Electrical Outlets Not Working

Common Wall Outlet Problems

1. Appliance in outlet does not work
2. Fuse blows or breaker trips when plugging in or turning on appliance
3. Appliance plug falls out easily
4. Appliance runs intermittently or lamp flickers
5. Sparks or mild shock when plugging in appliance
6. Outlet does not deliver power (switch-controlled outlet)
7. Only one receptacle in duplex works (split-circuit duplex outlet)
8. GFCI outlet trips constantly

Appliance in outlet does not work

Possible Cause	Procedure
Appliance faulty	Check appliance
No power to outlet	Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker
Outlet connections loose	Service connections
Outlet faulty	Replace outlet

Fuse blows or breaker trips when plugging in or turning on appliance

Possible Cause	Procedure
Circuit overloaded	Move appliance to another circuit
Appliance faulty	Check appliance
Short circuit in wiring system	Check boxes along circuit

Appliance plug falls out easily

Possible Cause	Procedure
Appliance plug faulty	Service appliance plug
Outlet worn	Test outlet with reliable plug If plug falls out, replace outlet

Appliance runs intermittently or lamp flickers

Possible Cause	Procedure
Appliance or lamp faulty	Check appliance
Outlet connections loose	Check connections

Sparks or mild shock when plugging in appliance

Possible Cause	Procedure
Appliance is turned on	Turn off appliance before plugging it in
Finger contacting plug prongs	Hold plug by insulation
Appliance faulty	Check appliance
Outlet connections loose	Service connections

Outlet does not deliver power (switch-controlled outlet)

Possible Cause	Procedure
Wall switch faulty	Check wall switch

Only one receptacle in duplex works (split-circuit duplex outlet)

Possible Cause	Procedure
Outlet connections loose	Service connections

GFCI outlet trips constantly

Possible Cause	Procedure
Appliance faulty	Check appliance
Outlet connections loose	Service connections
GFCI faulty	Replace outlet
Faulty wiring on same circuit	Check wiring in boxes along the circuit