If you have ever attempted to plug in an appliance to discover it wouldn’t turn on, there’s no question it can be frustrating. The entire purpose of the outlet is convenience, but that’s non-existent if there are problems with electrical outlets.

While a dead outlet may seem like a big issue, sometimes it’s caused by something simple, but that’s not always the case. In some situations, there’s going to be a problem with the outlet wiring that only a professional can address.

Finding the Cause of the Electric Outlet Malfunction

You may be able to save electric repair costs if your outlet issue is something that’s easy to fix. You can resolve several small issues without using any tools. If you know the steps you should take, you can determine if the outlet is dead and if it is something you can fix yourself. However, proceed with caution, and if you aren’t confident in your abilities, call the professionals.

Also, remember that a simple problem can turn into an expensive one if you aren’t careful or if you do something wrong. Some easy thing you can try that won’t put you in danger include:

Do Some Investigating

Test the lights nearby along with the other outlets to see if the issue is restricted to just one outlet. If lights close by aren’t working, it could be due to a tripped circuit or blown fuse.

Check the panel for a tripped circuit breaker and reset it – this may solve the issue immediately. If you are unable to reset the system without tripping again, there’s likely a more serious problem and you need to get in touch with an electrician.

Check the GFCI Outlets

These are the outlets that have the “test” and the “reset” buttons. Once you have located these, try resetting them. These outlets are designed to provide protection from shocks by tripping and then cutting off the power if there is a problem. Even if the dead outlet isn’t an actual GFCI outlet, they are often linked, and resetting it can often solve the issue. If you hit the “reset” button, but it continues to trip, it may be the sign of a possibly dangerous issue with your electrical current.

If none of the tips above are effective, then there may be a problem with the wiring in the outlet itself.

Handling Issues with an Electrical Outlet’s Wiring

Problems with an electrical outlet’s wiring can be complex or simple. But, in either case, you need to be careful if you are going to attempt a DIY repair. Be sure your first step is to shut the power off. It’s also a good idea to call an electrician rather than doing anything you aren’t trained to handle. In some cases, the issue may seem like a simple fix; however, there may be other problems that may go on unnoticed for someone who doesn’t have the proper experience.

As a result, it’s a good idea to call an electrician when you encounter problems with electrical outlets, which is going to ensure the right fix is made and that everything is handled safely.  Contact Fusion Electric today for help!