If you've ever plugged in your phone only to come back hours later and realize it wasn't charging or replaced a lightbulb only to discover that the lamp still won't turn on, you know just how frustrating a non-working outlet can be. While getting to the root cause of a dead outlet can seem daunting, the good news is that most outlet issues stem from a handful of common problems. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the six most common reasons outlets stop working and provided some steps to diagnose and fix your outlet problem.
From blown fuses to loose connections to outlet burnout, here are the common culprits behind dead or malfunctioning outlets and how to fix them:
Six Common Reasons Outlets Stop Working and How To Fix Them
The last thing you want is to go through the hassle of repairing or replacing an outlet when you don't have to. That's why you should first confirm that your outlet is truly to blame. After all, devices can short out, have damaged wires, or fail on their own. Jumping to conclusions can lead to unnecessary, expensive repairs.
To rule out the device, plug it into a known working outlet or test the suspect outlet with another device. For example, if your lamp won't turn on but your phone charger works in the same spot, the outlet isn't the issue. If neither device works, the problem likely lies with your outlet.
Common reasons outlets stop working include:
1. Loose or Damaged Wiring and Connections
Loose or faulty internal wiring and connections often lead to dead outlets. To inspect your wiring, first switch off the circuit breaker. This will cut the power, allowing you to take a peek at your outlet's wiring safely. Then, unscrew and remove the outlet's faceplate and gently pull the outlet a few inches away from the wall.
You should see a black wire attached to the gold screw on one side of your outlet, a white wire paired with a silver screw on the opposite side, and a copper or green wire at the bottom of your outlet. If any wires are loose, reposition them and tighten the screws. Once everything is secure, reassemble the outlet, flip your breaker back on, and plug in your device.
Stop using your outlet immediately if there are burned, melted, corroded, or broken wires. These are signs of overheating and potential fire hazards, so it's best to call a licensed electrician.
2. Blown Fuses
Fuse boxes distribute electricity throughout your home and prevent overloads that might lead to shocks or fires. Fuse boxes generally contain six to twelve fuses, each made up of a thin metal strip or wire housed in ceramic or glass. The metal or wire will melt if faced with too much current, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity.
Signs of a blown fuse include melted metal, charred glass, and a faint burning smell. After locating the broken fuse, unscrew it and replace it with a fuse of the same type and amperage rating. Otherwise, you may damage your electrical components, accidentally overload your circuit, experience overheating, or even start a fire.
To reduce the strain on your system and lower your chances of blowing fuses, try to unplug any devices and appliances when they aren't in use. If blown fuses are a recurring issue, consider upgrading your electrical panel with a professional electrical panel replacement. While this can be a significant initial investment, an update can increase capacity, improve safety, and help prevent future power interruptions.
3. Tripped Circuit Breakers
Like fuse boxes, circuit breakers protect your home by cutting power when too much electricity flows through a circuit—though breakers trip and reset while fuses blow and need replacement. This can prevent overheating, fires, melted wiring, and other damage. If several electrical outlets and lights in the same room or area lose power at the same time, you probably have a tripped circuit breaker on your hands.
Check your breaker box for any switches that have been flipped off and reset them to the on position. If you notice a switch stuck between the on and off positions, switch it off, wait a few moments, and then flip it to the on position. Finally, you can return to the outlet and test it.
Circuit breakers usually trip when too many devices and appliances are plugged into the same circuit, causing an electrical overload. However, breakers can also wear out over time and fail to handle their rated capacity. Short circuits, often caused when hot wires touch neutral or ground wires, can also trigger trips by creating sudden power surges.
4. Half-Hot Outlets
Half-hot outlets, also called lamp outlets, have one half that's always on and another (usually the bottom half) controlled by a wall switch. They're most common in rooms without overhead lighting, as they were originally developed so homeowners could control lamps with a switch.
If your outlet isn't working, it might be because the switch controlling the half-hot outlet is turned off. The good news is that the fix is super simple: just flip the wall switch to activate the other half of the outlet.
5. Outlet Burnout
Your outlet may have also stopped working due to burnout, which happens when a power surge ignites a small spark or flame within the outlet that damages the wire. One common giveaway that outlet burnout has occurred is blackening and scorch marks around the outlet caused by the small fire within the outlet. You may also notice a slight burning smell, and the outlet may feel hot or warm.
Outlet burnout renders the outlet unusable and poses serious risks, including fires and electrical shocks. So, if your outlet has burnt out, it's best to replace it immediately with professional electrical outlet installation services.
6. Tripped GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets automatically shut off when they detect electrical surges or ground faults, helping to protect people from electrical shocks. Modern building codes require them in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other rooms where water is present.
While these outlets have saved lives and prevented countless electrical shocks, they can be sensitive and trip over small fluctuations. Resetting them is simple. Just press the rectangular reset button in the center of the outlet and then plug your device in again.
If the outlet won't reset or keeps tripping, water infiltration may be to blame. Moisture from power washing, storms, or even high indoor humidity caused by hot showers, dryers, humidifiers, and steam from cooking can cause moisture to gather inside the outlet, triggering a shutdown. You can wait for the outlet to dry naturally or speed up the process with a fan.
Fix Your Outlet Problems Today—Call an Atlanta Electrician
Dead outlets aren't only an inconvenience—they're also dangerous. So, it's crucial to quickly find and fix broken outlets, whether that means hitting the reset button on your GFCI outlet, checking your circuit breaker, or readjusting your outlet's wiring.
While some outlets have simple fixes that you can handle safely, others are more complex or pose a danger. If you can't pinpoint the cause of a problem outlet or realize you have a larger problem, schedule service with a licensed Atlanta electrician today.
At Estes Services, we have a team of licensed and Eaton-certified electricians ready to help you solve your electrical outlet problems. Our electricians possess the necessary tools for the job and are well-versed in addressing all types of electrical issues to ensure your comfort, safety, and well-being.
We will get your outlets back up and running quickly, safely, and efficiently. Schedule electrical service now. It's that Easy: It's Estes!
