If you’ve ever turned on a plugged-in appliance only to have nothing happen, then you know how annoying it is to have a non-working outlet. Electrical outlets keep our devices running, and malfunctioning outlets can be a major inconvenience. To discover why your electrical outlets might stop working, read on. We’ll discuss some of the common problems that can cause electrical outlets to malfunction so that you can troubleshoot the issue yourself, fix common problems, and know when to call an electrician.
Reasons your Outelts may Stop Working
Loose Wiring or Connections
An outlet can stop working when the wires that connect it to its electrical circuit come loose and create a faulty connection. General wear and tear, age-related deterioration, and unintended damage caused by physical impact or tugging appliance cords can all cause wires to loosen.
To check for loose wiring or components, go to your breaker box and shut off power to the non-working outlet’s circuit breaker. Next, go back to the outlet and remove its front plate and its screws. Gently pull the outlet towards you or use a flashlight to inspect the wiring. If you see loose wires that are in the correct position and otherwise in good shape, you can reposition them and tighten their screws to secure them. Then, replace the outlet and the outlet cover, turn the power back on, and test your outlet.
Keep in mind that loose wires can put you at risk of electrical shock. They can also lead to sparks that create electrical fires. If you have any doubts about your ability to diagnose and troubleshoot loose wires, call an electrician for help. A licensed electrician can easily replace any problem wires, fix your broken outlet, and make sure that it’s safe to use.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
When a circuit breaker trips, the outlets on that circuit will stop working. Circuit breakers are devices in your main electrical panel that control the flow of electricity through your house. If too much current is flowing through wires, the circuit will overload, and its breaker will trip to shut off the flow of electricity. This keeps the wires from overheating and reduces the risk of fire.
If you trace your non-working outlet to a tripped breaker, you can reset the breaker by flipping it “on” to restore power to the outlet. If this fixes your issue, you probably won’t need to call an electrician. However, if you notice that a particular breaker is tripping frequently, you could have a more serious electrical problem that requires professional attention.
Tripped GFCI Outlet
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms to protect people from electrical shocks. They are designed to shut off power whenever they get wet or detect a ground fault, short circuit, or power surge. These outlets have “test” and “reset” buttons that are located between the two sockets. If your circuit is active but the GFCI outlet is not working, the outlet may have tripped. Try resetting the outlet by pushing the “reset” button to make it start working again.
Blown Fuse
If you have a non-working outlet on a circuit that connects to a fuse box, it’s highly probable that a blown fuse is causing the problem. Check the fuse box for signs of broken fuses like smoky glass and melted plastic or metal. To restore power to the circuit and get the outlet working again, you’ll need to replace the fuse yourself or have an electrician handle the issue. Make sure you’re using a compatible fuse with the right amperage rating, and take care not to overload the circuit to prevent the problem from recurring.
Burnt-Out Outlet
It’s not uncommon for an electrical outlet to burn out after an overload or power surge, but you should never make light of this situation. When a strong current flows through the outlet, the wiring near the outlet can overheat and cause a small fire. If you see scorching or blackening around an outlet, these marks could be signs of a dangerous electrical hazard, and you will need to call an electrician to replace your outlet and inspect your electrical system.
Worn-Out Outlet Slots
Failing socket connectors are common in older outlets that can’t keep a snug hold on plugs. If you’re constantly plugging different appliances into a particular socket, the metal contact plates in the outlet can lose their ability to grip and secure the plug’s prongs. This can create additional electrical resistance and cause the outlet and its connected wiring to overheat, which could lead to sparking and fires. In this case, you should call an electrician to inspect the wiring and replace the outlet.
The Outlet Has Physical Damage
When an electrical outlet is damaged by impact or improper use, it may show signs of cracking or other physical irregularities in addition to not working. If you have a damaged outlet, you should hire an electrician to inspect and replace it.
Half-Hot Outlet
Many homes are wired with two-socket, or duplex, half-hot outlets. In this case, one of the outlet’s sockets is connected to a wall switch while the other socket functions normally. If a socket in your half-hot outlet isn’t working, make sure it is switched on and sending power to the outlet. If flipping the switch fails to fix the issue, call an electrician to evaluate the situation.
Faulty Wiring
Sometimes, an outlet can stop working if the wiring that connects to it is faulty. To check for a problem, turn off power to the circuit, remove the outlet’s faceplate, and check the wiring for damage. If you see melted wire insulation or signs of burning, the wires may have experienced an overload of current. If you see corroded or broken wires, this is also cause for concern. All of these problems are serious hazards that can lead to electrical shocks and fires, so if you see them, you should call an electrician to resolve the issue ASAP.
If Your Outlet Stops Working, Call Mister Sparky!
If your outlet stops working and your troubleshooting efforts have failed, you may need to replace the outlet or fix a more serious electrical issue. The licensed electricians at Mister Sparky will be happy to visit your house, inspect and repair your outlets, and ensure your electrical system is fully functional and safe.