Having an outlet in your home that doesn't seem to work right can be extremely frustrating. However, in most cases, fixing that flaky outlet is an easy DIY project that you can tackle in less than an hour. Here's a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and resolving common outlet issues.
What Causes Outlets to Malfunction?
There are a few main reasons why an outlet may not be working properly:
Loose Wire Connections
Over time, the wires connected to the outlet can become loose due to vibrations, thermal expansion and contraction, etc. This interrupts the flow of electricity and causes the outlet to work intermittently or not at all.
Faulty Outlet
The outlet itself may be defective. If an outlet is very old, the components inside can degrade over time and fail to make proper contact.
Damaged Wires
If the insulation on the wires is compromised, it can create shorts and prevent electricity from flowing smoothly to the outlet. Rodents chewing on wires is a common cause of damage.
Overloaded Circuit
Too many high-wattage appliances on one circuit can cause outlets to malfunction, especially if the circuit lacks proper overcurrent protection.
Diagnosing the Outlet
Before attempting to fix a problematic outlet, it's important to diagnose the issue. Here are some steps:
1. Plug a Nightlight In
Plug a nightlight or lamp into the outlet and see if it turns on. If not, you likely have an issue with the outlet itself or the wiring.
2. Check Nearby Outlets
Test outlets that share the same circuit. If they aren't working either, you probably have a circuit overload issue or a problem with the wiring feeding the outlets.
3. Inspect the Outlet
Unplug all cords from the outlet and remove the cover plate. Check for any signs of physical damage, burn marks, or broken/bent prongs. Any of these indicate it's time to replace the outlet.
4. Check for Loose Wires
With the power off, unscrew and gently pull the outlet from the electrical box. Look for any loose wire connections. Tighten screws and terminal clamps as needed.
Fixing the Outlet
Once you've diagnosed the issue, fixing the outlet is usually quick and straightforward:
Replace a Faulty Outlet
If the outlet itself is damaged or nonfunctional, replacing it with a new outlet is the permanent solution. Make sure to get the same amperage rating and number of receptacles.
Reconnect Loose Wires
If wires are loose, reconnect them properly to the outlet and secure with the terminal screws. Double check that bare wire is fully inserted and that screws are tight.
Repair Damaged Wiring
For damaged wires, cut out the bad sections and splice in new wire using wire nuts. Make sure any new wire is the same gauge. Electrical tape helps reinforce connections.
Upgrade Circuit Wiring
If the circuit is overloaded, you may need to run new wire with higher amp capacity, add more circuits, or redistribute appliances among existing circuits. Consult an electrician.
Use a GFCI Outlet
For outlets near water sources, a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet provides overcurrent protection. This can prevent overloads from appliances like hair dryers.
Helpful Precautions
- Always turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet before doing any work
- Only work on outlets if you are comfortable doing so - when in doubt, hire an electrician
- Do not plug high-wattage appliances like vacuums, microwaves, or space heaters into an outlet that is malfunctioning
- Test GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the "Test" and "Reset" buttons
With some basic tools, a little investigation, and proper safety precautions, that annoying unreliable outlet can be fixed quickly and painlessly. Just be sure to always turn the power off first!