Troubleshooting
Outlet Not Working? What to Check First
Updated
Short answer
Check for a tripped GFCI elsewhere on the circuit (bathroom, kitchen, garage, outdoors), a wall switch that controls the outlet, and a breaker sitting in the middle position. If none of those restores power, a connection has likely failed and the circuit needs testing.
1. Reset every GFCI
One GFCI can protect outlets downstream in other rooms. Press Reset on every GFCI in the house, including garage and outdoor outlets.
2. Check for a switched outlet
In many living rooms and bedrooms, one half of an outlet is controlled by a wall switch.
3. Check the panel
A tripped breaker may sit in the middle rather than fully off. Push it fully off, then on.
4. When it is a failed connection
Outlets wired with back-stab connections often fail and kill power to every outlet after them. This needs an electrician to find and repair the connection.
- Several outlets in a row are dead
- The outlet was warm or discolored
- Power comes and goes
When to call an electrician
If anything is warm, smells hot, sparks or keeps failing after the simple checks above, stop and call. The electrician will test the circuit, find the cause and make it safe. Related service: Electrical Repair & Troubleshooting.
Questions
Why did several outlets stop working at once?
Usually a GFCI tripped or a connection failed in the first box on the circuit.
Local help with electrical repair & troubleshooting
City guides with local permit offices, utilities and housing notes:
Editorial note: this guide is general information for US homes, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a licensed electrician. Codes and permit rules vary by location.