A power socket doesn't work: how to find out why
A single socket with no power is often a contained, traceable problem. Here are the checks to make, always safely.
First check: is it really the socket?
Try another appliance you know works. Sometimes it's the appliance or its cable that's faulty, not the socket.
Check the panel
See if a switch is down. The socket may be on a circuit that has tripped. Reset the switch: if it trips again immediately, there's a fault on that circuit.
Common causes for a single socket
- A loose wire behind the socket (the most frequent cause).
- The socket itself burnt or blackened: sometimes you can smell it.
- A «series» connection: if sockets are daisy-chained, a fault upstream cuts the ones downstream.
Safety first
For any check behind the socket, always cut the power at the panel by switching off the main breaker. If you don't feel safe or there's a burning smell, stop and call an electrician.
Frequently asked questions
Why does only one socket not work?
Often a loose wire behind the socket, a burnt socket or a fault on an upstream socket connected in series.
Is it dangerous to check a socket?
It can be: always cut the power at the panel before opening it, and stop if there's a burning smell or you don't feel safe.
When should I call an electrician?
If there's a burning smell, black marks, or you can't fix it with the basic checks: better not to push on the wiring.
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