It’s one of the most frustrating experiences you can have — being in a hurry and trying to plug something in…only to discover that your outlet is not working! Fortunately, electricians such as Mister Sparky are extremely skilled and can usually figure out the problem very quickly. The following are some of the most common reasons why your outlet may have stopped working.
Common Reasons of Faulty Outlet
A Blown Fuse
This is one of the most common reasons why outlets stop working. You’ll want to peek inside your fuse box and check for any signs of a meltdown, including metal that appears warped. If you do find a blown fuse, go ahead and unscrew it. Switch it out for a new fuse that possesses an identical amperage rating. If you’re not feeling especially confident about working on this project yourself, it’s recommended that you reach out to an expert like Mister Sparky for assistance.
The Outlet Itself Is Damaged
When there’s been a power surge or your outlet has simply worn out, you may notice signs like cracking or damage on and around the outlet. If this is the case, you’ll want to contact a qualified electrician to take a look at the damage and then replace the old outlet with a new unit.
A Tripped Circuit Breaker
Another very common reason for non-functional outlets is a tripped circuit breaker. This can occur due to any number of reasons — including a short circuit. The bottom line is that power will automatically be cut off to the outlet as a safety precaution; this is to save you from electrical fires. Fortunately, the fix is easy. Simply check your panel for a tripped breaker. If you need to, reset it.
A Wiring Issue
Sometimes wires may become loose or detached due to regular wear and tear or natural events such as minor earthquakes. Unless you feel very comfortable turning off the power yourself and inspecting the wiring, it is probably best to have an electrician work on a wiring problem for you.
A Burnt-Out Outlet
If you notice signs like charring or blackening around an outlet, there’s a very good chance that your outlet burned out at some point. This may occur due to loose connections or problems with the way plugs have been inserted and removed. Whatever you do, do not attempt to use the outlet; speak to a professional about an immediate replacement.
A Half-Hot Outlet
Sometimes, when a switch is incorrectly wired, you will find that only one side of the outlet has power. In this case, try flipping the switch to see if power comes back to both sides of the outlet.
Your Outlet Has Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs were invented to keep people safe. In the case of what seems like an unsafe current flow, the power will turn off, thus rendering your outlet ineffective. Sometimes, though, you may find that GFCIs can be affected by a surge or even some dampness. Pushing the reset button just might solve your entire problem.
It’s Time to Resolve Outlet Issues in Birmingham
It’s always a good idea to have an electrician come out and take a look at your outlets. Whether you have one outlet down — or several — it’s always a great relief to have a professional technician come out, diagnose the issue, and then fix it! You’ll get to the root of your electrical problems, preventing future problems before they even start. The team at Mister Sparky prides itself on excellent customer service and attention to detail.