This morning, I'm sitting at my computer in the basement when I heard a loud click or snap. Since I had a small heater running to take the chill off, I figured the extension bar breaker had tripped. Wrong. It was actually the GFCI outlet that the extension bar was plugged in to. The GFCI is there because it's the circuit for the outside outlets.
I tried to reset it, but no such luck. Oh well, time to replace it. It's only been there for 10+ years. I proceded to kill the circuit at the panel and take the cover off. Aside from signs of old critter invasion, the outlet itself was really fried. One of the black lead terminals was blown out and melted. Ok then. Off to HD for a new one.
I got the exact same kind, brought it home and installed it. I flipped the breaker on and the green light on the GFCI was glowing a nice steady shade of kelly green. Problem is, there was no power to either outlet or the outdoor timer.
Kill the power, pul the outlet, check the wires. Everything looks good. Put it all back together. Turn on the power. Green light and ... no power.
I'm frustrated beyond belief. Now, I'm wondering how much damage the critters may have done to the wiring inside the walls and if I'm going to have to have the whole house re-wired. I'm pretty sure that wont' be cheap.
