How to Tell If Your Electrical Outlet Isn’t Working

Check Other Outlets

It’s important to check for the simplest issues before we jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Take a few minutes to check if other outlets in the area are affected. Try plugging your device into other outlets to determine whether the issue is with the outlet or the device. Next, unplug other devices and appliances from the outlets to eliminate the possibility that a short or overload is causing the problem.

Check the Circuit Breakers

Turn off your personal computer(s) and head toward your main electrical panel often located in the garage, laundry room, or basement. Locate the circuit breaker box, open its door, and search for tripped circuit breakers. Switch the tripped circuit breakers firmly to the “off” position then reset the breaker by pushing the handle firmly to the “on” position.

Check for Blown Fuse

Look inside the fuse for charred glass or broken filaments. If the fuse is blown, then unscrew it and replace it with a fuse of the same type and amperage.

Check the GFCIs

Ground fault circuit interrupters are found in areas of a house where shock hazards are great. GFCIs protect against deadly shocks by sensing leaks in your electrical current and trip to shut off the power. Look around your house for these GFCIs to test and reset each and every one of them. If the GFCI won’t reset or the button gets stuck and doesn’t pop back out when you press the “test” button then there may be no power to the GFCI or the GFCI is not working correctly. However, if the GFCI trips every time you try to press it, then there may be a dangerous leak somewhere in the electrical circuit - call a professional at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth if this is the case!

Check the Connections

If the outlet is still not working after trying each of the aforementioned, then the next step is to check for loose connections. Be warned that electrical outlets can cause serious personal injury. If you do not feel comfortable with the risks, we advise that you call a local electrician at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth.

Before continuing, make sure to have a flashlight, screwdriver, safety glasses, and needle nose pliers. The first step in checking the connections within the electrical outlet is switching off the main circuit breaker to turn off the power. Remove the outlet by unscrewing it and inspect the screw terminals for broken, loose, or burned wires. If you find any of these to be the case, then we recommend you replace the outlet.

Call Your Local Electrician at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth

Although we believe many people are completely capable of troubleshooting and repairing their electrical outlet, we also realize the potential for personal injury when dealing with electrical outlets. Please give us a call at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth if you have any questions or would like to have a trained electrician come by to perform this service for you.