Line fault at the outlet -- do I need an electrician?


Yesterday, I got a Panamax, Max 1500 surge protector and line conditioner. (I got a very good deal on it, and am just trying it out.)

I plugged it into an outlet I've been using for a while and one of the red lights on the front lit up saying "line fault." (I'm not sure how this is different from a "ground fault." Maybe it's the same.) The Panamax does not do this with other outlets in the room. They seem ok.

So, I know this means that the outlet is improperly wired. My question is, might this be a simple thing to check and/or fix? Any suggestions most appreciated. It's the only outlet I can use to have my audio set up where I usually have it. Now is not an optimal time to call an electrician. If this is a big problem, I'll try out my gear somewhere else in the room, but if I can fix this without too much expertise, that would be ideal.
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Showing 2 responses by danvignau

If your house has aluminum wiring, (or not?), you should try unscrewing the outlet (with the breaker off), then remove the wires, and tighten them to the screws, not the push in inserts.  To remove inserted wires, push a very skinny screwdriver into the little slot by the wire.  Corrosion can be defeated this way, especially on aluminum wiring.   
... and yes, check the polarity:  White wire goes on the screw for the small plug insert slot.  Do the green (or un-sheathed) ground, too.