J. Fritscher – March 17, 2024
Generally speaking, the electrical installations in our homes are hassle free. We don’t typically have to keep up with annual maintenance like HVAC systems, or even some plumbing systems. We have pretty much come to assume that any time we need to power a device, we simply plug it into one of our handy dandy wall outlets and away we go. But what happens when you plug something in and it doesn’t turn on? Below, we will discuss some common causes and how to remedy an outlet with no power.
Firstly, let’s not assume that it is a faulty outlet. If you’ve just plugged in a device and it doesn’t power on, check the device on an outlet that is known to be working, such as an outlet with a corded lamp that still illuminates. If the device does not work at this outlet, then you may have a device that has been damaged or has a blown fuse.
If the device has been verified to be operational and the outlet isn’t providing power, the first step is to check for any tripped circuit breakers. Check for any circuit breakers that are in the ‘OFF’ or tripped position. Hint: a tripped circuit breaker sometimes looks like it is on as it is only offset from the ‘ON’ position by a fraction of an inch. If you find a tripped circuit breaker, reset it by first flipping it to the ‘OFF’ position and then flipping it to the ‘ON’ position. If the breaker does not trip again, test the outlet in question for power. If this was not the issue or does not correct the issue, continue reading.
Is the outlet in question a GFCI receptacle? If so, the ground fault circuit protection could have tripped causing the receptacle to ‘open’ the electrical circuit to prevent an electrical shock or fault current. In this case, press firmly on the ‘Reset’ button located on the receptacle. If you hear and feel a ‘click’, the device has successfully been reset and power should be restored to the outlet. If pressing the reset button does not result in a click, the device may not have been activated after all. Many GFCI receptacles have a green indicator when they are powered and ready to use. If you see this light, then your receptacle should be operating properly.
If the outlet in question is not a GFCI device, it could still be downstream of one. In this case, if the GFCI receptacle opens the circuit, any outlet powered by the GFCI receptacle will also lose power. Check nearby receptacles to determine if a GFCI device may be feeding the outlet in question. Hint: if the outlet is on an exterior wall, check outside receptacles as they may have activated the ground fault protection.
What if none of this helps? Well, there are a few other possibilities. The outlet itself could have failed in an open state. In this case, replacing the receptacle with a properly rated device should remedy the situation.
The other two possibilities are a disconnected wire, or a wire that has been severely corroded and is no longer making electrical contact. Either of these could occur locally inside the same junction box as the receptacle in question, or they could occur upstream of the noted fault location.
Any time a receptacle needs to be replaced or connections need to be tested or repaired, we recommend calling a licensed and insured electrical contractor to help diagnose and resolve the issue. In this case, we recommend gathering as much information as possible prior to contacting a local electrical contractor. This information includes checking for tripped breakers or GFCI receptacles, as well as any other outlets or lighting fixtures that may not be working.
Properly trained personnel that are skilled in working with electricity should be utilized when dealing with power to avoid injury or death. Far too often, a homeowner or handyman believes that they have properly de-energized a circuit, but they do not understand how to properly test for potential. They then begin confidently working on the circuit and end up shocking themselves. We understand, we like saving money too, but we’re willing to bet that your life is worth more than a few hundred dollars to you, and especially to your loved ones.
We hope that this guide helps you to either resolve the issue on your own by resetting a tripped circuit breaker or GFCI receptacle or has provided enough information to help assist you when contacting a professional. If you are still uncertain or have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction.
