How to Fix That One Weird Outlet In Your House That Never Works Right

Having an outlet in your house that doesn't seem to work properly can be annoying and potentially dangerous. Here's a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing that one weird outlet that never seems to work right.

Troubleshooting the Outlet

The first step is to troubleshoot the outlet to try to figure out what's going on. Here are some things to check:

• Plug a lamp or other appliance directly into the outlet to see if it works. If it doesn't, the problem is likely with the outlet itself.

• Check for loose connections. Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet, remove the cover plate, and inspect the wiring connections. Make sure all wires are securely attached.

• Test for power flow. Use a multimeter or outlet tester to check for power. If there's no power, there could be a tripped breaker or problem upstream.

• Inspect the outlet. Examine for burn marks, damaged wiring, corroded connections, or broken/bent prongs. Any of these could prevent proper power flow.

• Consider outlet type. If it's a GFCI or AFCI outlet, test the reset buttons or try replacing it if damaged.

Fixing Wiring Issues

If you've determined the problem is with the outlet's wiring, here are some likely fixes:

• Rewire loose connections. Turn off power, detach any loose wires, strip and reconnect them securely by twisting wires together with pliers and screwing tightly to the outlet.

• Replace damaged or deteriorated wires. Cut back old wires and splice in a similar length of new 12 or 14 gauge electrical wire. Secure with wire nuts.

• Upgrade to a GFCI outlet if not already. Install a GFCI outlet if there is not one currently, as it contains fuses that prevent many shock hazards.

• Check the feed and load. The outlet may be improperly wired without separated feed (input) and load (output) wires. This can cause backfeeding. Rewire correctly.

• Replace outlet. If wiring connections are secure but power flow is inconsistent, the outlets itself may be faulty. Replace it with a new outlet of the same type.

Fixing the Circuit Breaker

Circuit breaker issues can mimic an outlet problem. Here's how to investigate and fix:

• Check and reset the outlet's circuit breaker if tripped. This may resolve a sudden issue.

• Test the breaker using a multimeter to see if it's faulty. Replace breaker if malfunctioning.

• Outlet may be on an overloaded circuit with the breaker often tripping. Consider rearrange devices among other circuits to reduce load.

• Breaker may not be rated for the outlet amperage needs. Swap in a higher amp breaker ifundersized.

• There could be a short somewhere in the circuit. Inspect all wiring to check for damage, exposure, moisture, etc.

When to Call an Electrician

While many outlet issues can be DIY fixes, it's best to call a professional electrician if:

• You need to run new wiring or circuits.

• The electrical panel needs upgrading.

• You have ** recurring tripped breakers** with no obvious cause.

• You uncovered damage beyond your skill level to repair.

• Issues persist despite troubleshooting.

• You don't feel fully comfortable doing electrical repairs.

Outlets are simple in theory but can involve complex and dangerous electrical work. When in doubt, call a licensed electrician to ensure your safety and correctly fix that frustrating faulty outlet for good!