When you plug a cord into an electrical outlet, you expect it to work. However, that is not always the case. Dead outlets are a common issue in many homes, and they can happen for various reasons. While electrical problems can be frustrating, many are easy to diagnose and resolve. Below, we will look at the most frequent causes of non-functional outlets and provide tips on how to address them.
Top Reasons Your Outlet Isn’t Working
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your electrical outlet is not working, make sure to check the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is one of the most common reasons for nonfunctioning outlets. A home’s electrical panel contains several circuit breakers that control the flow of electricity to different areas. When they become overloaded, or there is a short, the breaker will trip, cutting off power to prevent damage.
You can usually find the panel in the utility closet, basement, or garage. If a switch is not in alignment with the others, that is the one that may have tripped. You can easily flip that switch back into place. However, you might have a larger issue if the breaker trips again. There could be an electrical overload or a short circuit. A qualified electrician should inspect any of these problems.
Tripped GFCI Outlet
You might also want to inspect your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. You can find them in bathrooms and kitchens. They can prevent electrical shocks in areas where water is present. If they detect any power imbalance, they will automatically shut off. A single GFCI outlet often controls other standard outlets on the same circuit. In these cases, when the GFCI trips, other outlets will be affected.
If your outlets are not working by the GFCI outlet, check to see if that outlet has tripped. There is a “reset” button that you can press to restore power. If that doesn’t work, you might want to call an electrician to inspect the outlet.
Blown Fuse
Most homes will have a circuit breaker box. However, in some older homes, fuses are still used. You may have to check those fuses if you have an older electrical system. Like a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse can affect the outlet. If you see a melted or dissolved fuse, that is a sign to replace it. Make sure to replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage. If you still have problems after a replacement, your home may have an extensive electrical issue.
Damaged Wiring
Sometimes, the wiring in your home might be loose or damaged. Vibrations, wear and tear, and poor installation can cause the wiring to become loose over time. Even rodents and corrosion can damage the wire. In any case, problems with the wiring need to be fixed. While it is a cause of non-working outlets, these problems can also result in home fires. Any repairs to the electrical wiring should not be attempted by yourself. Make sure to call an electrician to inspect and repair the problem.
Burned Outlet
Over time, an electrical outlet can become burned out. Often, this can happen when there is a power surge or an overload of the circuit. Any discoloration or burning smells are surefire signs that this has happened to your outlet. This is a serious safety hazard. You will not want to attempt to use the outlet until an electrician can repair it. Burned-out outlets can cause fires. If you want to be safe, cut the electricity to this outlet and call a technician as soon as possible.
Switched Outlets
You might have an outlet connected to a wall switch and not know it. This is common in living rooms or bedrooms. Many times, a switch will control certain outlets in the room. If you have one that has stopped working, check if a nearby switch controls it. Make sure the switch is in the “on” position. If that does not fix the problem, it could be a faulty switch or a wiring issue.
Breaker Panel Issues
While you might have checked the breaker panel for tripped circuits, the issue could be with the electrical panel itself. Internal damage, corrosion, or loose connections can cause disruptions in the flow of power to your home’s outlets. In these cases, outlets can stop working even if there are no signs of tripped circuits. This will require an inspection by an electrician. They can look for any signs of trouble and quickly repair them for you.
While some problems can be handled on your own, you might want to call a professional to avoid potential issues. Electrical repairs can be dangerous without the proper training and tools. At Mister Sparky in Gainesville, we can help determine the cause of the non-working outlet and make the necessary repairs to restore functionality in your home. Make sure to contact our office to schedule an in-home appointment for your electrical needs.