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[Solved] Electricity Outage in Half of House Sockets After Glue Gun Use: Causes and Costs

PiotrekGG23 31407 12
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #1 18827680
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    Hello,
    I have a problem that at home, after connecting the glue gun to the socket, it ran for 15 minutes, then something shot and smoke went out. After 5 minutes, I realized that the electricity had gone out of the sockets in half of the house, but there is light everywhere, so I went to see the plugs, but they were all in the top (turned on) so I checked the voltage in the working sockets and those not working, in the working ones it is +/- 234v and in the other ones it showed nothing.
    I don't know what to do, does anyone know what it could be and how much it costs?
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    #2 18827691
    kozi966
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 6922
    Help: 599
    Rate: 1283
    PiotrekGG23 wrote:
    I don't know what to do, does anyone know what it could be and how much it costs?

    Pre-meter protection?
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  • #3 18827705
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    can you explain it more simply? Because it's green in these blocks.
    Thank you
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    #4 18827706
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #5 18827709
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    shot in the glue gun and smoke from the gun too
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    #6 18827715
    kozi966
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 6922
    Help: 599
    Rate: 1283
    PiotrekGG23 wrote:
    can you explain it more simply?

    It means that in front of the security in the house/apartment you have another one further towards the counter. For example, in a box in front of the house.
  • #7 18827720
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    yes, but this one is up

    Added after 20 [minutes]:

    I have it and it's up
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    #8 18827876
    gkwiatkowski
    CCTV and Stationary Alarms specialist
    Posts: 4633
    Help: 646
    Rate: 1210
    Something has disconnected between the fuses and the sockets. A wire in the wall may have blown or the connection of the cables has become disconnected.
    You have to check the connections one by one, going from the fuse to the faulty socket.
    Show a photo of these fuses.
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    #9 18827883
    g107r
    Level 41  
    Posts: 5240
    Help: 807
    Rate: 977
    Do you know how your electricity is distributed in your home?
    I would start by making the fuses "down" and then "up".
    Turn off and on.
    Then check to see if there's power behind them, not just that their levers are up.
    And later ... later you need to know how and where the wires from these fuses go to the inoperative sockets, because as someone wrote above, the wires could have burned somewhere, or, as in my friend's, they were loosely twisted, very loosely :| and contacted again after a magical poke with a broom stick :)
    There was no one willing to "repair" for a long time, because it's a box in an old tenement house, at a height of 3.5 m :?:
    You must have permission to work with electricity at heights :)
  • #10 18827922
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    In other words, call an electrician.
    Anyone know how much something like this might cost?
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    #11 18827929
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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    #12 18827979
    takijasiu
    Level 25  
    Posts: 748
    Help: 91
    Rate: 160
    Note that there are 2 work wires in the outlet: phase and neutral. For electricity to flow, both must be working. However, if the neutral conductor is damaged (continuity is broken) and the phase conductor is operational - which is quite a common problem - there is still high voltage on the phase conductor.

    It is true that the device will not work on such wires, but it can still shock a person. This is a dangerous situation, because if the devices do not work, someone may think that there is no voltage in the sockets.
  • #13 18828090
    PiotrekGG23
    Level 6  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 10
    I called an electrician

Topic summary

✨ After using a glue gun, the user experienced an electrical outage in half of their house sockets, while other areas remained powered. The glue gun emitted smoke and a popping sound, leading to the investigation of the electrical system. Responses suggested potential causes, including a burned wire between sockets or a disconnection in the circuit. It was recommended to check the fuses and connections systematically, as well as to ensure both phase and neutral wires are intact. The user ultimately decided to call an electrician for assistance, inquiring about potential costs for repairs.
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FAQ

TL;DR: "Turn off and on." First reset breakers and verify output; some service boxes sit 3.5 m high. If lights work but several sockets are dead, trace from breaker to the first dead outlet. [Elektroda, g107r, post #18827883] Why it matters: This FAQ helps homeowners troubleshoot dead-outlet circuits after a tool failure and decide when to call an electrician.

Quick Facts

Why did half my outlets stop working while the lights still work?

A conductor in the outlet circuit opened between the fuse/breaker and the sockets. An electrician traces the line and checks each connection. “You have to check the connections one by one.” The failed joint or burned wire interrupts supply to downstream outlets. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #18827876]

What is pre‑meter protection and should I check it?

Pre‑meter protection is an upstream main fuse or breaker before your apartment panel. It may sit near the meter or outside. Ensure it is on, then verify power at your panel. If it tripped, have a qualified person restore it safely. [Elektroda, kozi966, post #18827715]

Could the glue gun popping and smoking have caused the outage?

The popping and smoke indicate device failure. A wire between sockets can burn open, leaving some outlets dead. That requires finding where the circuit opens and repairing the connection. “There are no miracles, you have to look for what breaks the circuit.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18827706]

How do I safely reset breakers and check if power is present?

Reset and verify, then test.
  1. Turn all relevant breakers fully off, then firmly back on.
  2. Use a meter or tester to confirm power leaving the breaker.
  3. Identify the circuit path to the first dead outlet, then continue testing. “Turn off and on.” Measure behind breakers to confirm output. [Elektroda, g107r, post #18827883]

Are dead outlets still dangerous if the neutral opened?

Yes. An open neutral can leave high voltage on the phase conductor. Devices will not work, but shock risk remains at the socket. “This is a dangerous situation,” especially when outlets seem dead. Test before touching and isolate the circuit. [Elektroda, takijasiu, post #18827979]

What will an electrician do to find the fault?

They trace from the breaker to the first dead outlet, checking joints in sequence. Faults often appear at the last working outlet. “You have to check the connections one by one.” They open boxes, inspect splices, and replace damaged parts. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #18827876]

How much might it cost to fix this?

Expect cost driven by troubleshooting time, not parts. An electrician can use a toner or “cable bell” to find the break quickly. Repairs are straightforward once located. Plan for labor and the service call as the main cost. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18827929]

Why do breakers look ON but outlets still have no voltage?

Breaker levers can sit up without delivering power. Contacts may not reset until you cycle them fully. “Turn off and on.” Then measure for voltage at the breaker output to confirm supply before chasing wiring. [Elektroda, g107r, post #18827883]

Can a loose connection come back temporarily after a bump?

Yes. A loose splice can momentarily reconnect from vibration or movement. One user regained contact after a “magical poke with a broom stick.” Do not rely on this; the joint may overheat and fail again. Remake and secure the connection. [Elektroda, g107r, post #18827883]

Is the 234 V I measured at other outlets a useful clue?

Yes. It confirms power exists on a different circuit or upstream segment. Your working sockets showed about 234 V, indicating normal supply there. Focus diagnosis on the dead circuit’s path from its fuse or breaker. [Elektroda, PiotrekGG23, post #18827680]

What tools can help trace dead‑outlet circuits?

Use a multimeter, a non‑contact tester, and a cable tracer (“cable bell”). Brands like Fluke or Klein Tools offer reliable testers. A tracer lets you follow the conductor and spot where continuity stops. This speeds diagnosis and reduces labor. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18827929]

When should I stop DIY and call an electrician?

Stop if you lack access, training, or proper test gear. Some boxes are high or sealed; work may need height permissions. “You must have permission to work with electricity at heights :)” Call a licensed electrician to isolate and repair safely. [Elektroda, g107r, post #18827883]
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