electrical work before but I've always made sure to cut power, so I'm concerned about doing this safety. I've heard that I should only use one hand for this check, fixing the multimeter and the neutral electrode in place. As well as the standard tips regarding rubber soled shoes and avoiding water. Is there anything I'm missing / any alternative to performing this check?

The breakers used in the box are Q120 20-Amp Single Pole Type QP. I can't find anything in the way of a visual indicator that would give a clue on which one to replace.

Edit: I figured out the issue. I mentioned that there were multiple outlets on a single breaker. What I didn't realize is that one of the outlets is unused in the kitchen and is a GFCI outlet. Resetting the outlet there restored the power to the other outlets.

Posted Jun 30, 2021, 7:27 PM UTC · edited

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jibsymaloneMaster Electrician IBEW•

Turn all the breakers off, then turn them back on again. If that still doesn't fix the issue, call an electrician.

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binaryOP•

No dice after resetting the breakers. Calling around a few places and the soonest I can get an electrician here is in mid August haha.

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Jim-Jones[V] Electrician•

Did one breaker feel different from the others when turned on and off?

Can you post a picture of your breaker panel?

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rickwurm•

You can’t have a blown fuse in your breaker box. It’s either breakers or fuses. The odds of blowing a breaker by not turning a surge protector off first are pretty slim. You really need that multimeter to do some testing.

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binaryOP•

Ok, that resolves much of my confusion. Any specific testing you could recommend? If multiple outlets are not working and the breaker is fine, I don't think there is anything else I can check, right?

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rickwurm•

You’d have to check for power right at the breaker. Make sure there’s 110-120v on the black wire coming out when you measure from black to ground (green) and neutral (white). You should always have power when measured to both.

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binaryOP•

Turns out that I didn't realize a GFCI outlet in the kitchen was on the same circuit as the other outlets. Resetting it fixed the issue.

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rickwurm•

Nice.

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givemilkpls•

Maybe a GFI tripped somewhere? If all breakers are giving a hot output and there are no breakers then hire someone to check all the connections along the circuit.

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binaryOP•

This is exactly what it was. I updated the post, but I didn't realize a GFCI outlet in the kitchen was on this circuit. Resetting it fixed the issue.

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givemilkpls•

** and there are no GFCI’s***

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