How to fix an outlet that's giving intermittent power?

 

Identify the Problem With an Intermittent Outlet

 

When an electrical outlet gives intermittent power, it's typically indicative of a loose connection, a faulty outlet, wiring issues behind the outlet, or perhaps a damaged circuit. Troubleshooting and fixing an intermittent outlet can make your home safer, prevent risks to expensive electronics, and ensure stable electricity supply. Here is how to thoroughly approach and fix an outlet delivering intermittent power:

 

Safety Precautions to Take Before You Start

 

Before working with electrical outlets or wiring, take the following important precautions:

• Be certain your hands are dry and always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel. Always double-check with a voltage tester—never assume an outlet is safe to work with.
• Clear your working space from clutter so you can safely check wiring connections and replace parts without risk.
• If for any reason you feel uncomfortable working with electricity, stop immediately and contact a professional electrician in your area. Hoffman Brothers provide experienced electricians in both St Louis and Nashville areas, able to diagnose and fix electrical issues safely.

 

Inspect for Loose or Faulty Connections

 

Intermittent outlets commonly stem from loose connections or worn components. Begin troubleshooting by:

• Removing the outlet cover plate carefully using a screwdriver.
• Pulling out the outlet gently to inspect the wires behind the plate. Avoid touching any wiring without ensuring your breaker switch is off and checking with a voltage tester first.
• Closely inspecting copper wiring and terminals for looseness, corrosion, damage, or deterioration. Loose terminals are usually easy to identify and correct.
• If wires are back-stabbed (pushed into holes behind the outlet), it is safer and more reliable to connect them to screw terminals on the outlet sides instead.
• Carefully tighten any loose terminals and ensure wires are secure. Then securely re-attach the outlet to the box.

 

Evaluate and Replace Damaged Outlets

 

An outlet may become faulty over time due to wear, aging, or overheating. Symptoms indicating the need for replacement include crackling noises, burnt marks, or visible damage. For replacement:

• Turn off the circuit breaker, verify no power with a voltage tester, then remove and disconnect the old outlet.
• Install a new outlet of the correct type (usually rated at 15A or 20A, matching your circuit).
• Properly connect the wires to the corresponding terminals—usually black to brass terminals (hot wire), white to silver terminals (neutral wire), and bare copper or green wires to the ground screw terminal.
• Once wires are properly connected, reinstall and secure the outlet into the junction box and attach the faceplate.
• Turn the power back on and test the new outlet with a voltage tester or plug-in device.

 

Check the Circuit Breaker and Wiring

 

If your outlet’s intermittent issues persist after inspecting connections or replacing the outlet itself, you might need to examine the circuit breaker or internal wiring.

• Rule out a tripped or faulty breaker by briefly turning it off and then back on fully to verify if it resets properly.
• If an issue persists on multiple outlets along the same circuit, the problem might be deeper within your home wiring or breaker capacity. Loose wiring inside walls or worn wiring can cause intermittent connections or even hazard potentials.
• In this scenario, reaching out to a licensed electrician to examine and repair compromised wiring is strongly recommended.

 

Avoid Overloaded Circuits

 

Sometimes, an intermittent outlet can result from repeated circuit overload caused by plugging too many high-demand appliances into a single circuit at the same time.

• Attempt to redistribute the load by unplugging unnecessary devices, or spreading them across multiple outlets/circuits.
• In cases of persistent overload, professional advice regarding circuit upgrades or additions might be needed.

Hoffman Brothers regularly services both residential and commercial electrical needs throughout St Louis and the Nashville area, ensuring safe and stable electricity within homes and buildings.

 

Hire a Professional Electrician If Necessary

 

Electrical problems, even seemingly minor ones like intermittent outlets, can present considerable hazards. If your investigative or corrective efforts are unsuccessful or if your home’s electrical wiring is complex, calling a professional electrician is wise. Professionals have specialized diagnostic equipment and knowledge to swiftly and accurately fix intermittent outlet issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of your electrical systems.

By systematically troubleshooting outlet problems and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can efficiently resolve issues, ensuring reliability and safety for your electrical system.