Having an outlet that suddenly no longer works can be frustrating. More than that, it can also sometimes indicate there is an electrical issue that may be a serious safety hazard. That’s why it’s important to understand what can cause an outlet to stop functioning, the steps that might possibly restore power to it, and when you need to call an electrician.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker can cause an outlet to lose power. This issue often affects multiple outlets or lights in the same area. When a circuit breaker trips, you can usually reset it by flipping it back on to restore power.
If the breaker immediately trips again after being reset or if you have a breaker that trips repeatedly, you should be concerned. In either case, leave the breaker off and call a professional electrician to inspect the circuit and your electrical panel. You may be dealing with a more serious issue that poses a safety hazard.
Tripped GFCI Outlet
Most homes today have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in areas near water sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. GFCI outlets are designed to prevent the risk of fire and electrocution caused by ground faults. A ground fault occurs when an electrical current takes an unintended path to the ground, which can happen with an outlet or an appliance plugged into it. If this occurs, the GFCI outlet will trip, instantly shutting off power to the outlet.
You can easily identify GFCI outlets by the “test” and “reset” buttons located between the two receptacles. GFCI outlets may also have an indicator light to show whether the outlet has power. If a GFCI trips, the reset button will pop out, and the indicator light may turn off or change color. To restore power, press the reset button.
If pressing the reset button doesn’t restore power, the outlet may be faulty, and you should have it inspected or replaced. A malfunctioning GFCI outlet can pose significant safety risks if it fails to trip when needed. For this reason, it’s important to test all GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they function properly. If the power doesn’t shut off when tested, avoid using the outlet until an electrician can inspect it.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires GFCI outlets in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, basements, and outdoor areas of new homes. If your home has outlets in these areas that aren’t GFCI-protected, upgrading to GFCI outlets is highly recommended. Since GFCI outlets were introduced in 1971, electrocutions have decreased by over 80%, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing home safety.
Loose Wiring
One of the most common reasons for an outlet to stop working is loose wiring. This issue can also cause an outlet to work sporadically as the loose connection can interrupt the flow of electricity. Loose wiring is a significant fire hazard, which is why it’s crucial not to use an outlet that works intermittently. An electrician should inspect and repair any loose connections. Loose wires can cause electrical arcing, which can produce sparks and potentially lead to the outlet melting or catching fire.
Outlet Has Burnt Out
As mentioned above, a loose or damaged wire can cause part of the outlet to melt, rendering it unusable. You can often tell if an outlet has burnt out by signs of scorching or smoke marks on the faceplate. Even if the outlet still works, you should never use it if you notice any signs of burning or melting, as this could lead to a fire. If an outlet suddenly feels hot or starts smoking, unplug everything from it immediately. It’s also a good idea to shut off the circuit breaker controlling that outlet until an inspection can be performed.
Worn-Out Contact Points
Over time, the contact points inside an outlet can wear out, especially in older outlets. This can happen gradually due to normal use, as plugging and unplugging cords wears down the contacts. It can also happen suddenly if a cord is yanked out, bending the contacts so that the prongs on a plug no longer fit securely.
If you notice that a plug fits loosely in an outlet, it’s best not to use that outlet or the device plugged into it. A loose plug can lead to sparking or short circuits. You can test whether the issue is with the outlet or the plug by trying the device in another outlet. If the plug fits securely in a different outlet, the first outlet likely needs to be replaced.
Defective Outlet
It’s also possible that your outlet is defective or has worn out due to age. When testing an outlet, an electrician will first use a voltmeter to check whether electricity is flowing to it. If the outlet doesn’t have power, the electrician will turn off the circuit breaker to safely remove the cover plate and check the wiring. If the wiring is intact, this indicates that the outlet itself has failed and needs to be replaced.
Shut Off a Half-Hot Outlet
If you have a light switch in your home and you’re not sure what it controls, it might be connected to a half-hot outlet. Half-hot outlets are commonly found in living rooms and bedrooms, where one receptacle is always on while the other is controlled by a wall switch. If the switched side of a half-hot outlet stops working while the other side still works, it could indicate a problem with the switch or a loose wire.
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is the experienced electrical contractor to turn to for all your inspection, electrical repair, and installation needs. We’ve been serving the Farmington Hills area for nearly 100 years and are also the top choice for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Whether you have an outlet that doesn’t work or you need some other home service performed, give us a call today.
