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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
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 
at 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:
- Light fixture switch is bad.
- Light fixture socket is bad.
- Cord is damaged.
Receptacle outlet tester shows power off or voltage detector light is off
No power to outlet:
- Bad light switch Troubleshooting Single Pole Light Switch.
- Tripped circuit breaker.
Loose wire makeup, loose connection to switch, light fixture, or outlet terminal inside of the electrical box.
