A power outlet is the last thing you want to lose when your computer, TV, or other electronic device has lost power. Plugging in your appliance may not work if there is no power coming out of the socket. If this has happened to you before, don't worry! You can try fixing it quickly and easily with these few fixes that I will discuss below. You can also hire a skilled electrician - which can be a great option for those low on time.
Replace The Outlet
Sometimes, a simple solution is to just replace the outlet. If your power goes out from a plug that is not being used, then it could be because there’s something wrong with the actual receptacle itself. For instance, if an appliance has been plugged into one for years and now suddenly doesn’t have any juice going to it anymore, but everything else is still working, this might mean you need to change or upgrade your outlets altogether. Luckily if you are located in Colorado Springs, you don't have to do it yourself. Finding a trusted electrician in Colorado Springs is easy and convenient with many companies offering reliable services. A professional electrician may also check for any other underlying electrical issues in your home, giving you peace of mind.
image © Colin Behrens
Another option would be replacing the plug of a specific device instead of fixing a dead power outlet in general. This can fix many different problems very quickly as well! Just switch out plugs on devices that are frequently left lying around unused by removing them from their current slots using those same plugs elsewhere. It’s a quick fix that can save you from buying new appliances.
Replace Loose Or Damaged Wiring
When you notice a wire is loose or damaged it usually indicates that it's time for a replacement. Most electricians in Singapore agree that this is the safest solution in these situations. If you leave them there it may cause additional bigger problems that you certainly don't want. Here are the indicators if the wires are damaged or loose:
- the wire is hot to touch
- flickering lights in your home
- breaker tripping often without reason
Fixing loose or damaged wiring can be done by fixing the wire itself, replacing it with another similar wire, or fixing the socket it is connected to, depending on what's going wrong.
Unplug Everything And Plug Them Back In
A pretty simple solution that should be on top of your list is unplugging everything and plugging them back in. This is a great quick fix for fixing dead power outlets when you can’t identify what the issue might be, or simply don't know how to resolve it otherwise.
Just remember: When unplugging things from an outlet make sure that all electric appliances are turned off before unplugging them. If there's a risk of electrical shock find another way to turn off your devices such as switching the switch on top of an appliance like a lamp rather than pulling out the cord. Also, if there's more than one thing plugged into each other unplugged those first so they don’t get pulled out as well.
Get A New Fuse For The Circuit Breaker
A new fuse is necessary when fixing a dead power outlet. If you do not have the new fuse, fixing will take longer than necessary and it may be dangerous to leave the electricity on for too long.
To get a new fuse, make sure that your circuit breaker is turned off (tripped) beforehand. This prevents electric shock in case of an accident when fixing a dead power outlet yourself. After turning off your circuit breaker, look under "fuses" in your home's electrical box or panel. This is often located inside a garage or near where electricity enters from outside into homes and buildings.
When looking at fuses to find out which one has blown/burned out, match up with what color looks like before checking if they are labeled by another label besides the color. You should then purchase a new fuse that is the same size and amperage as what you found in your electrical box or panel to fix the dead power outlet after getting home from buying it at an electrical supply store, hardware store, or online.
Reset The Circuit Breaker
One really simple solution is to reset the circuit breaker. This is a simple, quick solution that works about half of the time for fixing a dead power outlet. This usually works when the power outlet has not been used recently and the issue is related to a tripped breaker. If this does not work, then you probably need an electrician's help fixing the dead power outlet in your home or office.
Use A Power Strip
Getting a power strip can be useful when fixing a dead power outlet. In order to fix this, you can turn off the circuit breaker in your house and try fixing it by pressing down on the prongs of the plug inside the socket or using a voltage tester if there is any doubt about whether or not electricity is present in that particular cord. If no luck with these methods, replacing the outlet should do the trick.
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Professional Help for Persistent Issues
Dead power outlets happen to everyone, but there are some easy fixes you can try. Replacing the outlet or the wiring is a good start. You can unplug-plug in the power to see if that works or reset the circuit breaker. Also, try getting a new fuse or a power strip to fix the problem. In many cases, DIY solutions are effective in fixing small electrical problems, but sometimes professional assistance is, hands down the safest and the most efficient way to go. If you have reset your circuit breaker/replaced fuses and checked for loose wires and the power is still not working this may mean there is a wider electrical fault such as faulty wiring or a failing outlet. If you do not know what you are doing, issues of this nature can be dangerous and be a real safety threat.
This is one of the cases when hiring a Stamford residential electrician can be quite helpful. Aim to contact a qualified professional who can spot the source of the problem and offer an accurate answer. They can also carry out a complete electrical safety inspection to confirm that the wiring in your home is run according to standards and thereby prevent potential electric hazards. By selecting a residential electrician, you can breathe easy knowing that if anything goes wrong during your session, they will know the ins and outs of the specific regulations and get the job done in no time!
