[Jandrews]

Found the problem!! 2 minutes with the non-contact voltage detector that Milt suggested made short work of this diagnosis. Turns out that a genius cable tech drilled through the rim joist to route another cable line out to the satellite dish on the deck. When he did, the hole he drilled was about 1 inch away from where the power wire passed through the rim joist. He drilled at an extreme angle, and ran into the power wire (possibly a shocking experience from the looks of it!) Anyway, the power wire is clearly breached there, with torn insulation and a broken/exposed piece of copper! The break is literally in the middle of the hole, so it wasn't presenting any immediate danger.

Should be an easy fix. I need about 30' of exterior 110V house wire, and will have to re-fish it up through the hollow steel spindles on the deck, and up to the outlet. Re-staple it, and tear out the old wire. Probably no more than an hour or so work.

Thanks to all, especially dad911 for forcing me to validate my multi-meter, and to Milt for suggesting the quick working non-contact voltage detector! Money and time well spent!!

Thanks again,

JA