What to Do if An Electrical Outlet Isn't Working: Breaker Tripped

Having a non-working electrical outlet can be a nuisance. Whether the area suddenly loses power or you trip a circuit, the first step should always be to troubleshoot and determine if the breaker has tripped. This article covers some of the most common causes of why an electrical outlet isn't working and what you should do about it.

Electrical outlets are an incredibly convenient and versatile way to power appliances, lights, and electronics. Unfortunately, there may be times when an outlet just isn't working correctly. If this does happen, the first step to take is to figure out why. In many cases, the cause could be as simple as a tripped breaker.

Why Breakers Trip

Breakers are one of the main components of a home's electrical system. They are designed to protect the wiring and circuits from being overloaded and potentially causing a fire. When too much current passes through the wiring, a breaker will trip and shut off the power to that particular circuit. If the tripped breaker is not reset, the outlet and any other outlets powered by that circuit will not work.

How To Reset A Tripped Breaker

If an outlet is suddenly not working, the first step should be to check the breaker box and reset the tripped breaker. The breaker panel should have a label indicating which breaker controls which outlet. Check all of the breakers to make sure none of them have been tripped. If one of them is in the "off" position, simply switch it to the "on" position. This should reset the breaker and restore power to the outlet.

Check For Other Potential Causes

If the breaker has not tripped, then the cause for the outlet not working could be something else. Potential causes could include a loose or broken wire connection, a faulty outlet, or a problem with the wiring in the wall. In these cases, it is best to contact a licensed electrician who can inspect the outlet and determine the exact cause of the issue.

Conclusion

An electrical outlet not working can be an inconvenient and even a dangerous issue. If an outlet suddenly stops working, the first step should be to check the breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. If the breaker has not tripped and the outlet is still not working, then it is best to contact a licensed electrician to inspect the issue and repair it safely.

No Power To Outlets In One Room Or Wall How Troubleshoot