What to Do If You Have an Electrical Outlet Not Working

Emergency Electrician • Apr 22, 2024

Have you ever tried to plug in your phone or appliance, and nothing happens? Or perhaps you’ve observed a charred, sparking, or loose outlet. These are indications that an electrical outlet is not working properly and might pose a safety hazard. It is critical to understand why outlets fail, how to troubleshoot them, and when to seek the assistance of a professional electrician. We are Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa, a local electrician serving the Tulsa, Jenks, & Broken Arrow areas. We are here to help you with quality and dependability, whether you require outlet repair, installation, or replacement.

Why Are Functional Outlets Important?

Electrical outlets are for the operation of your electronics and appliances. They add comfort, convenience, and functionality to your home or business. An outlet not working can create frustration, inconvenience, and even danger. That is why it is critical to keep your outlets in good working order and to fix any electrical problems as soon as possible.

Signs Your Outlet Might Not Be Working

There are many signs that your outlet is not functioning properly.

Outlet Stopped Working, Breaker Not Tripped

This indicates that power is not coming to the outlet, even though the circuit breaker is on. This could be due to the electrical outlet not working properly, loose wires, or a damaged cable.

GFCI Outlet Not Working

A ground fault happens when electricity flows from a hot wire to a grounded surface. Suppose the fault occurs and the tripped GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlet does not reset or continues to trip. In that case, there may be an issue with the outlet or the wiring behind it. 

Bathroom Outlets Not Working

If the bathroom outlet stops working, check to see if they’ve been tripped and must be reset. If that doesn’t work, you may have a defective outlet or a wiring problem.

A man is fixing a tile wall in a kitchen with a screwdriver.

Outlets in Room Not Working, but Lights Are

This happens when the electrical outlet is not working and does not receive electricity while others are. This could result from a bad connection, a faulty outlet, or a broken wire. It could also mean that the outlets are on different circuits, and one is faulty.

You may need to call an expert or repair the outlet yourself, depending on the reason and severity of the problem. Note that outdoor outlets are also normally GFCI outlets since they are subject to weather and moisture. If an outdoor electrical outlet is not working, check whether it’s tripped and needs reset.

Common Causes for Outlet Failures

Overloaded Circuits

If you connect too many gadgets or appliances to a single circuit, you might overload it and trip the breaker. However, if the breaker is old or faulty, it may not trip when it should or too frequently. This can damage the outlets and devices.

Faulty Wiring

Loose connecting wires, short circuits, and ground faults can all result from faulty wiring. These can result in outlets not working, overheating, sparking, or burning.

GFCI Issues

GFCI outlets protect you from electrical shocks by switching off power when a ground fault is detected. A faulty Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet may not trip when it should or may trip when it should not. This can result in an electrical outlet not working, unsafe conditions, or false alarms.

Age & Wear

Outlets have a limited lifespan and might deteriorate over time. Loose, corroded, worn, or cracked outlets might result in intermittent power, poor performance, or no power.

While some outlet issues may appear simple to resolve, they may signify a deeper or more significant problem with the electrical system. Attempting to fix outlet problems without the necessary tools and knowledge can be dangerous. Professionals conduct critical assessments and solutions, assuring safety, code compliance, and fixing underlying electrical issues.

Electrician checking power strip

How To Fix Outlet Not Working

Simple troubleshooting procedures can assist in identifying and potentially resolving minor issues: 

Check for Tripped Breakers

First, go through the electrical panel, reset any tripped circuit breaker, or replace any blown fuse. Resetting a tripped breaker may restore power to the outlet; however, repeated trips indicate underlying problems that necessitate professional intervention.

Test GFCI Outlets

Test and reset Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets to ensure optimal operation and safety in moisture-prone regions. If the outlet trips and does not reset or continues to trip, contact a skilled electrician.

Inspect Bathroom Outlets

To diagnose bathroom outlets, check if they are linked to another Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet, as this can cut power to many outlets. Test and reset the GFCI before verifying the bathroom outlets.

Analyze Room Outlets

Confirm that room outlets are on separate circuits; run tests in each and look for tripped breakers. If the problem persists, seek the assistance of a professional electrician.

Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa Services

If the outlet problem is beyond your capacity or comfort level to repair, or if you suspect a more serious problem with the electrical system, you should seek the assistance of an expert electrician. At Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa, we provide a variety of electrical services to satisfy your requirements and expectations:

Expert Outlet Repair

Fixing an outlet sometimes isn’t enough. You may need to fix the circuit, the wiring, or the electrical panel behind it. This can be a challenging and risky task that demands specialized knowledge and equipment. Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa guarantees competent outlet repair, including wiring, circuits, and electrical panel problems. We inspect and ensure electrical code compliance, from minor fixes to major repairs.

Outlet Installation & Replacement

You may rely on Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa to update your outlets, add new ones, or replace existing ones. Our services include installing and replacing GFCI and smart outlets and guaranteeing safety, aesthetics, and code compliance.

Emergency Services for Urgent Situations

We provide emergency services 24/7, quickly handling any hazardous or hot outlet. Our skilled electricians respond swiftly, assess, and address problems, putting your safety first and averting further damage. Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa provides electrical solutions that are dependable, efficient, and compliant.

Why Choose Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa?

We are your dependable partner for all your electrical needs at Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa. For a variety of reasons, we have established a reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction:

Trained & Certified Electricians

Our electricians have received state and industry training and certification. They have the expertise, abilities, and experience to manage all electrical projects. For your peace of mind, they are also background-checked, drug-tested, insured, and licensed.

Local Experts Serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow & Jenks

We are a locally operated business that cares about our community. We understand the region, the people, and our customers’ electrical needs.

A man is fixing a light on the side of a house.

Competitive Prices & Transparent Quotes

We provide fair and transparent quotes before we begin any work. Hence, you know precisely what you are paying for and why. There are no additional fees or charges.

Contact Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa for Reliable Solutions

Electrical outlets are important for powering devices and appliances. However, outlets not working properly can cause health concerns, electric shock, and loss of property or life. That is why it is critical to repair any outlet issues immediately and contact a professional electrician for assistance. We can assist you with any outlet issue at Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa. We provide experienced outlet repair, installation, replacement, and immediate assistance in an emergency. Contact us now for a reliable solution. Transform your electrical experience with Mister Sparky Electrician Tulsa.


Mister Sparky Electrician is Tulsa's On-Time Electrician in Broken ArrowJenksBixbySapulpa, and Claremore. Our team of licensed electricians services the Tulsa metro area. In addition to emergency electrical repairs, our residential electrician services include electrical outlet/switch repairceiling fan installationlighting installationresidential wiring repairlandscape lighting installation, and home electrical inspections. Call us today at (918) 205-1309 to schedule an appointment!

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