Electrical Receptacles: Troubleshooting & Repairs

[jfkjr812]

Hello, I have 2 receptacles that had burn marks on them but still worked. I changed the 1st receptacle and noticed that it was a 15 on a 20 line with no ground hooked up. I got a 20 receptacle and wired the ground and it now works and tests fine. When I went to change the 2nd, it did not work and it was showing an "open hot". I unscrewed the plate and found that only 1 black and 1 white were connected vs. the 2 black, 2 white, and a ground on the other. I hooked up the new receptacle but still shows "open hot". I didn't take the blue box out of the wall to see if the other wires fell in the wall. Does anyone have any ideas on this one since the receptacle worked prior to me cutting off power and fixing the 1st. Both receptacles are on the same circuit. Thanks!

[markmark]

I think that is what happened, the wires to the 2nd recept fell into the wall. You will have to take the blue box out of the wall, and look inside to see if you can see the wires.

[jfkjr812]

This may be a stupid question but I honestly have no idea about electrical work. I have finally gone back to fix this outlet but I don't know how the blue box is secured in the wall. I do not see any screws holding it in and can't move it. Again, sorry for the stupidity but how do I remove this box without tearing up my wall?

[markmark]

The box is either nailed or screwed into the wall. The trick is, taking it out without messing up the drywall. Did the second receptacle have two black and whites hooked up to it before you changed it, or did it only have one. On the first one, make sure the two black wires are still connected.

[jfkjr812]

MarkMark,

The second receptacle only had 1 of each wire and no ground when I unscrewed from the wall. I will check the first receptacle but I assume it is ok since it is working. Thanks for your help!!!!