When an outlet stops working, the cause is usually a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere else on the circuit, a tripped breaker, a wall switch that controls it, or a worn outlet or loose connection. Check those safe things first. If the outlet is warm, scorched or smells like burning, stop and call an electrician.
Start with the simple things
Most dead outlets have a simple cause you can check without tools or opening anything. Work through these in order and note what you find. It will help if you end up calling.
Plug a lamp or phone charger you know works into the outlet. The first device may be the problem.
Try both the top and bottom of the outlet.
Check whether a wall switch controls that outlet. Many living rooms and bedrooms have a switched outlet for a lamp.
Look for a tripped GFCI
This is the most common cause. A GFCI outlet has TEST and RESET buttons. One GFCI can protect other regular outlets down the line, and they may be in another room.
Check every GFCI in the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, laundry and outside. Press RESET firmly on each one. In older homes, a GFCI in the garage or a bathroom sometimes feeds outlets in rooms you would not expect.
Check the breaker
Open the panel door and look for a breaker in the middle or off position. Push it fully to OFF, then to ON. Only open the outer door. Do not remove the inner cover.
If the breaker trips again right away, leave it off. Something on that circuit needs an electrician.
Check other outlets nearby
Walk around and see what else is dead. If several outlets or lights went out together, it is likely one circuit, and the cause is upstream at a GFCI, the breaker, or a loose connection at one of the outlets. If only one outlet is dead and everything else works, the outlet itself may be worn out.
Outlets on one circuit are wired in a chain. A loose connection at the first outlet can cut power to every outlet after it, even though that first outlet still looks fine. That is why the dead outlet is not always where the problem is.
Signs that call for an electrician
Stop using the outlet and call if you notice any of these.
The outlet or cover plate is warm or hot
Scorch marks, melted plastic or a burning smell
Buzzing, crackling or sparks when you plug something in
Plugs that fall out because the outlet is loose and worn
A breaker that will not stay on
Several outlets dead with no tripped GFCI or breaker
Common causes an electrician finds
A loose wire at an outlet that feeds the dead one
A worn outlet that no longer grips plugs or makes contact
A failed GFCI that will not reset
Aluminum branch wiring with a failing connection, in some homes built from about 1965 to 1973
Damage from a past repair or a nail through a wire
What not to do
Do not take the cover off or pull the outlet out of the wall to look. Even with the breaker off, you may be on the wrong circuit, and some boxes carry more than one. Do not keep plugging things in to test a scorched or warm outlet.
We can usually tell you on the phone
Call (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers. Tell us what you checked. Many dead outlet calls are a GFCI reset we can walk you through. If it needs a visit, you will hear the price before anyone drives out, and the trip and diagnostic fee depends on distance. Our repairs carry a two-year warranty on labor and material.
A warm, scorched or burning-smelling outlet needs an electrician. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Common questions
Why would one outlet stop working when nothing tripped?
Often a GFCI elsewhere on the circuit has tripped, or a loose wire at another outlet broke the connection. An electrician can find which one.
Can I replace a dead outlet myself?
We do not recommend it. Opening an outlet means working near live wiring, and the real cause is often at a different outlet.
Is a dead outlet an emergency?
Usually not. If there is no heat, smell, sparks or smoke, it can normally wait for a regular appointment.
