How to Fix That One Outlet in Your House That Never Works Right

Having an outlet that doesn't work properly can be annoying and potentially dangerous. With some basic tools and safety precautions, you can often fix it yourself. Here is a comprehensive guide on diagnosing and repairing a faulty outlet.

Symptoms of a Faulty Outlet

There are a few common signs that indicate an outlet is not functioning correctly:

The Outlet Doesn't Power Devices

• If you plug a device into the outlet and it doesn't turn on, the outlet could be wired incorrectly or there could be a loose connection.

The Outlet Only Works Sometimes

• Intermittent power from an outlet often points to a loose wire connection that makes contact only when moved a certain way.

The Outlet Sparks When Used

• You should immediately stop using an outlet that emits sparks, as this indicates a serious safety issue such as a short circuit.

The Outlet Feels Warm

• Excessive heat is a warning sign that the outlet is overloaded or has a faulty connection.

The Lights Dim When Using the Outlet

• Dimming lights can occur when high-power devices overload the outlet's circuit.

The Breaker Trips When Using the Outlet

• A tripped breaker indicates more power is being drawn through the outlet than the circuit can handle.

Diagnosing the Outlet

Before doing any work on an electrical outlet, make sure the power is disconnected at the circuit breaker. Then, remove the outlet cover plate and inspect the following:

Check for Loose Wires

• Examine the outlet for any loose or improperly connected wires. Tug gently on each wire to see if any are loose.

Check for Signs of Overheating

• Look for scorch marks or melted plastic on the outlet or wires which indicates overheating.

Test for Power

• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off before touching any wires.

Check the Wall Box

• Inspect inside the outlet box for any loose connections, damaged wires, or signs of moisture.

Assess the Condition of the Outlet

• Look for cracked, damaged, or broken parts on the outlet itself.

Fixing the Faulty Outlet

Once you've diagnosed the issue, here are some steps to get your outlet working again:

Tighten Loose Screws

• Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screw terminals on the outlet or wires.

Replace Damaged Wires

• Any worn outlet wires should be trimmed and replaced with short, new pieces of wire.

Clean Contact Points

• Use electric contact cleaner spray to clean dirty contact points if not severely damaged.

Replace the Outlet

• For cracked or badly damaged outlets, simple replacement is the best solution.

Upgrade the Outlet

• For recurring issues, upgrade to a heavy-duty outlet marked "spec grade" or "commercial grade".

Add an AFCI Outlet

• An AFCI outlet provides advanced circuit protection from short circuits and ground faults.

Update the Wiring

• For older homes, rewiring the outlet's circuit with updated, higher capacity wires may be needed.

Call an Electrician

• Some complex wiring faults require the expertise of a licensed electrician.

Safety Tips for Electrical Work

• Always turn off the power at the breaker before accessing an outlet.
• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off.
• Follow local regulations for required permits when replacing outlets.
• Only use replacement outlets rated for your home's electrical system.
• Take photos before disconnecting any wires to remember the connections.
• Only work on small electrical projects if you have training and feel comfortable doing so.
• Call a licensed electrician for any complex or dangerous electrical issues.

With the right precautions, you can safely troubleshoot and fix many basic outlet problems. However, some larger electrical issues are best left to the professionals. Take your time, be cautious, and you'll have that troublesome outlet working properly again in no time.