5 Reasons Why Your Electrical Outlet Isn't Working

When you plug in an appliance or charger cord and nothing happens, it can result in a frustrating morning. If an electrical outlet has stopped working unexpectedly, it could be because of an issue with the outlet itself or too many things plugged into one circuit.

To avoid potential hazards, it's important to diagnose the issue correctly and fix it as soon as possible. Sometimes, it's as simple as resetting a GFCI or flipping a breaker, but this issue may also require professional attention.

Why do outlets stop working? We explore some of the most common causes, including:

• Loose or damaged connections
• Tripped circuit breaker
• GFCI outlet reset required
• Faulty outlet or wiring
• Overloaded circuit

If your outlet stopped working, try some of the solutions below or call Jon Wayne for convenient, reliable service.

Don't Wait for Bigger Problems — Get Reliable Electrical Repairs From Jon Wayne!

A malfunctioning outlet can be more than just an inconvenience — it can also be a safety issue for your home. The team at Jon Wanye can diagnose your issue, whether it's limited to one outlet or part of a bigger problem with the panel, and get it fixed ASAP.

If the outlet stops working but the breaker isn't tripped, it could be a damaged connection. Over time, daily outlet use can cause wear and tear on the internal components.

This can lead to loose wiring or other issues that can cause the outlet to stop working entirely. Signs of a damaged connection include an outlet that feels warm to the touch, seeing sparks when using the outlet, or noticing visible damage, such as scorch marks.

Loose connections can cause electrical fires, so it's important to address this issue as soon as possible—ideally, before the outlet stops working completely.

A tripped breaker, which protects your home from electrical overloads by interrupting the circuit when an abnormality is detected, could cause one circuit to stop working. When the breaker trips, it shuts the power off to everything on that circuit, including outlets.

You can check if the breaker is tripped by opening your electrical panel and looking for a breaker switch that's going the opposite way or isn't all the way forward. Flipping it back into place should fix the problem.

If your breaker frequently trips, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as an overloaded circuit or a wiring issue, that requires professional attention.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks in water-prone areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom. When they trip, they no longer have power — and, in some cases, can shut the power off to any outlets down the line.

You can check if a tripped GFCI is the culprit by looking at the light outside the outlet. If it's red, it's tripped. Press the "Reset" button to reset the outlet. The light should turn green, and it should work again. If the outlet won't reset or trips repeatedly, it may need to be replaced.

Outlets with regular use have a general lifespan of about 15 to 25 years, but they can fail sooner. What happens when an outlet gets blown? You may notice that plugs fall out or a burning smell coming from the outlet.

It's important to replace the outlet promptly to avoid a fire or other hazard.

A circuit can only handle so much electricity. If you have too many devices, such as appliances or electronics, plugged into one circuit, it can cause an overload. This can lead to overheating, tripped breakers, and damaged outlets.

You may notice that everything is fine until you run a high-draw appliance, such as a vacuum or microwave. Redistributing the devices across multiple circuits can spread out the draw and fix the issue. However, this may also indicate it's time to upgrade your electrical panel to ensure it's big enough for your family's needs.

If an outlet is not working or you need to repair your panel, contact Jon Wayne. We get the job done right the first time and have thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers.