Why is one outlet in my house not working?

A single outlet not working is usually caused by a tripped breaker, blown fuse, tripped GFCI, loose wiring connection, or a faulty outlet itself. This is one of the most common electrical issues homeowners face, and fortunately, many causes can be identified through simple troubleshooting.

Start with the electrical panel - check if any breakers have flipped to the "off" position or are sitting in the middle position between on and off. Reset any tripped breakers by pushing them fully to "off" then back to "on." If you have an older home with a fuse box, look for blown fuses (the metal strip inside will be broken or the glass will be blackened). In Ottawa's older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Westboro, we often see homes with original fuse panels that need upgrading.

Check for GFCI protection - if the dead outlet is in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement, or outdoor location, it's likely protected by a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Look for nearby outlets with "Test" and "Reset" buttons, often located in bathrooms or garages. Press the "Reset" button firmly until it clicks. According to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, GFCI protection is required within 1.5 meters of sinks and in wet locations, so one tripped GFCI can affect multiple outlets downstream.

Test the outlet itself using a simple plug-in tester or by trying different devices. If other outlets on the same circuit work but this one doesn't, the outlet may be faulty or have a loose wire connection. Never attempt to remove the outlet cover or work on wiring yourself - loose connections can cause arcing, overheating, and fire hazards.

When to call a professional: If resetting breakers and GFCIs doesn't solve the problem, you're dealing with loose wiring, a faulty outlet, or circuit damage that requires a licensed electrician. In Ontario, homeowners can replace outlets like-for-like with the power turned off, but diagnosing and repairing wiring issues requires professional expertise and often an ESA permit.

Safety warning: If you smell burning, see scorch marks around the outlet, or hear crackling sounds, shut off the circuit breaker immediately and don't use the outlet. These are signs of dangerous arcing that can cause fires.

For persistent outlet problems or if you're uncomfortable troubleshooting electrical issues, Electrical Ottawa's licensed electricians can quickly diagnose and safely repair the problem, ensuring your home's electrical system meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.

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