Outlet Troubleshooting Guide
A dead electrical outlet is usually caused by a tripped breaker, a tripped GFCI, loose wiring, or a worn-out outlet. Most causes are simple to fix, and the dangerous ones need a licensed electrician right away.
A circuit overload or short trips the breaker, cutting power to the outlet.
A GFCI outlet protecting the circuit tripped and needs to be reset.
Outlets wear out over time and eventually need to be replaced.
Connections behind the outlet can loosen or corrode, causing failure.
Too many devices on one circuit can cause it to shut down.
A surge after a power outage can damage an outlet or circuit.
If your outlet has no power but the breaker looks fine, the issue is often elsewhere on the circuit. Common culprits include:
This is a job for a licensed electrician never open an outlet box yourself without proper training.
Press "RESET" on every GFCI outlet in the room and nearby bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
Flip the breaker fully "OFF" then "ON" even if it looks like it hasn't tripped.
Plug in a known-working device to rule out a faulty appliance.
Some outlets are controlled by a wall switch; make sure it's in the "ON" position.
Some outlet problems signal a serious electrical hazard. Schedule a licensed electrician for outlet repair immediately if you notice:
The most common reasons are a tripped GFCI outlet, a tripped circuit breaker, loose wiring, or a worn-out outlet.
This usually points to a tripped GFCI outlet upstream, a loose wire connection, or a failed outlet that needs replacement.
Multiple dead outlets on the same circuit usually indicate a tripped breaker or a tripped GFCI protecting that circuit, but can also signal a more serious wiring problem.
A GFCI that keeps tripping may be detecting a ground fault, or it may have worn out. Press "RESET," but if it trips again, call an electrician.
Most outlets return to normal after power is restored. If an outlet is still dead after an outage, it may have been damaged by a surge and should be inspected.