Tripped a outdoor point, can't reset (Solved, Circuit Breaker Bad)

[Cockroach]

Managed to trip an outdoor non-GFCI socket and can't reset it. Have found all the panels and subpanels that I'm aware of (4 in total, at least) and none of them tripped. One of the panels does have something that is labelled GFCI but it isn't one of the circuit break type (the panel is Federal Pioneer) but it is located below the only in-panel GFCI circuit breaker which is for the jacuzzi bathtub in another part of the house.

The house is early '90s vintage and does not have any apparent GFCIs located at any outlets (in bathrooms, kitchen, wet areas, etc.). My in-laws were 3rd owners of the house and both has since passed away so even if they knew...

Any ideas what I should be locating and where it is supposed to be located?

Thanks

[ScaryBob]

Does the outlet have a reset button between the two plugs?

[Cockroach]

No. Unfortunately every single outlet pair in and outside the house are the plain non-GFCI type. I'm wondering if there is a central GFCI. Of course, maybe the short was enough to fry the socket wiring connections. I don't have my electrical tools here to diagnose.

[e268]

Sometimes tripped circuit breakers are hard to see. I would try to flip each one to make sure, including resetting the one for the jacuzzi.

[Cockroach]

I've done all that (reset everything). I wonder if the circuit breaker may have burnt out. Checked the wiring and there's no power to either of the two pairs of sockets so it's not the socket that burnt out

[txv]

The circuit breaker may not have tripped.

A three prong plug tester can tell you what's going on.

[Cockroach]

The one that tests for proper live, neutral and ground (have one but its 390 Km away)?

[txv]

Yup.

It has 3 lights and can pick up a disconnected neutral.

If you have a multi-meter, you can check the voltage between hot/neutral and hot/ground. (do so at your own risk)

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Everything wired downstream of GFIs gets protection, so there's a chance that another gfi plug somewhere in or around the house tripped.

[ScaryBob]

I would start by checking that the connections in the outlets and panel are secure. They sometimes become loose or faulty. The push in connections on some outlets are especially problem prone. Make sure the power is off before taking any outlets apart.

The three prong testers only cost about $5 at a hardware store. Even better for diagnosis are proximity voltage testers. They cost about $15-$20 and are available at Home Depot (and probably other stores.) They simply indicate that a voltage is present but work with insulated wires and devices. It will easily indicate if the problem is in the breaker or somewhere else.

In a pinch, a pigtail or old lamp with the plug removed and cord stripped can be used as a voltage tester. This can be dangerous so I don't recommend it unless absolutely necessary.

[Cockroach]

Replaced the circuit breaker and power is restored. Looks like the short burnt it out.

Thanks for all the tips for tools. I do have all those (almost learned the hard way why they're vitally necessary) but they're at home on the coast and not where I am. Have a proximity voltage tester here but being out of battery doesn't help.

[Cockroach]

Was down in the U.S. yesterday and found a plug-in GFCI at the orange big box store. Potential life-saver (literally) when using electricity in houses w/o GFCI protection. Was camping there with friends, one of whom is an electrician. e still thinks GFCIs are for guys who want to watch the football game in the tub and for the lady who wants to use the hair dryer in the shower. He also thought the long extension cord helped burn the circuit breaker (long cord, high amps).

[gzink]

I won't be hiring him!

[txv]

He also thought the long extension cord helped burn the circuit breaker (long cord, high amps).

An electrician who doesn't understand ohm's law?

[ScaryBob]

An electrician who doesn't understand ohm's law?

Ohm's law works differently with inductive loads. It's a well known fact that induction motors draw more current when voltage is lower. When voltage gets too low, it can lead to motor overheating and other problems like circuit overload. That is why motors should never be run on long, low gauge extension cords for any length of time (due to excessive voltage drop.) With motors like pool pumps, that are often located a distance from the main panel, care should be taken that there is not too much voltage drop by using oversized wiring if necessary.

[txv]

I know.