Homeowners’ Guide to Fixing Non-Functional Outdoor Outlets

Outside Electrical Outlet Not Working

Having an outdoor electrical outlet can be convenient for tasks such as using power tools, setting up outdoor lighting, or simply plugging in a phone charger. However, it can be frustrating when that outlet suddenly stops working. As a homeowner in zip code 02906, East Providence, Rhode Island, it is important to have a reliable and skilled electrician on hand for any electrical issues that may arise. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes and solutions for why your outside electrical outlet may not be working properly. B&K Electric, based in Warwick, RI, is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With over seventeen years of experience, our trained electricians are dedicated to providing exceptional service to residents in Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island. Whether it’s for your home or business, B&K Electric is the go-to choice for all your electrical needs in the Warwick area and the greater Providence Area.

Possible Causes of a Non-Functional Outside Electrical Outlet

Before determining the cause of the problem, it is important to make sure that the issue is only with the specific outside outlet and not the entire circuit or electrical system. You can check this by trying to use other outlets and seeing if they are functioning properly.

If the issue is isolated to just the outside outlet, there are a few common causes that could be responsible for this. Some of the most common reasons for a non-functional outside electrical outlet include:

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker: The circuit breaker is a safety feature in your electrical panel that helps prevent an overload of electricity and potential damage to your electrical system. If too much electricity is being drawn from the outside outlet, the circuit breaker may trip, cutting off the power supply to that outlet. In this case, you can check your electrical panel and reset the circuit breaker to restore functionality to the outlet.

2. GFCI Outlet Malfunction: Many outside outlets are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets that protect against electrical shocks. These outlets have a reset button that will pop out if they detect any imbalances in the electrical current. If this happens, you can simply press the reset button to restore the outlet’s functionality.

3. Damaged Wiring: Exposed or damaged wiring is a common cause of non-functional outside electrical outlets. Exposure to weather elements, such as rain or snow, can damage the wires and cause electric shocks. It is important to have a licensed electrician inspect and repair any damaged wiring to ensure the safety of your home and its occupants.

4. Faulty Outlet: If the outlet itself is damaged or outdated, it may stop working properly. Over time, constant use or exposure to the elements can cause the outlet to wear out. In this case, it is important to have a licensed electrician replace the outlet with a new one to restore functionality.

5. Tripped GFCI Outlet Further Down the Circuit: If you have a series of outlets connected to each other, the GFCI outlet that is first in the circuit may have tripped, which will cause other outlets downstream to stop receiving power. In this case, you can check the other outlets in the circuit and reset their GFCI outlet to restore functionality.

Solutions for a Non-Functional Outside Electrical Outlet

Now that we have discussed the possible causes of a non-functional outside electrical outlet, let’s explore the solutions that can help you fix the issue. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need to try one or more of the following solutions:

1. Resetting the Circuit Breaker: As mentioned earlier, if the circuit breaker has tripped, you can reset it to restore power to the outlet. However, if the circuit breaker continues to trip, it may indicate an overload on the circuit and you may need to redistribute the load or upgrade your electrical panel.

2. Resetting the GFCI Outlet: If the GFCI outlet has tripped, you can simply press the reset button to restore functionality. However, if the outlet keeps tripping, it may indicate a faulty GFCI outlet and it is best to have a licensed electrician replace it.

3. Inspecting the Wiring: If the issue is due to damaged wiring, it is important to have a licensed electrician inspect and repair the wiring. Do not attempt to fix or handle damaged wiring yourself as it can be extremely dangerous.

4. Replacing the Outlet: If the outlet itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced by a licensed electrician. They will also check for any underlying issues that may have caused the damage, such as exposed wiring.

5. Resetting the GFCI Outlet Downstream: If the issue is due to a tripped GFCI outlet further down the circuit, you can simply reset it to restore power to the outlet. However, if the outlet keeps tripping, it may indicate a faulty GFCI outlet and you should have it replaced by a licensed electrician.

A non-functional outside electrical outlet can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but with the right knowledge and expertise, it can be easily fixed. As a homeowner in Rhode Island, it is important to have a reliable and skilled electrician, such as B&K Electric, on hand for any electrical issues that may occur. In addition, regular maintenance by a licensed electrician can help prevent such problems from occurring in the first place.

Topics:

Outdoor Electrical Outlet,

Troubleshooting Guide,

Electrical Repair