How to Safely Troubleshoot Electrical Outlet and When to Call an Electrician

Have you ever plugged in a device, only to realize the outlet isn’t working? It’s a frustrating and often puzzling situation, especially when you’re unsure what’s causing the issue. Before panicking, there are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot electrical outlet issues safely. 

However, knowing when to troubleshoot yourself and when to call Court Electrical Services is equally important! While inspecting an outlet might seem straightforward, certain signs indicate it’s time for professional help. 

Begin by Checking Other Outlets and Devices

Is it really the outlet that’s malfunctioning, or might the device be the issue?

When an outlet stops working, the first step is to determine whether it’s the outlet itself or the device plugged into it. A malfunctioning outlet might affect your convenience, but safety is the primary concern. You’ll want to make sure that a broken outlet doesn’t lead to more significant issues, like electrical fires.

Test Devices in Other Outlets

• Plug the device into another working outlet to verify if the problem lies with the device or the outlet.
• Try another appliance in the suspect outlet to see if it works.
• If neither works, you’ve narrowed it down to the outlet itself.

Check the Outlet for Physical Damage

• Look for signs of discoloration or scorch marks, which can indicate overheating.
• Examine the outlet for cracks or other physical damage.

Investigate Tripped Circuit Breakers or GFCI Outlets

Do you know if your circuit breaker has tripped or if the GFCI outlet has been triggered?

A common cause of non-functioning outlets is a tripped circuit breaker or a triggered Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). These safety devices cut off power when they detect potential electrical issues. GFCI outlets are usually in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas where moisture is present. They are paramount for preventing electrical shocks.

Locate Your Circuit Breaker Panel

• Find your home’s breaker panel, which is usually located in a basement, garage, or utility room.
• Identify the switch that controls the affected outlet. If it’s in the “off” position, flip it back to “on.”
• Sometimes, the breaker switch may not move fully to “off” but just partially—reset it by turning it all the way off and then back on.

Reset a GFCI Outlet

• GFCI outlets have “test” and “reset” buttons on them. Press the “reset” button to restore power.
• Test the outlet again by plugging in a device to see if power is restored.
• If the GFCI outlet continues to trip, it may indicate a problem with the outlet itself or the wiring connected to it.

Test the Outlet with a Multimeter or Outlet Tester

If the basic checks don’t identify the problem, using a multimeter or outlet tester is a more advanced step to troubleshoot electrical outlet issues. These tools measure whether an outlet is receiving the correct amount of electricity and if it’s safe to use.

Please use caution and contact Court Electrical Services for assistance!

Using a Multimeter

• Set the multimeter to measure voltage and insert the probes into the outlet slots.
• The voltage reading should be between 110-120 volts. If it reads lower or higher, there could be an issue with the electrical supply or outlet wiring.
• If no reading appears, the outlet may be dead, and it’s time to call a professional.

Using an Outlet Tester

• Insert the tester into the outlet. Lights will illuminate to indicate the condition of the outlet.
• Match the light pattern to the tester’s guide to diagnose whether the outlet is wired correctly or has issues like reversed wiring or an open ground.

When do You Call an Electrician?

What signs suggest you should stop troubleshooting and call us at Court Electrical Services?

While it’s tempting to handle minor electrical issues on your own, some signs indicate more significant problems that require expert attention. Recognizing these red flags early can prevent dangerous situations like electrical fires or shocks.

Outlets Feel Warm or Smell Like Burning

• A warm or hot outlet can signal overloaded circuits or poor wiring connections.
• Any smell of burning near an outlet is an immediate sign of danger. Disconnect the power and call an electrician immediately.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

• If resetting the breaker or GFCI outlet is only a temporary fix and the circuit trips again, the underlying problem could be with the wiring.
• Repeated trips could suggest overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or more severe electrical issues.

When to Call Court Electrical Services

Is the issue too complex or potentially dangerous for DIY troubleshooting?

There’s a point where troubleshooting an electrical outlet yourself is no longer safe or effective. Don’t hesitate to call Court Electrical Services for help!

Call Court Electrical Services for:

• Outlets that don’t work despite resetting the circuit breaker or GFCI.
• Any signs of electrical arcing, such as sparks when plugging in devices.
• Flickering lights or buzzing sounds coming from outlets.
• Outlets that consistently overheat or emit a burning smell.

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician in Tampa, FL: 

• Professional diagnosis of wiring issues beyond what a typical homeowner can see or troubleshoot.
• Identifying potential hazards and correct them before they become dangerous.
• Having an electrician regularly inspect your home’s electrical system helps maintain long-term safety and efficiency.

Need to Troubleshoot Electrical Outlet Issues? Call Court Electrical Services

There’s never a need to risk your safety over a malfunctioning electrical outlet. Court Electrical Services is a Tampa Bay electrician, licensed and insured to assist you today! Please call us when you have faulty electrical outlets or you’re otherwise in need of an electrical evaluation.