Why Did My Electrical Outlet Stop Working?

It can be frustrating when one of your home’s electrical outlets stops working. Luckily, you can take steps to diagnose the issue yourself before calling an experienced electrician. Read our guide to learn more about how electrical outlets work, how to fix them, and when to contact a professional.

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How Do Electrical Outlets Work?

Electricity travels from the power plant through power lines and connects with your breaker box to power your home. The breaker box distributes electricity to various circuits, each powering a different area of your home. A breaker controls each circuit and turns off if the system has an electrical overload.

Electrical outlets allow your appliances and other devices to access the electricity in the circuit. Your outlet has three main parts:

• The ground hole: Most electrical outlets have a grounding hole, which is the semicircular hole at the bottom of the outlet. The ground hole provides a safe path for electrical currents to flow before they reach the appliance, which prevents shocks and protects your electronics.
• The hot slot: This is the smaller slot on the face of the outlet. In North America, it delivers 120V worth of electricity.
• The neutral slot: This is the larger slot on the face of the outlet that completes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow back to the circuit breaker. It has a neutral voltage.

When you plug a device into an outlet, its metal prongs fit into the hot and neutral slots, completing the electrical circuit that powers it.

Common Types of Outlets

Here are the most common types of outlets you’ll find in North American homes:

• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI): This type of outlet is typically located in your bathroom or kitchen and is identified by its test and reset buttons. GFCIs automatically shut off power if they detect an interruption in the electrical flow to prevent serious electrical shock.
• Grounding 3-prong outlets: Most residential structures have building codes that require these standard outlets. They have two slots for standard plugs and a grounding hole for safety.
• Standard 2-prong outlets: You’ll find these outlets in many older homes. If you have standard 2-prong outlets, consider replacing them since they’re less safe than newer ones.

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Common Problems With Electrical Outlets

Even new electrical systems can experience problems that disrupt your electrical circuit and make your outlet useless. Some issues are easy to tackle yourself, while others might require the help of a licensed electrician.

Damaged Plugs

Check that the problem isn’t with the plug on your device before you try to fix your electrical outlet. Plugs on appliance cords can wear out, and bent prongs or frayed wires may prevent the plug from connecting to the outlet.

GFCI Issues

GFCI outlets are great for areas of your home that experience a lot of moisture, such as your bathrooms and kitchen. These outlets monitor the flow of electricity and turn off if they detect an imbalance that could lead to an electrical shock. A tripped GFCI prevents appliances plugged into the outlet from working.

Loose Connections

Wires connect the outlet to the circuit. These wires can loosen over time due to an incorrect installation or vibrations in the walls. Loose connections can disrupt the flow of electricity, causing flickering lights or a complete loss of power to the outlet, depending on how loose the connection becomes.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

A tripped circuit breaker is the most common reason for a dead outlet, but it’s also the easiest to fix. If there’s too much demand on the circuit, the fuse box will turn that circuit off to prevent overheating and becoming a fire hazard. If all the electrical outlets and electronics in that area of your home have stopped working, your dead outlet is probably due to a tripped circuit.

Worn-Out Outlets

Outlets can deteriorate over time, especially if they get a lot of use. Faulty outlets might develop loose wires, worn-out connections, or physical damage to the outlet itself. A worn outlet won’t be able to deliver consistent power, so you might notice flickering lights or sparks when you plug something in. Since old, damaged outlets can be a fire hazard, you should replace them immediately.

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How To Fix Outlets That Stopped Working

You may be able to fix a dead outlet yourself. Before diagnosing the issue, turn off the power to the outlet at the breaker box. The electrical box is typically found in a basement, garage, or utility closet. Identify the breaker controlling the circuit on the electrical panel and flip it to the off position.

Here’s how to troubleshoot an outlet that isn’t working:

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When To Contact a Professional Electrician

There are some simple do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to fix a broken outlet, but some situations require a licensed electrician. The sections below detail when it’s time to call a pro.

Other Electrical System Issues

If you’re experiencing electrical system issues in other parts of your home, it’s best to talk to an electrician. Flickering lights, dimming lights, or buzzing sounds from light switches are all signs of potential issues. These signs are especially common in older houses with aging electrical systems. A licensed electrician can assess your electrical system and work with you on a plan to update and improve its safety and function.

Persistent Electrical Problems

If you find yourself resetting the same breaker frequently, it could be a sign of a bigger electrical issue. A breaker that trips often or doesn’t work after you’ve reset could be overloaded, or there may be a wiring issue. Resist the urge to keep resetting a blown fuse and instead call a licensed electrician.

Signs of Electrical Fires

If you smell burning plastic or rubber near the electrical outlet, the wiring may be overheating and could become a fire hazard. Other signs of electrical fires include sparks, smoke, crackling sounds, or an outlet that feels warm to the touch. If you observe any of these signs, turn off the power at the breaker immediately and contact an electrician. These are all signs of serious electrical problems—don’t attempt to fix them yourself.

How To Choose a Reliable Electrician

• Ask about their experience, particularly about working on issues like yours.
• Check their online reviews to see what previous customers say about their services.
• Choose an electrician who communicates well, answers your questions, and gets back to you promptly.
• Ensure that the electrician you choose is licensed in your state and carries liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Get estimates from multiple electricians before committing to one (the cheapest isn’t always the best).

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Our Conclusion

A malfunctioning outlet can be a major inconvenience, but you can often fix the issue yourself. Turn the circuit off at the fuse box and start with straightforward solutions such as resetting the breaker or pressing the reset button on your GFCI outlet. Next, you can look for signs of loose or faulty wiring.

If these solutions don’t restore electrical service to your outlet, contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix your dead outlet. If you see any signs of electrical fires, turn the electricity off at the breaker box and contact an electrician immediately.

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FAQ About Outlets That Stop Working

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