Electrical101 Background Sitemap

Switches | Outlets & Plugs | Ballasts | Replace Ballasts | LED Tube Lights | Troubleshooting | Basic Electricity  | Misc Articles

Question or Comment?

Bolt Bolt

    Electrical 101   

About      Privacy Policy      Sitemap      Copyright © 2024 Electrical101.com      Terms of Use

How to Troubleshoot Outlets

What Causes an Outlet to Fail?

The most common way an outlet fails is a tripped circuit breaker, GFCI or AFCI. If a standard outlet is connected to the load of a GFCI or AFCI and the one of them trips, power will be shut off to the standard outlet. Standard outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outside, are likely to be connected to the load of a GFCI. Find Voltage detectors

Less common ways an outlet fails is loose wire(s) to the outlet terminals, or the outlet fails internally (power is present at the outlet terminals but not at the plug end).

Outlet vs Receptacle

Electrical outlet is a very common name for a receptacle. Many home improvement stores use the term “electrical outlet” when referring to a receptacle. Outlets are the points at which the electrical system is accessed (receptacle outlet or lighting outlet). A lighting outlet is an electrical box where a light fixture is mounted and gets power. A receptacle outlet is an electrical box where an outlet is mounted and gets power. On this site, the common term outlet will be used instead of receptacle.

Plug is Loose or Falls Out of Outlet

A plug should always fit tightly into an outlet. An outlet uses tension on the plug’s prongs to maintain a tight connection. If a plug is loose or falls out of an outlet, the outlet needs to be replaced.  A loose plug can cause excessive heat and possibly damage whatever is plugged into the outlet.

How to Test an Outlet

There are several ways to test an outlet. First, check the circuit breakers and GFCI and AFCI outlets to see if any of them are tripped.

The best way to test an outlet, including GFCIs and AFCIs, is with a receptacle outlet tester. A test may be done to determine if power is present at the outlet or if it is wired properly. This tester will show the status of the line, neutral, and ground. A receptacle outlet tester does not have a battery. Find Outlet Testers

Other ways of testing an outlet include a voltage detector, multimeter, solenoid tester, night light, and hair dryer.

Ground

Neutral

line

Voltage Detector

Receptacle Outlet Tester

Receptacle Tester

How to Test a Switched Outlet

A switch operates one half of a split outlet. The best way to test a split outlet is with a receptacle outlet tester or a voltage detector. Turn the switch on and off to see if the outlet has power (tester lights up with power). For more information, see switched outlets.

Receptacle Outlet tester shows normal or Voltage tester light is on

The light fixture Voltage Detector on Lamp Cordat left has power through the electrical cord. If a switch operates this outlet, then it is OK. If the fixture does not light up with a known good bulb installed:


Receptacle outlet tester shows power off or voltage detector light is off

No power to outlet:

Loose wire makeup, loose connection to switch, light fixture, or outlet terminal inside of the electrical box.

20 Amp Receptacle Arrow left down Arrow right down Arrow right down Non-contact Voltage Detector on Receptacle LED Tube Lights Background

Electrical Troubleshoot ing

Meters and Testers

Battery Testers

Input Impedance

High Wattage Appliances

Circuit Breakers

GFCI & AFCI Breakers

Troubleshoot Outlets

Troubleshoot GFCIs & AFCIs

Troubleshoot Lights

Troubleshoot Switches

Troubleshoot 3-Way Switches

Troubleshoot 4-Way Switches

Identify 3 and 4-Way Switch Wires

Open Neutral

Open Neutral Multi-Wire Circuit

No Power to Outlets

Loose and Sunken Outlets

Troubleshoot Garage Door Opener