How to Troubleshoot Dead Outlets

When you go to use an outlet and notice you’re not getting any power, there’s no reason to panic. There may be simple reasons why there is no electricity flowing to your outlet. While many electrical issues require a professional, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot dead outlets before making the call.

5 Ways to Troubleshoot Dead Outlets

Here’s a quick checklist of 5 ways you can troubleshoot a dead outlet:

1. Identify the Breaker & Check for a Tripped Breaker

Find the breaker that controls the circuit the dead outlet is on. Open the panel door and you should see several breaker switches. If a breaker is off you’ll see that it is in the “off” or “tripped” position. Any tripped breakers will be flipped onto the other side of the breaker switch panel. If there is an electrical surge, these switches will flip to keep your devices and home safe. 

To test the circuit breaker switchers, turn off all electrical appliances you have on and test the switches. Once you do this, you can reset the breaker by pushing it to its original position. Now, use the outlet again. If it works, then it was just the breaker. If not, it’s time to keep troubleshooting.

2. Check Fuses

If you live in an older home, you likely have fuses rather than breaker boxes. A problem with a fuse can lead to a non-working outlet. Check the small windows of the fuses. You should see a filament inside. If it looks broken or burned, then you have to replace it. 

If you feel comfortable doing this yourself, simply take out the non-working fuse and put a new one in its place. Be sure it is the exact type you are taking out. If you don’t feel comfortable, call a professional to get the job done. While this can be a simple task, keep track of whether your fuses get blown regularly. If so, you may have a short somewhere inside the house that is leading to power issues and overloads.

3. Test Nearby Outlets

Testing nearby outlets in the same room or on the same circuit can help pinpoint where the trouble lies. Plug a working appliance into these outlets. If the other outlets are working, then you likely have a specific dead outlet or an issue with the wiring that leads to it. If the appliance doesn’t work, you may have a deeper electrical issue that goes beyond troubleshooting.

4. Turn Off the Power & Inspect the Outlet

If you’ve checked breakers or fuses and have tested nearby outlets, and still can’t find the source of the problem, you’ll want to inspect the outlets. Before doing this, be sure all power to the outlet is off. That means turning the circuit off at the breaker panel. Next, carefully remove the outlet plate so you can see the inside of the outlet. Check for any loose or damaged connections. You can tighten any screws that secure the wires, but if you notice any burn marks or cracks, the outlet is damaged and should be replaced by a professional. 

5. Check Your GFCI Sockets

GFCI sockets are the ones in your home that have two buttons in the middle of them. One is labeled RESET, and the other is TEST. These outlets can be found in your bathroom, kitchen, garage, patio, and other exterior locations. These outlets work to save people from electrical shocks due to moisture in a specific area.

Sometimes these outlets can indicate why you have a dead outlet. If a GFCI outlet has tripped, the RESET button will be protruding and noticeable. To reset the GFCI outlet, unplug all appliances that share the same circuit and press the RESET button on the outlet. You should hear a click once the button is pressed. This should do the trick: Try plugging in appliances to see if they now work. If they don’t, you may have an electrical short somewhere that needs to be looked at sooner rather than later.

Do Your Outlets Still Not Work? Time to Call a Professional

If you’ve exhausted all of these troubleshooting tips and you still can’t get power to your outlet, it’s time to call the professionals. You don’t want to wait because ignored electrical problems can be fire hazards and lead to dangerous conditions. The team at NuBlue is here to take care of all your electrical needs in North Carolina. Call us today at 866-455-2583 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.