Have you ever plugged in your phone charger or a household appliance only to find your electrical outlet isn’t working? This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you rely on that outlet for daily use. Before you panic, take a deep breath—there are several reasons why your electrical outlet might not be working, and many of them are relatively simple to address.
In this blog, what we thought might help you is to explore the most common causes of a malfunctioning electrical outlet, how you can troubleshoot these issues yourself, and when it’s time to call in a professional electrician (ideally Northern Lights of course) to ensure your safety and restore power to your home.
Common causes of a non-functional electrical outlet
Tripped circuit breaker
One of the most common reasons for an electrical outlet not working is a tripped circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are designed to shut off power when they detect an overload, preventing electrical fires and other hazards. If your circuit breaker has tripped, resetting it could restore power to the outlet.
How to Check: Head to your home’s electrical panel, typically found in a basement, garage, or utility room. Look for any breakers that have flipped to the “off” position or are not aligned with the others. If you find one, flip it back to the “on” position. If the outlet still doesn’t work, or if the breaker trips again immediately, there may be a more serious issue at play.
In some cases, when the circuit breaker trips, it doesn’t always flip all the way to the opposite side. Some get stuck in the middle and some stick very close to ON which can be a bit hard to see the difference. If you have done all the above, there may be an issue with overloading appliances. Try to unplug some items that are not necessary
Blown fuse
In older homes, you might have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. If an electrical outlet isn’t working, it’s possible a fuse has blown. Fuses, like circuit breakers, are designed to protect your home from electrical overloads.
How to Check: Open the fuse box and look for any fuses that appear darkened or burned out. Replacing a blown fuse with one of the same amperage could restore power. However, if the new fuse blows shortly after installation, an underlying electrical problem may need to be addressed by a professional.
Loose or damaged wiring
Over time, the wiring connected to an electrical outlet can become loose or damaged. This can happen due to wear and tear, rodent activity, or even during renovations when wires are accidentally pulled or cut. Loose or damaged wiring can lead to power loss in the outlet or create a potential safety hazard.
How to Check: If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work, you can turn off the power at the circuit breaker, unscrew the outlet cover, and inspect the wiring. Look for loose connections or frayed wires. If you’re unsure or notice anything concerning, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician to avoid potential risks.
Faulty outlet
Sometimes, the electrical outlet itself may be faulty. Outlets can wear out over time, especially in high-use areas. A faulty outlet may exhibit signs like scorch marks, cracks, or an inability to hold a plug securely.
How to Check: If other outlets on the same circuit are working fine, the issue may be isolated to the specific outlet. Replacing the outlet might resolve the problem. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a professional electrician can quickly and safely handle the replacement.
GFCI outlet issues
GFCI outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock by shutting off power if they detect an imbalance in the electrical current. These outlets are commonly found in areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. If a GFCI outlet isn’t working, it may need to be reset.
How to Check:
In order to fix this type of outlet when it is shut off, you need to reset them. To begin with, unplug everything from the outlet then press the reset button. The reset button is the red one, if there is no red button on your GFCI outlet then it is usually the button on the top. Once you press the button you’d feel the click and typically your outlet should be back to normal.
Majority of the time these outlets shut down unintentionally however, sometimes the cause of the problem is because of the appliance itself. To check which appliances may have caused the problem, plug them in and see which one caused the GFCI switch to trip off by conducting a process of elimination. If you discover that a particular appliance has caused the issue, avoid using that appliance for your own safety until an Auckland electrician can inspect the appliance.
When to call a professional
While some of these issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting, others require the expertise of a master electrician. If you’ve tried resetting your circuit breaker or replacing a fuse without success, or if you’re uncomfortable handling electrical work yourself, it’s time to bring in a master electrician.
Safety first
Remember, working with electricity can be dangerous if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Always prioritise safety by turning off the power before inspecting outlets or attempting repairs.
Conclusion
An electrical outlet that isn’t working can be a minor inconvenience or a sign of a more serious issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can identify and potentially resolve the problem yourself. However, never hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
