If your power outlet stops working but the breaker is not tripped, there may be a variety of possible causes. Fortunately, you can count on the team at High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric to help with all of your electrical troubleshooting and repair needs in Denver, CO. Find out the common causes of outlet malfunction and what you can do to restore power again.
Understanding the Circuit Breaker
Before you dig into the possible reasons why your outlet stopped working, it’s important to understand how a circuit breaker works and how it relates to the outlets in your Denver home.
A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device designed to instantly interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit to prevent hazards caused by electrical overloads or short circuits.
Breakers protect the circuits and your equipment from excessive current flow and short circuits by stopping electricity to the circuit when it detects an issue. This mechanism prevents serious emergencies like electrical fires, faults, or damage to your appliances and home.
While fuses must be replaced when they trip, circuit breakers can simply be reset by flipping them back to the “on” position in your electrical panel.
Common Causes of Outlet Malfunction
A tripped breaker is one of several common causes of outlet malfunction. Here are some reasons why a power outlet in your Denver area home may stop working.
Blown fuses
Older homes may have a fuse box instead of a traditional breaker panel. If you have a fuse box, a blown fuse could be why a specific outlet stops working. The only way to remedy a blown fuse is to replace it with a new one with the correct amperage.
Tripped breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is another common cause of why an outlet may stop working. When the circuit becomes overloaded, it will “trip” and turn off. This occurs when too many devices are plugged into the same outlet, causing the circuit to overload. Resetting the breaker by flipping it back to the “on” position should fix the problem.
Loose wiring
Loose connections inside your outlet box can interrupt power flow and cause the outlet to stop working. If the breaker is not tripped but there’s no power to the outlet, it’s likely a wiring issue, which could pose a dangerous fire hazard. Loose wiring may also be the issue if you replace a blown fuse or reset your breaker and the outlet still doesn’t work. This specific problem requires the help of a qualified electrician.
Damaged outlet
Your outlet may stop working simply because it’s damaged. This damage might be due to moisture, general wear and tear, or overheating. Most damaged outlets feel loose when you plug something into them, or they may spark. Damaged outlets should be replaced by an experienced, licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Safety Precautions
Before you troubleshoot a malfunctioning electrical outlet, follow these safety precautions:
- Step one: Locate and turn off the circuit breaker that controls the outlet.
- Step two: Unplug all devices and/or appliances connected to the non-working outlet.
- Step three: Look carefully for signs of damage, like burned or cracked outlet covers, loose wiring, or damaged electrical cords.
- Step four: Mark “dead” outlets with tape so you remember which ones stopped working.
- Step five: Keep the breaker in the “off” position until the outlet issue is fixed or the outlet is safely replaced.
Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these troubleshooting steps to help you identify the cause of your power outlet not working.
Test the outlet
If you want to test an outlet yourself, you’ll need a multimeter, a voltage tester, or a plug-in outlet tester. Refer to the owner’s manual to ensure you understand the proper testing method. A voltage tester detects the presence of voltage without contacting the wires and is a safe way to test your outlets. If you use a multimeter, turn off the circuit breaker first.
Inspect the wiring
Start by looking at the outlet, noting signs of cracks, discoloration, burn marks, or melted plastic. Next, check the wires connected to the outlet and look for frayed insulation, cuts, burns, or signs of overheating or melting. A loose outlet may also mean that the wiring behind it is loose.
Check for GFCI outlet tripping
When troubleshooting a GFCI outlet, look for the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons located on the face of the outlet. Check to see if the reset button is protruding. If it is, the outlet has tripped — press the reset button to restore power to the outlet. You can also test the GFCI outlet by pressing the test button, which should trip the outlet and cause the reset button to pop back out. If the button doesn’t pop out, you may have a faulty GFCI outlet that needs replacement.
Contact a professional electrician
While you can troubleshoot a few outlet issues, it’s best to contact a professional electrician, especially if you require replacement or repairs. The team at High 5 is experienced in dealing with a variety of electrical issues, including replacing damaged outlets, circuit breakers, re-wiring, and more. If you’ve tried a few of the tips above and your outlet still isn’t working, contact us right away for service.
Having Trouble With a Power Outlet? Contact the Team of Electricians at High 5
Don’t let a malfunctioning power outlet ruin your day. The experienced team of electricians at High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric are available to assist you. For the best electrician services in the Denver region, contact our team today. We know how important it is to have power throughout the home. One broken light or socket can be a significant inconvenience, and we can help guide you to the right solution.
