When an electrical outlet stops working, it can be a frustrating experience. Especially if you have no idea what’s causing it! To help you figure it out, here are a few reasons why your outlet may have stopped working.
You Haven’t Flipped the Switch
It’s obvious, but hey, it happens! Some outlets are controlled by a switch on the wall, so if you plug a lamp into the outlet, you can control the lamp from the light switch. Try flipping a few switches to see if it makes your outlet live again.
Your Circuit Breaker Tripped
A dead outlet isn’t always the result of a major electrical problem. You could’ve just overloaded a circuit causing it to trip. The circuit breaker is meant to detect excess currents and stop the flow of power in your home to prevent damage. Before checking for tripped circuits, make sure you don’t have too many appliances plugged into the outlet. Then check your panel, reset your breakers, and test your electrical outlet again.
Your Outlet Needs New Wiring
When you notice an electrical outlet not working in a room, be sure to check the others nearby. If the other outlets aren’t working, the wiring in that area may be at fault. Wiring is electricity’s main mode of transportation, so when wiring is damaged or old, electricity can’t travel properly. Other signs of faulty wiring are constant buzzing sounds from the outlet, burnt smells and marks from the outlet, and flickering lights. If you notice any of these signs combined with an electrical outlet not working, contact Speck Family Electric to diagnose and repair the problem quickly.
Your Outlet is a GFCI
GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlets are required to be in any area of the home where there’s a faucet or source of water. They are designed to protect against electrocution and can cut the electricity to an outlet themselves. You’ll know it’s a GFCI outlet as there are two buttons – a “reset” button and a “test” button – on the outlet. To restore power to your electrical outlet, make sure there is no water in contact with the GFCI outlet, and then press the “reset” button. If the power returned – great! If it didn’t and the outlets nearby are also dead, you’ll need to inspect the breaker panel.
Faulty Outlets
Although uncommon, the outlet itself might be faulty. An electrical outlet can reach its lifespan, burn out, and stop working. The cure? Simply replace the outlet. You can replace this yourself, but home wiring can be complex and dangerous. The safe choice is hiring a qualified technician who can easily and quickly replace it for you.
Let Speck Family Electric Solve the Mystery
Still not sure why an outlet isn’t working? Call Speck Family Electric and we’ll solve the mystery and repair your outlet for you! We’re always here to help our beloved Tennessee homeowners. We service those in Sparta, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Crossville, Gallatin, Lebanon, McMinnville, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, and Smithville.
