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How to Troubleshoot Outlets
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 way to test an outlet. First, check the circuit breakers and GFCI and AFCI outlets to see if any of them are tripped. Find Outlet Testers
The best way to test an outlet, including GFCIs and AFCIs, is with an 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 hot, neutral, and ground. An outlet tester does not have a battery.
Other ways of testing an outlet include a voltage detector, multimeter, solenoid tester, night light, and hair dryer.
Ground
Neutral
Hot
Voltage Detector
Outlet Tester
What Causes an Outlet to Fail?
The most common ways 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).
How to Test a Switched Outlet
A switch operates one half of a switched outlet. The best way to test a switched outlet is with an 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.
Outlet tester shows normal or voltage detector 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.
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 inside of electrical box.
