It goes without saying that it’s pretty annoying when all the electrical outlets are not working on one wall.
If it’s just one plug, you can probably resist the urge to fix it, and just use the next nearest plug…
But what if that one doesn’t work either?
Well, then there’s something going on with this wall that is clearly affecting all the outlets.
I promise there is an explanation for this, and we’re going to uncover it!
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to fix your troublesome electrical outlets through tried and tested solutions.
Bear in mind that you need to handle this problem with caution. You’ll also need to be patient to ensure the best possible results.
Let’s start with a few questions to help you pinpoint the reason your electrical outlets aren’t working in one room.
Then we’ll go through the best solution to each possible scenario.
1. Is Your Circuit Breaker Tripped?
My first advice for you is to always check your breaker box.
“But my breaker box is working just fine.”
It might look fine with no breakers tripped, but I would tell you not to fall for that.
Turns out breakers are tricky. You need to double-check them to make sure they’re working.
Simply put, circuit breakers usually trip to prevent overheating or electrical fires.
This means it stops electricity from flowing in one room or in your case one wall.
This automatic process occurs to prevent any damage from taking place.
Solution
Sometimes you’ll be able to clearly see one breaker tripped among the others in the breaker box.
Other times the breaker could cut off electricity. You won’t notice any movement.
This is why you need to check all of the breakers even if they look like nothing happened.
So, follow my instructions. Always check for your circuit breakers.
2. Is Your Appliance Malfunctioning?
Did you try plugging a different appliance into the broken outlet? If not, what are you waiting for?
The problem might be a lot more simple than you think:
The appliance that you’re trying to use might not even be working properly.
Solution
Run to your room. See your night lamp? Grab it.
Bring it back to those electrical outlets that have been acting up. Plug it in.
Is it working? Yes? Then you need to check your intended appliance for malfunctions.
Here are some signs you should keep an eye out for:
- Melting wire or appliance
- Damaged appliance
- Damaged cord
- Worn out parts
- Electrical hazards
- Leaking (water or electricity)
- Strange noises
- Burning smells
- Non-responsive appliance
Have you found out why there’s no power to outlet yet?
If your answer is no, then keep reading.
3. Is Your Outlet Burning or Is It Just Old?
A melted outlet is a big no-no. Listen to your electrical outlet.
Can you hear a sizzling sound? You know, the one you hear when you’re cooking a juicy steak?
Yes? You might be in trouble!
Please be careful:
Handling a burnt outlet is incredibly dangerous. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.
Solution
Look closer for any brown burn marks on your outlets. Place your hand close to it, but not too close though.
If you feel heat emission, this outlet is no good and needs to be replaced.
If all the conditions I’ve listed above are not there, the outlet might just be old.
Electrical outlets need to be updated at some point during their lives on your wall.
They’re very easy to change by yourself, so give it a try.
4. Are Your Connecting Wires a Little Loose?
Loose wiring could be the reason behind your broken outlets.
I need you to do a quick check-up for this. But first, go turn off the breaker for this wall.
You’ll find it in the breaker box that we’ve talked about before.
Start by removing your outlet cover. Unscrew it and take it off.
You’ll find some wires and a few little electrical boxes inside the wall. Slowly pull them out.
Now, take a closer look:
Are they loose or do they need to be screwed together?
Your answer will determine the problem we’ve been looking for.
Bear in mind that this ‘loosening’ could affect any of your outlets.
If they’re on the same wall, then they probably share the same wiring.
Did they recently start loosening? Were they never properly connected in the first place?
Solution
Disconnect the wires. Make sure to cut off any extra wires using a wire or metal cutting tool.
Remove any excess insulation material.
Twist and turn the wires so that they’re reconnecting.
Now you can relax and enjoy your fixed electrical outlet.
5. Did Your GFCI Outlet Trip?
I know. I know. You probably don’t know what a GFCI outlet is. I didn’t either.
There’s no need to panic. I’ll explain everything in full detail.
Simply put:
A GFCI is a safety outlet placed in your house to save you from the risk of getting an electric shock.
To save you from any accidents, this little lifesaver shuts off the electricity in no time.
Why does it cut off some of your electrical outlets?
Because it detects humidity or electrical overload.
If you want to know which ones they are, you’ll usually find a ‘reset’ button on them. This little button might be the cause of your problem.
These life-saving outlets are usually found in bathrooms or kitchens.
You can also spot them in any other rooms that are exposed to a source of water.
Make sure that this outlet is not exposed to any water, moisture, or humidity. You need to keep it as dry as you can.
Solution
You’re reaching this part of my detailed instructions because you’ve encountered the same problem that I did.
I did my investigation. I checked all the breakers.
I even changed my outlets. But all I needed to do to get the power running back in my wall was reset my GFCI outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My circuit breaker is facing up. Does that mean that electricity should be flowing in my wall?
The answer is no. Your circuit breaker could look completely fine.
Yet, it could’ve already tripped without even moving. Try turning it off and turning it on again.
And voila! Your appliances are working again.
2. One of the outlets on my wall is hotter than my heater! Do you know what this problem might be?
Yes. It’s definitely a burnt-out electrical outlet.
First thing’s first, turn off the breaker that’s assigned to this wall immediately.
Your safety is what matters most. Let it cool down, then replace it with a new electrical outlet.
3. I took off the cover on my electrical outlet and I managed to pull out the wires. When I was doing that they started to separate from one another. Now, this outlet won’t work anymore. What should I do?
I’m assuming you’ve already turned off the circuit breaker on the wall. Good step.
Now use a wiring tool to bind the wires all back together, and make sure they have proper insulation.
Don’t turn the breaker back on unless you insulate the wires properly.
Now put them back in place with the cover on, and give it a test drive.
4. I can’t find the GFCI outlet in my house. Where is it usually placed?
Look in your bathroom. Look in your kitchen. Look in your laundry room.
These are the places where you could usually find the GFCI outlet. Once you reset it, your power will be back on in no time.
Outlets Not Working In on One Wall? I’ve Got Your Back!
Whenever you’re stuck in an electrical jam (get it?), don’t hesitate to refer to my guide.
Your malfunctioning electrical outlets might make it seem like it’s the end of the world, but every problem has a solution!
Just be sure not to compromise your safety when trying to carry out the above-listed solutions.
Try some troubleshooting to find out what the problem might be. This video has some good, basic steps to check out:
You can also see our troubleshoot tips when your outlet isn’t working but the breaker isn’t tripped. This happens!
If you still can’t fix the issue after checking these out, you need to call a professional.
Spending a little is much better than exposing yourself to any sort of harm.