Loss of Power..

[jdesartk]

Hello, I have lost power to certain outlets in my house, not sure why. It appears the first outlet that comes from the circuit box is a GFI in my basement. The outlet has not been tripped and I reset it and it is still not working. My assumption is that since its the first outlet coming from the breaker box which feeds to the outlets that are not working (Pretty sure). Is it possible for a GFI outlet to go bad? Or is it it possible for the breaker switch within the main breaker box goes bad (Its not tripped). I guess my thought is to first disconnect the GFI (The first outlet off the main breaker box) to see if there is power getting there. I know it sounds like a reach, but my assumption is that a GFI can go bad? Can a breaker switch go bad?

[willshak]

Yes it can. But the first thing you should check is the wiring. Did you, or someone else, install the outlet and used the wiring quick connects on the back of the outlet rather than using the screw connections? That is a common cause of outlet failure.

[jdesartk]

The wiring was done by a contractor when the house was built 7 years ago. If I remember right, I have seen some of the outlets that were done had those "quick Connects" which I assume you mean are the ones that they just push in. So, I should disconnect the GFI, and test the wire to make sure its hot still. If its still HOT, then exchange the GFI outlet with a new one? I guess I had no idea a GFI outlet can go "Bad". If its not hot, then head towards the breaker box, pull the breaker switch (carefully with the main switch OFF) and change it?

Does this sound like the correct kind of approach?

Thanks for your reply!

[PipeDown]

GFCI can definately go bad, that is precisely why they have a test button. You should not be able to test or reset it if it is not powered. Your solution as you described it sounds appropriate.

You can also test the breaker with your meter before pulling it. Just probe the neutral bar and the screw on the breaker and toggle the switch to verify it works.

The outlet might start working as soon as you touch the loose wire in the press fit (quick connect) connection. Don't use it like that, replace it anyway with the side terminals used.