Why and What You Can Do When Your Electrical Outlet is Not Working

You turned it on after plugging it in. You then unplugged it and turned it off. And your electrical outlet is still not working!

A faulty or dead outlet can be inconvenient, especially if you need to charge your laptop or use an electric kettle to make your favourite cup of tea. Nobody enjoys dealing with a faulty outlet, there can be a variety of reasons and causes.

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If you’re frustrated by an electrical outlet that has suddenly stopped working, continue reading. We’ll go over the most common reasons why your outlets might fail you, as well as what you can do about it.

Reasons why your electrical outlet isn’t working.

Every day, you rely on your electrical outlet and let’s be honest, you don’t think twice about it – until it fails of course.

Whether it’s while working from home or watching your favourite TV show in the evening, homeowners frequently experience faulty and broken outlets for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples of the most common.

What is the procedure for resetting an electrical outlet?

If your outlet isn’t working, it’s possible that you have a tripped circuit breaker; this is why you need to flip the switch between the “on” and “off” positions to reset the circuit.

So you’re not resetting the outlet itself, but rather the circuit that powers it (and others around your home). In most cases, resetting the circuit breaker will resolve the problem and, as a result, your outlet.

If your breaker is still not working properly, contact your local electrician right away.

Blown fuse

If your electricity is powered by a fuse box, a blown fuse could be the source of the problem. You may have a blown or broken fuse that must be replaced right away. Contact your local electrician.

GFCI outlets tripped – As of 1 January 2019 GFCI are rarely required as safety switches installed in switchboards would provide the same protection

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that is installed on power outlets, especially those near water sources, such as those in the bathroom or kitchen. They protect against electrical shock and detect short circuits automatically.

If your GFCI outlet is not functioning properly, it means that your electrical outlet is not functioning at all. Try resetting the GFCI button.

If the problems persist, do not attempt to investigate further. You are putting yourself in danger as it is best to contact a local electrician!

Smouldering outlets

Strong and unexpected electrical surges generate heat in your wiring, which can damage your outlets.

If you notice black spots or smoke coming from your outlets, or if you smell a strange burning odour, you should have your burned outlets replaced right away by a local electrician, as these can cause fire hazards if left unchecked.

Wires that aren’t in place

Some of the most common causes of faulty outlets are loose wires. While the fix may appear simple, it is critical that even a simple task like this be left to a qualified professional.

Inadequate installation

Unfortunately, you may have previously been the victim of an unlicensed trade or a DIY person. Even if your outlets are relatively new and show no signs of damage, they may malfunction if they were installed incorrectly or poorly.

If you are unsure whether you have a faulty electrical outlet, the best thing to do is to contact a professional electrician who can inspect the problem, carefully disconnect the faulty wirings or faulty outlet, and replace them quickly and safely.

Old outlet

Electrical outlets that are old and worn out are just that: old and worn out. And, like anything else in your home, outlets may need to be replaced due to wear and tear over time.

Due to decomposing materials, old outlets may also have exposed or frayed wiring, as well as loose electrical connections.

How can you tell if a power outlet is faulty?

Older outlets can even cause a slew of problems, such as:

– Shocks from electricity
– Connection issues
– Fires caused by electricity

Can I repair a powerless outlet?. NO.

Attempting to repair an outlet fault on your own can be hazardous and is illegal. Only qualified licensed electricians are trained and legally allowed to repair faulty outlets safely.

What can I check prior to calling a licensed electrician to save a service call?

Step 1

Check the safety switch located in your switchboard to make sure it’s on if however, it repeatedly trips call a licensed electrician.

Attempt to plug in other appliances

When you first notice that your outlet isn’t working, try plugging in another appliance. If this secondary appliance works, you can be certain that the problem is with the original appliance rather than with the outlet.

Check other outlets to see if they are operational

If one of your home’s power outlets is not working, you should investigate whether the problem is limited to that single outlet, nearby outlets, or all outlets in your home.

Look for a nearby outlet (for example, in the same room). Then, at the opposite end of the house, check another. You can now determine whether the problem affects only one or multiple outlets.

Unplug any other appliances that are plugged into the same electrical outlet

Electrical outlets that are overloaded may occasionally fail to function. One of the best ways to test this is to unplug all other appliances from a single electrical outlet to see if any other appliances are drawing more power than the others.

Call an electrician

Faulty outlets may appear to be inconvenient, but they can also present larger issues or conceal deeper problems within your home’s electrical system.

Electrical outlets and wiring in the home can be complicated. We strongly advise you to contact a professional electrician immediately. Only licensed electricians can legally undertake wiring repairs.

Is it necessary to hire an electrician to replace an outlet?

Yes.
Electricians will always have testers and special equipment on hand to help them safely identify the problems you’re having. This specialised equipment should only be used by a trained professional.

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For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 or simply complete the online enquiry form and we will call and arrange a time to discuss your electrical requirements.

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sources: briggselectrical.com.au