Tired of fighting with an outlet that can’t seem to keep its act together? We understand how frustrating that can be! Today the experts at Santor Electrical Contractors are here to talk to you about how to troubleshoot and handle a dead outlet, and when it’s time to call in the specialists.
Need electrical repair or replacement specialists in Connecticut? Contact Santor Electrical Contractors for residential and commercial service!
The Basics of Dead Outlet Troubleshooting
Like any good troubleshoot or simple diagnosis session, we’ll begin with the quick and easy stuff first.
Look for Obvious Signs of Serious Electrical Issues
First up we’ll want to ensure there aren’t any immediately pressing or dangerous concerns, which is easy enough to spot if you know what you’re looking for:
Is the outlet burned, discolored, or melted?
Are nearby appliances working properly?
Is the outlet sparking when you plug things into it?
Are there any strange odors in the room?
If you answered yes to any of these then you should immediately shut off the circuit if it is safe to do so (at the panel) and call in for an electrician. Not only is that outlet dead, it could stand to kill a whole lot more of your home’s electrical, and could even cause an electrical fire in your home.
Find Out if It’s Actually the Outlet
You most certainly do not want to call in an electrician and shell out for service if the problem wasn’t even with the outlet in the first place! Before you do any real sleuthing you’ll want to check these things:
Try plugging in another appliance. Drag over a lamp or other small device that you’re 100% certain is i working order and plug it into the affronting outlet. If the appliance works fine, then the fault isn’t with the outlet, but with the appliance you were trying to use.
Check the breaker panel. In most cases when a breaker trip occurs it will kill all of the outlets on that circuit, usually cutting off lights and other active outlets in the room or section of the home. However if the outlet you’re trying to use is dedicated, as would be the case with a microwave or oven outlet, or even a fridge, then it’s on its own breaker. Check to see if that tripped, and if it did, give it a reset.
Check Your Home GFCIs
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are used in areas where the outlet might be exposed to moisture. That means kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces, outdoors. These outlets have the ability to kick themselves off if a problem occurs, and when they do they shut down the entire circuit they’re associated with. Check all of the GFCIs in your home to see if they’ve tripped (The “reset” button will be poking out more than usual) and if they have go ahead and reset them.
Contact Santor Electrical Contractors today schedule an appointment in Connecticut with our residential electricians.
Our Residential Electrical Services in North Windham CT
- Circuit breaker and panel replacement
- Recessed lighting installation
- Attic fan installation
- Exhaust fan installation
- Ceiling fan installation
- Outlet wiring
- New home wiring
- Dimmer and light fixture installation
- Infrared thermography inspections
- Security lighting
- Chandelier lighting
- Outdoor lighting
- Pool and hot tub wiring
- Appliance wiring
- Electrical repair
- And more!
When you need a residential electrician in CT, there’s only one name you need to know—Santor Electrical Contractors! Our residential electricians provide 24/7 emergency service as well as fast, same-day service.
Find out why we’re the area’s most trusted residential electricians. Call us today!
Why Call Our Residential Electricians in CT?
If you searched “residential electricians near me” you landed on the best ones. We are committed to providing superior residential electrical services throughout the region. The valuable advantages we can offer you our great service, high-quality products, and experienced workers at a competitive price.
Our services cover everything from new wiring to electrical maintenance and troubleshooting. No matter what your electrical needs are, we have the right solution, at the right price. Our residential electricians are fully licensed by state and local jurisdictions, assuring you that your electrical project will be installed to exact industry and code standards.
If you’re planning an electrical project for your home in the Hartford CT area and you’re looking for a quality job without the outrageous prices, contact us today. We offer free quotes on all new installs!
