How to Test a Dead Outlet
Do you have an outlet that is not working? Before you call a professional, there are a few things you can do to test the outlet to decide if it’s a dead one.
- Try and plug in another appliance or electrical item to the outlet to ensure that it’s the outlet causing problems, not the item you were trying to use.
- Inspect the outlet itself. Listen for a buzz near the outlet, and check for scorch marks or excessive heat around the area. Do not touch the outlet if one or more of these signs are noticed – it’s definitely a job for a professional.
- If you don’t notice any of the above warning signs, you can test your outlet with a voltage tester or multimeter to see if power is directed to the outlet. The meter has two prongs that are inserted into the two vertical prong areas of the outlet. Make sure the device is set to AC voltage and hold the prongs in place for two or three seconds. Once you remove the prongs, the meter should show a voltage range of 110-120. This slight variation is okay. If the numbers are outside of that range, the project is not a do-it-yourself job, and you should reach out to a professional.
- If no voltage data comes through, try again. If you still can’t find any power, it may be a dead outlet or there could be wiring issues.
San Antonio Electricians You Can Rely On
When other outlets in the same room or on the same wall are not working, there’s a good chance the issue may lie within the wires or a breaker could be flipped. Electrical jobs can be dangerous and should be taken seriously, so if you are not confident in testing your outlets on your own, call us here at Citywide Electric.