Most people don’t know what lies behind an outlet. So, it becomes a mystery when an electrical outlet stops working. Fortunately, there can be a simple answer as to why. If you have an outlet that isn’t working, there are several things you can check to determine the issue. Read on to learn more from an Emmitsburg electrician.
Simple Solutions for Why an Electrical Outlet Is Not Working
First, check to make sure it’s not a “lamp outlet” where half of it is controlled by a light switch on the wall. If you notice an outlet nearby that is not working, try flipping a light switch to see whether this activates the outlet. Next, test out various items in the outlet, like a lamp or hairdryer, to see which appliances turn on. It may be that the item itself is faulty and not your outlet.
If you have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your bathroom or kitchen that is not working, test its reset button. To reset, push the small button in the middle of the outlet, plug in an appliance, and test the outlet again. Test other outlets in the area to see if they’re working. If not, you may need to flip a switch in your circuit breaker to turn that particular outlet back on.
The breaker panel, which is usually found in a utility room or basement, has a lot of circuits that control the power sent to various parts of your home. When you open the panel doors there will be one or two rows of switches labeled ON on one side and OFF on the other. Flip the ones in the middle from OFF to ON to reset the breaker. Then test out the outlet that wasn’t working before.
Sometimes you need a professional to check out the situation. If you do, Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling, an Emmitsburg electrician, has you covered.
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Since 1986, Tim Kyle Electric, Heating & Cooling has been providing residential and commercial clients in Maryland and Pennsylvania with electric services. Contact us today to learn more about our services.