What Causes the Wall Socket to Lose Electricity?

Power Outage

• If your lights went out at the same time as your outlets then the answer is simple. You have a power outage. If it is in the daytime and the power outage is less obvious, try turning on some lights and see if anything else is working. If neighboring houses are also without power then it is likely a widespread problem and you’ll need to call the electric company to let them know there is an outage. The outage could be limited to just your house, however.

Tripped Circuit

• If it appears that the power outage seems to be limited to your home then it could mean that a power surge simply tripped the main breaker. Even if all your power seems to be working with the exception of the one socket and a couple of surrounding outlets, it could still be a problem in the breaker box. Check the circuit breakers in each case to see if the main breaker has tripped or if a specific breaker was tripped. Turn the breaker assigned to the outlet off and then back on and make sure it locks into position. If it will not lock into position the breaker is bad and will need to be replaced.

GFCI

• GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. GFCI outlets have been in use since the 1970s and they are designed to shut off when they detect an overload of power or if moisture is present. The sockets found in kitchens near the sink and in bathrooms are often the GFCI type. They are easily identified because they have a reset button near the area where your devices plug in. Try pressing the reset button until you hear a click and then try the outlet again. It should work unless the device you are plugging in is too powerful or there is moisture around the plug.

Loose Wiring

• Although electrical codes allow it, the common practice of wiring outlets by pressing stripped wires into the holes on the back of the socket is not a good idea. These wires can come loose and kill the power to your socket. If you turn off the power supply to the outlets and remove them and find a loose wire of this sort, you can re-insert it and connect it properly to the screws on the side of the component.