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Posted By: Delton Ebanks Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 12:49 AM
Customer called and said outlet behind their New TV was bad. Checked and had 120V but went ahead while there and replaced outlet.
They called back. TV not working. But when they turn on a table light in different outlet on same circuit it takes about 3 seconds for the light to come on, but when it does they can turn on the TV. Does this make any sense?
Thanks
Posted By: stamcon Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 01:50 AM
How did you check for 120v? Hot to ground or neutral/grounded conductor? Are you sure the 2 receptacles are on the same circuit?

steve
Posted By: n1ist Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 02:36 AM
Bad neutral? Now days, the power switch on most TVs isn't a real power switch. There is an always-on low voltage supply that powers up the remote receiver, timer (if any) and monitors the power button. If the device on the other side of the open neutral also has a similar power-on circuit, the two in series won't let enough current flow for either to turn on. The lamp, however, allows enough current for the unknown other item to power up after three seconds. At that point, there is enough power available for the TV to turn on. In any case, they better get this fixed before they toast both the TV and whatever the other thing is.

/mike
Posted By: zero76 Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 04:03 AM
It sounds like it might be a bad splice making an intermittent connection under load. Are the receptacles the stab in the back type? [not a pun] I've found problems with those on a number of occasions, mainly where they've been used as a splicing means. Personally, i think they should be outlawed.
Also, check connections at the breaker panel if you haven't already. Scott
Posted By: Electric Eagle Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 04:22 AM
Because of the delay it makes me wonder about this circumstance (this is a wild stretch, but possible).

It's possible you have a series wiring problem. The power must go through the TV to get to the lamp and the lamp must be on to allow the current to flow. This could happen by a loose connection on 1 of the outlets or junctions and not necessarily the ones with the symptoms. If this is the case I would say you also have merged circuits somewhere to make this posible. Probably when you were there the lamp was on.
Posted By: Attic Rat Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 05:17 AM
... You definetly have a poor connection somewhere,...and it's either arcing in a box somewhere or at the panel...Check your panel conductors..Neutrals especially..is there oxidation in the panel,at the neutral bar??... if the neutrals are corroded,you're likely to have a bad connection (high impedance),and the more the circuit is loaded,the more heat and arcing build up,...it'll be a good place to check.. Good Luck,let us know how you make out,..I'm sure we'd all be interested..I know I am..
Russ

[This message has been edited by Attic Rat (edited 12-05-2004).]
Posted By: detubbs Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 07:41 AM
damn knob-n-Tube!
Posted By: Sandro Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 12:12 PM
any aluminum wiring in this house?
Posted By: frankft Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/05/04 05:34 PM
A while back I ran into the opposite situation. Turn on a light and all was fine, then turn on another light on the same circit and after about 10 seconds the lights would dim then go out. What I ended up finding was the panel was next to a unvented dryer and the bus in the panel was corroded. I cleaned the bus and installed a new breaker. No more problems.
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/06/04 07:35 AM
It sounds to me like there is a series circuit in there somewhere, instead of a parallel circuit.
Just my 0.02c worth. [Linked Image]
Posted By: Steve Miller Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/06/04 11:28 AM
Sounds like zero76 has the right idea. Check the speedwire connections. Plug in a lamp somewhere near what you suspect is the end of the circuit and go around the area hitting the receptacles with your hand. When you hit the one with the loose connection the lamp will flicker.
Posted By: cpalm1 Re: Confused, outlet problem - 12/07/04 12:11 AM
they have a multiwire circuit (two circuits sharing a neutral) there is a bad neutral connection somewhere. Tell them to immediately uplug the TV and everything else on both of those circuits. If a high wattage item gets plugged into the other circuit, the new tv will recieve more than 120 volts and it will get fried.
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