Your electrical circuit breaker does not trip, but your electrical outlet is not working – in such a situation, your options are restricted if you’re not an electrician. Check the circuit breaker and see if it’s a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet or not. If it is a GFCI, press the reset button and see if the outlet is working correctly. If it is a standard outlet, then in all likelihood, the problem is more intricate and out of the DIY scope. It is risky to mess with electrical parts without the right tools, training and experience. Thus, you should contact a professional electrician at once.
Here, we will glance at the things a professional electrician will inspect to get your electrical outlet working again. Professional electricians are trained, certified and equipped to handle such electrical problems. A qualified electrician will check the following:
Loose Electrical Outlet
A licensed electrician will inspect for a loose electric outlet or outlet box. If the electrical box or outlet is not tight, it could break power to the outlet. As items are plugged in and removed from an outlet frequently, it can make the outlet move and shift, making it loose gradually. The wires residing in the box can become loose as well. A loose outlet is not convenient, and it can be risky and result in electrical shock.
Loose Electrical Wiring
Loose wiring is the primary cause behind a non-functional electrical outlet switch. Older electrical outlets are vulnerable to loose wiring due to outdated wiring. Electrical outlets come with two options for wire attachment – (1) Outlet Screws and (2) Rear Slots. Rear slots are more susceptible to electrical problems; however, electrical wiring can get loose in both methods, impacting power running to the outlet. A professional electrician can detect loose wiring promptly and repair it.
Damaged or Faulty Circuit Breaker
You might want to change your malfunctioning outlet with a new one. If your electrical outlet still does not operate properly after changing it, in all likelihood, you may have a damaged breaker. Circuit breakers are stable and lasting electrical devices, but they are not unbeatable. An electrical short circuit or surge can cause the breaker to fail and trip, resulting in damage to the breaker. Testing or replacing a circuit breaker is a risky job, which you should leave to the professional electrician.
Dedicated Circuit Required
The circuit breaker can get overloaded depending on its location and what it is powering. In all likelihood, it will trip the breaker. Besides, there is a chance that an overloaded breaker will fail. In this scenario, replacing the outlet or circuit breaker would not solve the issue because the same problem will continue to occur. A licensed electrician will be able to test an electric load on a specific circuit to determine if it overloads and trip the circuit breaker or the outlet, or both. In such an occurrence, the outlet needs rewiring to a different outlet, or the panel box needs upgrading.
Test Your Electric Wiring
A GFIC outlet that trips occasionally is not an issue. However, if an outlet(s) often trips, it indicates a grave problem. Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system to ensure it works appropriately and safely.
The Bottom Line
Contact licensed electrical services when an electrical emergency strikes. And never try to DIY electrical issues – it’s not safe. So it is prudent to leave all electrical work to professional electricians and be safe.
