15amp circuit problem
15amp circuit problem
(OP)
I have 2 separate 15amp circuits in my kitchen. One has 2 overhead florescent light fixtures and the second has 2 receptacles with a clock radio in one and a small 1 foot florescent light plugged into the other.
I replaced the clock radio with a new one and within about 30 minutes one overhead light went out - I thought it was the bulb (separate circuit as radio). 20 minutes later the second light went out (separate circuit as radio). Finally the small light went out (same circuit as radio). I unplugged the radio - it did feel a little warm and within 15 minutes the lights came back on. I plugged the radio in again and the same thing happened again. The small light on the same circuit as the radio is dead now - only a year old.
During all this the radio maintained power.
The house is 30 years old and is well wired more than ample circuits. Could the problem be with the radio or the receptacle? Why would it affect a separate circuit?
Thank You for any help.
I replaced the clock radio with a new one and within about 30 minutes one overhead light went out - I thought it was the bulb (separate circuit as radio). 20 minutes later the second light went out (separate circuit as radio). Finally the small light went out (same circuit as radio). I unplugged the radio - it did feel a little warm and within 15 minutes the lights came back on. I plugged the radio in again and the same thing happened again. The small light on the same circuit as the radio is dead now - only a year old.
During all this the radio maintained power.
The house is 30 years old and is well wired more than ample circuits. Could the problem be with the radio or the receptacle? Why would it affect a separate circuit?
Thank You for any help.





RE: 15amp circuit problem
dydt
RE: 15amp circuit problem
RE: 15amp circuit problem
Thank You for your help.
RE: 15amp circuit problem
i am not saying you may have the same scenario but like i said on the earlier thread...get an electrician to check the wirings..
good luck
dydt
RE: 15amp circuit problem
I agree that you need the wiring checked, but one strong possibility is that in the act of unplugging your old radio and plugging in the new one, the movement of the receptacle may have loosened a neutral connection, which could essentially put your ceiling lights and your receptacles in series across 240V (this is how it affects separate circuits). Depending on the relative loads, the voltage will divide. Sounds like your radio is taking the bulk of the voltage (and getting warm) while the lights aren't getting their fair share (thus not starting).
Let us know what you find out!
Old Dave
RE: 15amp circuit problem
and all is well again.
Thanks to all for your help I feel better knowing the wireing is ok.