When you go in to plug in your favorite appliance or device, there’s nothing more annoying than it not powering up. When your electrical outlet isn’t working, it’s important that you know it’s a manageable issue if you take the right steps. Your outlets not working in your house can pose an inconvenience, but having a keen understanding of some of the potential causes and solutions will save you a lot in the long run. Time, money, and frustration can all be saved when you’re in the know. So, let’s get started!
Common Causes of an Outlet Not Working in House
Let’s say you notice an outlet not working in your house. There are quite a few likely culprits. Some of the most common reasons include:
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Your circuit breakers were specifically designed to protect your space from an electrical overload. That said, once you’ve plugged in too many devices or appliances, too much power will be drawn, which can ultimately cause the circuit breaker to trip. Make sure you conduct a quick check of your breaker panel to remedy the issue.
Blown Fuses
Fuses have a bigger chance of blowing, the older your home is. When too much current is flowing through them, you could find yourself with a blown fuse, resulting in your outlet not working in your house. Make sure that you replace blown fuses to resolve the issue.
GFCI Outlet Trips
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are most common in kitchens and bathrooms. They shut down when they detect irregularities in their electrical operations. If you notice that your outlet isn’t working, make sure to find your GFCI’s reset button and then try retesting it.
Loose Wiring
Connections inside of your outlets tend to loosen over time. If you notice that your outlets are not working in your house, it could be due to loose wiring. In the event of a loose wiring issue,e it’s important that you seek professional help. If left neglected, you’re putting yourself in the way of a fire risk.
Faulty Outlet
A lot of times, outlets will simply give out. If you find that the electrical issue is isolated to one outlet, that outlet itself could be faulty and in need of replacement.
Power Surge Damage
Power surges have a way of damaging your house’s electrical components. Being proactive in protecting your outlets with the help of surge protectors will make all of the difference.
Troubleshooting Tips for an Outlet Not Working in House
There are quite a few steps you can take before you need to call in the big guns (a.k.a. The professionals). First, you’ll want to test out the other outlets in the area. If you find that most of the outlets aren’t working, that may be an indication of an issue with the circuit rather than the actual outlet.
Next up, try inspecting your circuit breaker panel for any breakers that may be tripped. Resetting your tripped breaker is pretty simple. Make sure that all switches are in line. If you find that any are switched to the “off” position, simply switch it back and you should be in the clear.
Not to mention, it’s also worth testing out the device you’re trying to power up. If you find that once you’ve plugged it into another outlet the issue isn’t with the device itself, take a quick moment to analyze the outlet for any signs of damage, cracks, discoloration, or scorch marks. These could be signs of a bigger issuer that demands professional attention.
Let’s say none of these troubleshooting steps fix the issue. That is when you call in the big guns. A professional electrician will be able to catch any indicators of problems with the wiring in your electrical system that only a trained eye would be able to safely fix and diagnose.
When to Call an Electrician
There are a lot of electrical issues that can be mitigated with troubleshooting, but in the event that you’re in need of specific knowledge and expertise, the Optimum Air Solutions team can help! If you notice any burning smells or see smoke coming from an outlet, it’s time to call a professional.
Additionally, repeated circuit breaker trips are a sign of underlying issues with your electrical system. Whether we’re talking about an overload of electrical current or faulty wiring, these are problems that shouldn’t be neglected.
We know how big of an inconvenience an outlet not working in your house can be, but please understand that it’s an issue that can be addressed very easily with a little effort and some keen understanding. When you know the common causes of your outlet not working, you can follow through with troubleshooting the problem more easily.
Are you dealing with an outlet not working in your house? Get in touch with the Optimum Air Solutions team! We’ll work with you closely to understand your goals and needs and render our tailored solutions accordingly. Click here to schedule a consultation!
We’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time.
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