Have you ever plugged in something into an electrical outlet, only to find that it doesn’t work? It can be frustrating when an outlet suddenly stops working. Especially if it’s a dedicated outlet for a specific appliance. There are several reasons why an outlet might stop working.
In this post, we can explore some of the most common causes. From tripped circuit breakers to faulty wiring and old outlets.
6 reasons why your electrical outlet may not be working
There are several reasons why an electrical outlet might stop working. Here are some common causes:
Tripped circuit breaker
If the circuit breaker that controls the outlet has tripped, then the outlet won’t work. Check the circuit breaker panel to see if any of the breakers have flipped to the “off” position. If you find one, flip it back to “on.”
Tripped GFCI
If the green light is not on at a particular GFCI outlet, it may need to be reset or replaced.
Blown fuse
If your home has an older electrical system with fuses instead of circuit breakers, a blown fuse could be the problem. Check the fuse box to see if any of the fuses have blown. If you find one, you might try replacing it with a new one of the same amperage. Do NOT install a larger one. This can become a fire hazard.
Faulty wiring
If the outlet is not receiving power, it could be due to faulty wiring. This is particularly likely if the outlet has been damaged or if there are other electrical problems in the home. Faulty wiring should be diagnosed and repaired by a licensed electrician.
Loose connections
Over time, the wires inside an outlet can become loose, which can cause the outlet to stop working. In order to verify this, you’d need to check the outlet to see if any wires are loose or disconnected and tighten connections if so. In order to accomplish this, you would have to turn the power off first. Again, this is a task best left to an experienced electrician.
Old or worn-out outlet
Outlets can wear out over time, especially if they are frequently used. If none of the above issues seem to be the problem, the outlet itself may need to be replaced.
If your outlet isn’t working, contact a licensed and insured electrician
As a homeowner, it’s important to prioritize safety when it comes to electrical work in your home. While it may be tempting to save money by attempting the repair yourself, it’s crucial to remember that working with electricity can be extremely dangerous. Unless you are a licensed electrician, you should not attempt to repair or replace outlets on your own. Electrical work requires specialized knowledge and training to be done safely and correctly, and attempting to do it yourself can result in serious injury or damage to your home. Always err on the side of caution and hire a professional to handle any electrical repairs or installations in your home.
Engle Services offers electrical outlet repair and replacement in
Sylacauga, Talladega, Shelby County (Hoover, Chelsea), Alabaster, Pell City, Dadeville, Wetumpka, Montgomery and all their surrounding areas.
Ready to schedule with our team of HVAC Technicians, Electricians, and Plumbers?
Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (855) GET-ENGLE