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Reasons Why an Electrical Outlet Stopped Working

Your Marietta home should have functioning outlets — but only if the wiring has been updated and maintained. Unless you have a lot of electrical experience, it’s best to call a professional for help. Here are the possibilities for why an electrical outlet stopped working and how to proceed safely.

Step 1: Check Other Outlets

If an electrical outlet stopped working, first check to see whether other outlets are live or not. Check light switches, and try powering on appliances in nearby outlets. If they’re also not working, make a mental note of their location.

Step 2: Check the Breakers

Find the home’s main circuit panel. Open the service panel, and see if any of the circuits are tripped, particularly the one that corresponds to the dead outlet(s). If a breaker has tripped, it will have flipped over to the other side. All active breakers should be aligned to one side. Move the tripped breaker firmly over to the off position. As you move it, you’ll hear a clicking noise. Now, move it to the on position. If these actions don’t resolve the problem, the line may be blown. You’ll need to get professional help.

Step 3: Check the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

Electric codes require that ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are installed in key areas where there’s a high risk for electrical shock. These outlets will automatically shut down power to avoid overloading and shock. If the GFCI outlet is connected to standard outlets and one of the standard circuits has blown, it will affect the GFCI. Try resetting the outlet; if that doesn’t resolve the problem, there’s probably wiring that’s loose in the outlet. Call for expert help.

Hire a Pro

The above are the extent of the steps a homeowner can safely do on her own. Other problems that could be at the root of your dead outlet include the following:

  • Damaged wires: An electrician will remove the outlet and examine the wiring. Loose wires at the terminal screw, damaged wire insulation or burned wiring will cause an outlet to stop working. Additionally, wires that are connected at the stab-in connection are known to loosen with time, and wires at the connectors can also become loose.
  • Older homes: Often, old wiring will simply stop working for no good reason at all. If the outlet or wiring is beyond repair, it’s best to have an expert electrician do the work. An experienced eye can identify unsafe wiring, and a professional knows what to look for in terms of damage or significant problems with the home’s wiring. While it may cost more to resolve the problem than you anticipated, you’ll be glad that your home’s electrical wiring is safe, and you’ll reduce the risk of electrical shock and fire down the road.

When an outlet stops working, it can be more than just frustrating. It’s often a sign that there’s a problem inside the outlet or somewhere else in the home’s wiring. Don’t dismiss the problem. Get professional help. Call Reliable Heating & Air if an electrical outlet stopped working in your home. We’re happy to help Marietta residents with electrical services like attic ventilators, basement remodeling, ceiling fan installations and maintenance programs. Give us a call today!

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