An ideal home has enough electrical outlets in every room for your appliances. Outlets are even in bathrooms and kitchens so that you can use electrical appliances such as hair dryers and rice cookers.
However, when you have a lot of outlets in your home, it is not surprising to find one or a few that are “dead” or not working. So what can you do when you find a dead outlet? The first thing that should come to your mind is to call a licensed electrical company like West Lake Village Electricians to get the outlet up and running again.
But did you know that you can troubleshoot the problem yourself? With the proper tools and safety precautions, you can spend a few minutes of your time troubleshooting a dead outlet. So as an alternative to getting the services of the best circuit breaker repair/installation company in Hollywood Hills, here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing a dead electrical outlet.
Here’s what you will need:
- Protective gear
- A small working lamp (used to test the outlet)
- A screwdriver
- Wire stripper
- Test the outlet to ensure the problem isn’t with the appliance.
Sometimes, the problem is not a dead outlet but a defective appliance. Test the outlet by plugging in your small, working lamp. If the lamp lights up, then the problem is with whatever you plugged into the outlet before. If the lamp doesn’t work, follow the next step.
- Check if the outlet has a switch.
Electrical outlets are often connected to a switch, so you can turn them off when not in use. Sometimes, an outlet is connected to a light switch, so if your light switch is turned off, so is the outlet. With the lamp still plugged into the outlet, try flipping the switches in the room. You can call a certified electrician if you don’t want the outlet to be connected to a switch. Otherwise, move to the next step if the lamp doesn’t work.
- Check if your outlet is a GFCI outlet.
Electrical outlets located in damp areas in your home are likely GFCI outlets. They are protected with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), so you won’t be electrocuted if the outlet or appliances connected to them come in contact with water.
GFCI outlets have two buttons usually found in the center of the outlet. One is labeled TEST and the other RESET. The TEST button is used to test its ability to cut off the flow of electricity in case it comes in contact with water. The RESET button resets the outlet when it trips, allowing electricity to flow through the outlet again.
If your GFCI outlet fails to reset, here’s what you can do:
GFCI outlets are designed to trip when it detects a ground fault or short circuit. These outlets instantly trip when there is a sudden surge or overload of electricity.
If your GFCI doesn’t reset, it will require testing to figure out the problem. Here are a few things you can do before calling an expert electrician:
Check if other outlets are working. If other outlets are not working, it is likely a problem with your electrical circuit. If the problem is isolated to your GFCI outlet, it is a problem with your GFCI outlet.
Use a circuit tester to test for power. Modern GFCI outlets have a LED indicator to show whether they are operating correctly or need replacement. Use a tester if your GFCI outlet doesn’t come with a LED indicator.
Look for tripped breakers. Your GFCI outlet might not be working due to a tripped breaker. Check your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers. Once reset, check if your GFCI outlet is now working.
Check for bad connections. Like ordinary outlets, loose connections can cause your GFCI outlet to stop working. You must remove the faceplate and unscrew the outlet to see the connections. Tighten any loose wiring.
- Check the breaker panel.
A tripped breaker can cause an outlet to stop working. Locate your breaker panel and check for a tripped breaker. Reset the tripped breaker and test the outlet again. If it still does not work, carry on to the next steps.
- Tighten the outlet’s electrical connections.
Before doing this step:
- Make sure your breaker is turned off.
- Test the outlet with a Voltage meter to be extra sure.
- Start by unscrewing the outlet from the junction box using your screwdriver. You will need to remove the outlet’s faceplate to expose the screws.
- Check the outlet connections. You may have found the problem if any of the connections are loose.
It is best to cut the wire and strip it using your wire stripper before connecting it to the screws on the side of the outlet.
- Call a licensed electrician.
If the outlet is still dead after exhausting all your DIY fixes, the problem is most likely within the circuit itself. You will require the knowledge and expertise of a licensed electrician to troubleshoot the outlet further. Call West Lake Village Electricians, and we’ll take care of the rest.
How Do You Reduce Your Home’s Risk of Electrical Fire?
While electricity is among the most common causes of house fires in the U.S., many homeowners still overlook the risk their home’s electrical system poses to their homes. An estimated 51,000 home electrical fires are recorded yearly, resulting in billions in property damage or death. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of electrical fire by learning a few safety precautions.
- Don’t overlook buzzing switches or outlets.
A buzzing electrical connection is a sign of a short circuit. Sparks fly as electricity strays from its designated pathway. Since electricity generates heat, it can burn through insulation and wood if left unchecked.
- Don’t overuse extension cords.
Extension cords are designed to have a capacity equal to the number of their sockets. Do not use extension cords or splitters so you can plug in more than the recommended number of appliances. Overloading can cause the extension cord to burst into flames.
- Don’t overload wall outlets.
Like the extension cord, plug only the recommended load into your wall outlets. Since the wire of your wall outlet is hidden, you won’t notice if it has caught fire from overloading.
- Don’t ignore a faulty electrical panel.
Your home’s electrical panel or circuit breaker is the heart of your electrical system, which is critical in protecting your home from sudden power surges that can cause fires. If your panel is faulty and is not in good condition, have it checked by a licensed electrician immediately.
If you don’t feel confident troubleshooting your home’s electrical components or any troubleshooting fails to resolve the problem, don’t hesitate to call the expert electricians at West Lake Village Electricians anytime. We are always happy to be of service, whatever electrical problems you might have.