A tripped GFCI upstream
GFCI outlets, the ones with TEST and RESET buttons, can protect other outlets further along the circuit. One in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement or outside can cut power to an ordinary-looking outlet somewhere else.
Electrical problem
Outlet not working? Start with these checks.
When an outlet suddenly goes dead, the cause is often somewhere else: a GFCI outlet upstream, or a breaker. Here's how to track it down safely, and the signs that mean you should leave it to an electrician.
Still stuck? Show a licensed electrician on video · $34 for 15 minutes
What's likely going on
These are typical causes, not a diagnosis. A pro looking at yours can tell you which it is.
A tripped breaker
If several outlets or lights went out together, a breaker at the panel has likely tripped.
A switched outlet
Some outlets, often in living rooms and bedrooms, are controlled by a wall switch. Sometimes only the top or bottom half is.
A loose or worn connection
If an outlet works on and off, or plugs fall out easily, the outlet or its wiring may be worn. That's a job for an electrician.
Safe things to check yourself
- Test with something that worksPlug in a lamp or phone charger you know works elsewhere. Try both the top and bottom receptacles.
- Flip the wall switchesTurn on every switch in the room and test again, in case the outlet is switched.
- Hunt for a GFCICheck bathrooms, the kitchen, garage, basement, laundry and outdoor outlets. Press RESET firmly on every GFCI you find, even ones that look fine.
- Check the panelOpen the panel door only. Look for a breaker that's OFF or sitting in the middle. Push it fully OFF, then ON, once.
- List what else is outNote every outlet and light that's dead. It tells an electrician which circuit to look at.
Stop and call an electrician, or 911
- The outlet is warm, discoloured, cracked, buzzing or smells like burning. Stop using it. If there's smoke, get everyone out and call 911.
- You see sparks when you plug something in.
- A GFCI won't reset at all, or trips again right away.
- The breaker trips again as soon as you reset it.
Don't take the cover plate off or pull the outlet out of the wall, and never remove the panel cover. Opening or replacing an outlet means working on wiring, which is a job for a licensed electrician.
Show a licensed electrician on video
Point your phone at it and a licensed electrician tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to try next and whether it needs someone on site. $34 for 15 minutes or $59 for 30, and you only pay when a pro connects. Hollr is launching across Canada, so join the waitlist for your invite.
Questions
Advice only: Hollr pros diagnose and guide over video, and refer anything that needs hands on site. Live electrical panels and gas lines are never walked through on a call. Hollr checks every electrician's licence with the provincial body that issues it. How we check.
Why did a whole row of outlets stop working?
Often because they share a GFCI or a breaker that has tripped. Reset every GFCI you can find, then check the panel. If nothing has tripped, an electrician can help find where the circuit is broken.
Why won't my GFCI outlet reset?
A GFCI usually won't reset if no power is reaching it, for example because its breaker is off or another GFCI upstream has tripped. It may also refuse if it's detecting a fault or has worn out. If it still won't reset after you've checked the breaker, call an electrician.
Can a bad outlet be a fire risk?
A warm, scorched or buzzing outlet can be. Stop using it, unplug everything from it, and have an electrician check it. If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 911.
Can an electrician help with a dead outlet over video?
Yes, for finding the cause. On a Hollr call, a licensed electrician can help you find a tripped GFCI or breaker and tell you whether the outlet itself needs a visit. They won't walk you through opening the outlet or the panel.