Electrical Outlet Not Working? Here’s When to Call an Electrician

When an electrical outlet stops working, it can be frustrating − especially if it’s one you use daily. Before you panic, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take.

Sometimes, the fix is as easy as resetting a tripped breaker or pressing the reset button on a GFCI outlet. But if the problem persists, sparks appear, or you notice a burning smell, it’s time to call a professional.

Ignoring electrical issues can be dangerous, leading to fire hazards or further damage to your home’s wiring.

A qualified electrician can diagnose the problem safely and ensure your electrical system is functioning properly. In this guide, we’ll help you determine when a DIY fix is enough and when it’s best to bring in an expert for a safe, long-term solution.

Common Reasons Your Outlet Isn’t Working

If an electrical outlet isn’t working, don’t panic – there are a few common reasons this can happen. Some are easy to fix, while others may require professional help.

Here are the most likely culprits:

• Tripped circuit breaker – If too much power is drawn on a circuit, the circuit breaker may trip, cutting off power to your outlet. Check your electrical panel and reset the breaker if necessary.
• Blown fuse – In older homes with fuse boxes, a blown fuse could be the cause. Replacing the fuse may restore power.GFCI outlet tripped – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) have reset buttons. If they trip, simply press the button to restore power.
• Loose or damaged wiring – Over time, wiring inside an electrical powerpoint can loosen or degrade, making it unsafe to use.
• Burnt or overheated outlet – If you notice discolouration, a burning smell, or a warm outlet, stop using it immediately and call an electrician.

If troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the problem safely.

When You Can Fix It Yourself

Not all outlet problems require an electrician – some can be solved with simple troubleshooting. Here are a few things you can check before calling in a professional:

• Reset the circuit breaker – If too many devices are plugged in, the breaker may trip. Check your electrical panel for a tripped switch and reset it.
• Press the GFCI reset button – If your outlet is near water (like in a kitchen or bathroom), it may be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Press the “reset” button to restore power.
• Test another outlet – Plug your device into a different powerpoint to see if the issue is with the device, not the outlet.
• Check for a blown fuse – If your home has a fuse box, a blown fuse may be the problem. Replacing it can restore power.
• Unplug overloaded devices – Too many high-power appliances on one circuit can cause an outage. Try unplugging some devices and see if the powerpoint works again.

If these steps don’t work, or you notice burning smells, sparks, or repeated issues, it’s time to call an electrician.

When to Call an Electrician

If an electrical outlet isn’t working and basic troubleshooting hasn’t solved the problem, it’s time to call an electrician. Electrical issues can be dangerous, and a professional can diagnose and fix the problem safely.

Here are some key signs that you need expert help:

• The outlet is burned or melted – Discolouration, burn marks, or a burning smell indicate overheating, which could lead to an electrical fire.
• You see sparks or hear buzzing – If a powerpoint sparks when you plug something in or makes a buzzing sound, there could be a wiring issue.
• Multiple powerpoints aren’t working – If several outlets in your home have stopped working, you may have a larger electrical issue, like a faulty circuit.
• The breaker keeps tripping – If resetting the circuit breaker doesn’t restore power or the same breaker keeps tripping, an electrician needs to investigate.
• There’s loose or exposed wiring – If you see frayed or damaged wires, don’t attempt to fix them yourself – call a professional.

Electrical issues can be serious, so don’t take chances. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call an electrician.

The Dangers of DIY Electrical Repairs

It might be tempting to fix a dead outlet yourself, but electrical work isn’t like changing a light bulb − it comes with serious risks. Even a simple mistake, like using the wrong tools or touching the wrong wire, can result in electrocution. If there’s faulty wiring behind the outlet, a DIY fix could make things worse, leading to overheating or even an electrical fire.

Another issue is that electrical work needs to meet safety codes. If you attempt a repair without the right knowledge, you could be violating regulations, which might cause problems if you ever sell your home or need an insurance claim.

Unless you’re experienced with electrical work, it’s best to leave it to a licensed electrician. They have the expertise to diagnose the problem safely and ensure your home’s wiring is up to standard. Instead of risking injury or property damage, call a professional − your safety is worth it.

How an Electrician Can Help

When an electrical outlet stops working and basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to call an electrician. A licensed professional has the tools and expertise to diagnose the issue safely and efficiently. They’ll check for loose wiring, damaged circuits or overloaded electrical panels that could be affecting your powerpoint.

If the problem is deeper − like faulty wiring in the walls or an ageing electrical system − an electrician can make the necessary repairs while ensuring your home meets safety codes.

They can also replace burnt-out powerpoints, upgrade your wiring, or install new circuits if your home’s electrical demand has outgrown its current setup.

Attempting electrical repairs on your own can be risky, but an electrician will make sure the job is done right, preventing potential fire hazards and future power issues.

Instead of guessing what’s wrong, let a professional handle the work safely and efficiently. If your outlet isn’t working and you’re unsure why, don’t wait − call an electrician and get the problem fixed properly.

Always Put Safety First

A non-working electrical outlet can be a minor inconvenience − or a sign of a bigger issue. While some problems, like a tripped breaker or a GFCI reset, are easy to fix, others require a professional touch.

If you notice burning smells, sparks or multiple dead powerpoints, it’s time to call an electrician. Ignoring electrical problems can lead to fire hazards, shock risks, or further damage to your home’s wiring.

Instead of taking chances with DIY electrical repairs, let a licensed professional handle the issue safely. They’ll diagnose the problem, make necessary repairs, and ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code.

When in doubt, always prioritise safety. If an electrical outlet isn’t working and you’re unsure why, don’t wait − call an electrician for a reliable, long-term solution.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.