If your electrical outlet has stopped working but the breaker is not tripped, it’s important to know what’s going on and how to fix it. At Lex Air East Texas, our electricians are here to help explain what could be going on and what you can do to resolve the issue. Electrical issues like this are often symptoms of a larger problem, such as loose wiring, a malfunctioning GFCI outlet, or even rodent damage within your home’s electrical system.
Before you start worrying about costly repairs, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Below, we’ll walk through the troubleshooting steps and when it’s time to call our Tyler electrical technicians. Our Lex East team is ready to provide fast, reliable service to keep your home safe and powered.
Don’t delay seeking professional help with your electrical issues. Call (903) 833-9510 today to schedule our services.
What To Do If Your Outlet Isn’t Working
If your power outlet isn’t working, it can be more than just an inconvenience–it might signal a larger electrical issue. Before you panic, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. Below are some of the things you can do if you notice your wall outlet isn’t working.
Check The Outlet
First, inspect your outlet without removing the outlet cover. Visually inspect the outlet for scorch marks on the faceplate, or check for a burning smell coming from the outlet. You can also carefully place your hand on the outlet faceplate to feel the temperature of the outlet.
If the outlet is warm, smells like burnt plastic or scorched metal, or has any visible scorch marks, your outlet may be burnt out and could also be an electrical fire hazard. Contact an experienced electrician as soon as possible to prevent an electrical fire from occurring.
If you happen to have a voltage tester such as a multimeter or non-contact voltage detector, you can use it to measure the flow of electricity or to see if the outlet is live. However, if you do not feel comfortable testing the outlet yourself, leave it to the professionals.
Check The Circuit Breaker
After taking a look at your outlet, the next place to check is your circuit breaker. Sometimes, a breaker may trip as a result of having too many appliances plugged into the same circuit, after a power surge, or as a result of a circuit overload. Other times, breakers can trip without you noticing.
To troubleshoot, locate your breaker panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or in a middle state. Flip the breaker all the way to the “off” position and then back to “on” to reset it. This simple step can restore power to your outlet if the breaker was the issue.
If the breaker trips again, or if you cycle all the breakers for the affected area and the outlet still isn’t working, there may be an underlying electrical issue that requires professional attention.
Check to See If It Is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet
If your outlet isn’t working but the breaker isn’t tripped, check to see if the outlet is a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, or GFCI outlet. If the outlet has “TEST” and “RESET” buttons between the two electrical receptacles, you’re dealing with a GFCI outlet.
These outlets are designed to trip and cut power when they sense disturbances in the electrical circuit, such as when water comes in contact with an appliance’s electrical elements. In order to fix a tripped GFCI outlet and restore power, press the “RESET” button on the outlet.
Check Other Outlets On The Same Circuit
A single faulty outlet might not be the issue–it could be the entire circuit. Plug a device into other outlets connected to the same circuit (such as outlets in the same area) to see if they’re working. If multiple outlets are out, but the breaker isn’t tripped, you could be dealing with a bigger wiring problem.
Call a Professional Electrician
If these troubleshooting steps don’t solve the problem, it’s time to bring in the pros. Only a professional electrician can diagnose the issue accurately, safely, and efficiently. At Lex East, our electricians can inspect your outlet box and its wiring connections, your breaker box, and your home’s wiring altogether, ensuring your home’s electrical system is in top shape. Don’t risk DIY fixes when expert help is just a call away!
Why Is My Outlet Not Working?
Sometimes it can be hard to understand why you’re suffering from electrical issues, such as an outlet that refuses to work. Let us help you understand the reasons why your outlet isn’t working so you can work toward getting it fixed.
Insecure Outlet Wiring
Loose or improperly connected wires can disrupt the flow of electricity to your outlet. Over time, connections may loosen due to the natural expansion and contraction of wires caused by heating and cooling cycles. These loose connections can not only prevent your outlet from functioning properly, but they can also pose a significant fire hazard.
Burnt Out Wall Socket
Your wall outlet may also be completely burnt out, which could be the result of electrical overload. Signs of a burnt-out or dead outlet include discoloration, a burning smell, or visible damage to the outlet. Continuing to use a damaged outlet increases the risk of electrical fires and should be addressed immediately.
Incorrect Wiring
Faulty or incorrect wiring is a common culprit when a wall outlet stops working. If wires are improperly connected or not securely fastened, it can disrupt the flow of electricity. In some cases, the issue might stem from a previous DIY electrical job or outdated wiring in older homes.
Rodent Damage
While rare, it’s possible that pesky rodents could be the reason behind your malfunctioning outlet. Mice and other critters often chew through electrical wiring, creating breaks in the circuit. If you notice gnaw marks, droppings, or other signs of rodent activity, rodents could be the reason your outlet isn’t working.
How Our Electricians At Lex East Can Help
When your outlet isn’t working, the experienced technicians at Lex Air East Texas are here to help. No matter the electrical problems you’re facing, our team will ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, efficient, and reliable.
Outlet Repair Services
A faulty outlet doesn’t have to disrupt your daily routine for long. Our skilled electricians can quickly diagnose and repair loose outlets, unresponsive outlets, or damaged outlets. Whether it’s a minor fix or a complete replacement, we’ll restore power and safety to your home.
We can also provide GFCI outlet services in Tyler, as well as surge protection services, protecting your outlets and electrical system from damage.
Electrical Panel Repairs
If your breaker panel box is tripping or failing to deliver power, it’s time to call in the experts. Our team specializes in electrical panel repairs, ensuring your home’s power distribution runs smoothly. From replacing damaged breakers to upgrading outdated panels, we’ll keep your system in top condition.
Whole-Home Rewiring Services
Outdated or damaged wiring can put your home at serious risk, but our electricians are here to help. With our whole-home rewiring services in Tyler and throughout the area, we can replace old, unsafe, or loose wiring with modern, reliable solutions. This not only improves your home’s electrical efficiency but also enhances your safety and peace of mind.
Professional Electrical Inspection Services
When was the last time you had your home’s electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician? Our Tyler electrical inspection services provide a thorough evaluation of your home’s wiring, outlets, and panel. We’ll identify potential issues before they become costly problems and ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.
In Need Of Electrical System Repair? Call Lex Air East Texas for Professional Rewiring and Outlet Services Today!
Don’t let a faulty outlet or outdated wiring disrupt your daily life or compromise your home’s safety. At Lex Air East Texas, we understand the importance of a reliable electrical system, which is why we’re committed to providing top-quality outlet repairs and rewiring services.
We’ll work quickly and efficiently to restore power and ensure your electrical system is running at its best. Plus, with our professional electrical inspections, a certified electrician on our team can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
Call us at (903) 833-9510 or contact us online to schedule our services or request a free quote today!