An electrical outlet can stop working for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, you’ll be able to restore power to the outlet immediately. In other cases, an outlet that stops working is a sign of a more serious problem with your home’s electrical system. You should know the most common causes of a dead outlet, how to troubleshoot the issue on your own, and when to contact a professional. Here are five reasons an outlet in your home may stop working:
Top Causes To Stop Outlets From Working
Tripped Breaker
When a circuit breaker trips, it cuts off the power to all the outlets and appliances the circuit controls. If several outlets or lights in a room stop working at once, a tripped breaker is the most likely culprit. Fortunately, all you have to do to fix this issue is flip the switch on your home’s electrical panel from “OFF” to “ON.” However, if the circuit breaker trips frequently, it may need to be replaced.
Tripped GFCI Outlet
Some outlets in your home may contain a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a device that shuts off power to a circuit when it detects an electrical surge. GFCI outlets are easy to identify because they have a rectangular reset button. If an outlet isn’t working, try pressing this button to reset the socket and restore power.
Blown Fuse
Older homes often use fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. A fuse is a small glass tube that can only handle a certain amount of electrical current. When too much power flows through the circuit, the fuse will blow and cut off the electricity. If your home uses a fuse box and the outlets, lights, and appliances in one room all stop working at once, a blown fuse is the most likely explanation. You might see melted metal or discolored glass in the fuse box, too. The broken fuse will need to be replaced to restore power.
Loose Wiring
The wires connecting an outlet to the circuit can loosen over time, which may result in inconsistent power or a loss of power. To check the wiring in an outlet, turn the circuit breaker off, remove the wall plate, and carefully pull the outlet away from the wall. If you’re concerned about loose wiring, you should hire an electrician to tighten and reposition the wires.
Burnt Out Outlet
An outlet can burn out if it’s overloaded, which is especially common if you plug multiple devices or appliances into a power strip. You might see black marks around the outlet, which is a sign that a small fire has occurred. To prevent a house fire, you should contact an electrician immediately to replace the outlet.
Outlets can stop working for a number of reasons. Some are easy to fix on your own, and some may require help from an electrician. If you have any concerns about your home’s electrical system, Mister Sparky is here to help. Our licensed electricians can diagnose the problem and repair any electrical issues so that your home stays safe.