Are you having problems with your electrical outlet? Call Crowe Electric at (781) 678-8266 for fast and efficient repairs.
Electricity is dangerous. Most people have this notion ingrained in them, and for good reasons. Failure to adhere to basic electric safety tips can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, when electrical problems such as an outlet not working arise, you’re likely to be stuck between not knowing if it’s a simple problem you can fix or if you should call in an electrician.
In this post, the most experienced electricians in Scituate, MA, will discuss the top causes of outlet problems and their possible solutions.
1. A Burnt Outlet
If your outlet is not working, it’s best to rule out the most common cause first. An outlet can burn if a power surge forces a strong electrical current to flow through it. A small fire will occur inside the outlet. If the fire is strong enough, it will damage the wiring and stop the outlet from working.
An outlet not working due to an electrical fire inside the component often has signs of blackening around the outlet. If you see any such signs, you’ll need to call in an electrician to remove the outlet.
2. A Blown Fuse
If your electrical setup has a fuse box, you should check it if you find an outlet that’s not working. You can confirm if this is the problem by checking the fuse box.
Some of the telltale signs to watch for include melted metal or discolored glass. Once you find the broken fuse, unscrew it and replace it with an identical fuse to ensure there are no disruptions.
3. Loose Wires in the Outlet
Your outlet will stop working if there are loose wires. Regular plugging and unplugging of appliances and someone tripping over plugged-in wires are some common causes of loose wires in an outlet.
To check for loose wires in the outlet, you must first switch off the circuit breaker. With the breaker turned off, you can open the outlet’s front plate by losing the outlet screws. Pull the outlet away from the wall slightly to inspect the wiring.
If you find any loose wires, you need to act quickly. Your outlet not working due to loose wiring is more than an inconvenience; it’s a huge fire hazard. You can fix the problem by repositioning the wires before tightening the screws holding them in place.
4. A Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tipped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons for an electrical outlet not working. The circuit breakers control the flow of electricity throughout your home. If too much electrical current surges through the system, the breaker will trip to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Resetting the circuit breaker is usually enough to restore power to the outlet. Even when you don’t suspect the circuit breaker, it’s still a good idea to check it first unless you can see clear signs of outlet damage. In most cases, it will save you time and money.
We can’t count how many times we’ve arrived at a customer’s home to fix an “unresponsive” outlet, only to find out that they only needed to fix the tipped circuit breaker.
5. A Tripped GFCI Outlet
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is similar to the circuit breaker and is designed to shut off whenever it detects a short. You’ll find the GFCI outlet in parts of your home where water is typically present, such as the kitchens and bathrooms.
If the GFCI outlet is the problem, press the reset button on it to fix it. If the outlet doesn’t start working after resetting it, the problem lies elsewhere.
We should point out that your GCFI outlet or circuit breaker should not trip frequently. If they trip more than once over a short window, you should call in an electrician immediately. It’s a sure sign of a serious electrical problem.
Crowe Electric to the Rescue
Are you still unsure about the cause of your outlet not working? Perhaps you’re unprepared to deal with the problem on your own. Don’t fret. A licensed electrician is a phone call away.
At Crowe Electric, we complete numerous outlet repair and replacement projects each week. We can fix all outlet problems, from burnouts to wire troubles. Do you have a half-hot outlet you can’t figure out? We can help with that, too.
Avoid the risk of electric fires. Call the Crowe Electric team in Scituate, MA, today at (781) 678-8266 to schedule a consultation.
