Why are outlets not working yet breaker not tripped?

This is a common problem with home electrical systems across the world. There are several reasons for this type of issue occurring and we will explain why in this article. 8 causes, questions, and answers below. 

1) Is it one socket or multiple plug sockets?

This is an important distinction to make. One electrical outlet failing is likely to be loose connections on that outlet if it is the end of the circuit or the outlets internal mechanism has failed causing no power to get through to the pin entry points. 

If MULTIPLE outlets have failed then it is likely to be a circuit wide issue such as:

• Circuit Breaker Failure or Tripped Circuit Breaker in the Consumer unit or Electrical Panel
• Burnt Out Connections at the Circuit Breaker or Panel end
• Loose Wiring at the origin of the circuit
• Possible Mains Failure (Check other circuits)
• Severed cable near the origin of the circuit
• Overloaded Circuit
• Blown Fuse
• Bad Connection In the street

If there is a circuit wide issue then it is more likely to mean that none of the socket outlets will be working

2) Circuit Breaker Tripped or Blown Fuse

The first thing to check when there are electrical issues like this is the circuit breaker panel. This can also be known as the fuse box or consumer unit. Check to see if one of the switches is in a different position to the others. When switches blow, they trip off and will rest in the opposite position to the other switches in the panel. 

If a fuse has blown, it may be less obvious but we can still check. You may need a continuity tester if you have cartridge style fuses. Cartridge fuses are cylindrical and will have an amperage rating written on them. They usually have two metal end caps which should have electrical continuity between them. You can test the fuse by using a multi-meter set to OHMS pressing one test probe on each end of the fuse to see if the wire has blown inside. 

If the fuse is ok then you should get a continuity beep and / or a very low reading of 5 ohm or less on the fuse continuity test is what we need to show that the fuse is good and has not blown. One of the most common reasons for OUTLETS NOT WORKING BUT NOTHING TRIPPED is a blown fuse.

3) Burnt Out Connections

When connections burn out, the electrical continuity between them is ruined and will not allow electrical current to flow any longer. Poor electrical work, loose wires and DIY are all a potential cause of the issue. Overloading is also a common problem that will result in electrical fires. 

Electrical wiring is only able to carry a limited amount of electrical current. When too much power is demanded under the right circumstances, connections can become burnt-out and electrical systems can fail. 

Electric showers are a common source of burnt-out electrical connections. This is because the combination of a very high current demand appliance and the constant (and unnecessary) ON/OFF of a shower pull cord, leads to excessive wear, loose connections, high heat, high resistance and burning electrics!

4) Loose Wiring

Loose wiring is a common cause for a single dead outlet or many dead outlets. There is also a risk of electrical shock should the loose wire touch earthed parts. Loose wiring is often a result of failed electrical repairs, electric terminals not adequately tightened or cables under excessive mechanical strain. 

When loose wiring occurs, you may find that a circuit breaker trips to warn you although sometimes it won’t. If a tripped breaker does occur then don’t immediately reset it and carry on with your day. There is often a reason for a tripped breaker and too many homeowners choose to ignore the problem and continually reset a breaker. 

This leads to faulty wiring, faulty breaker box components and possibly other electrical problems developing. A potentially relatively inexpensive repair can end up costing much more if the warning signs are ignored. 

5) Mains Failure

When there is a mains failure, the flow of electricity can be disrupted. The mains can fail at any point once it enters the property. The Main Fuse Can Blow, loose connections can develop inside the mains cut out, issues with the electric meter can occur and there may even be a power cut. 

Some of the possible causes for a Mains Failure are if the Main Breaker has tripped, if the incoming supply equipment has a broken fuse carrier or blown fuse. 

In some electrical installations you may find that there is an upfront main ground fault circuit interrupter.

When these kinds of issues have occurred, a professional electrician should be sought to come and investigate the potential problems. 

Electricians have specialist test equipment to be able to narrow down and pinpoint faults and the causes.

6) Severed Cable at Origin

If there is severe cable damage at the beginning of the circuit then none of the sockets will work. If Line or Neutral are broken at the start of the plug socket circuit then all the power outlets will fail to operate and each wall socket on that particular circuit will appear dead. 

A qualified electrician is the best person to investigate a faulty outlet or several faulty points on an electrical circuit. If the trip switch at the board is still on, i.e. not in the off position, then there is likely to be quite serious problems that need specialist intervention. 

If the GFCI or RCBO trip switch appears to have a test button or reset button then you could try this to see if it has any effect. Even if this appears to work, the switch and circuit SHOULD BE CHECKED by an electrician as this situation should not happen. 

7) Overloaded Circuit

When an overloaded circuit occurs, the normal situation is that the trip switch would turn off and disconnect the electrical supply to that circuit. In some cases, the trip switch / circuit breaker can burn out and not trip. When this happens there could be a situation where OUTLETS NOT WORKING BUT NOTHING TRIPPED due to the connections inside the breaker being burnt out. 

Electrical circuits are designed by electricians so that the circuit breaker or trip switch can protect the cable but is also at minimal risk of burning out or damage. Not every design is perfect as there is limited control over how the electrical installation is used once the electricians finish installing it. 

If you believe that you are overloading a circuit then reduce the number of appliances that are used at any one time and have a talk with your local qualified electrician. We may not be your most local electrician but we are always available on WhatsApp to chat if you need assistance. 

8) Circuit Breaker Failure

Circuit Breaker Failure is not that common. Homeowners often believe that a tripping circuit breaker must be a circuit breaker failure when in reality it is more likely that there is an electrical issue on the circuit itself. 

Whilst circuit breaker failure is rare, it can happen. A circuit breaker can become weak and begin to trip with little electrical load placed upon it. Under these circumstances your electrician should replace the circuit breaker and monitor the outcome. 

Circuit breakers can corrode internally as they age and this can result in failure over time. Most people do not have their electrical systems well maintained, have their fuse boxes replaced often or carry out repairs on their systems when necessary and this can lead to unexpected (although nothing lasts forever) failure. 

An older home should have its wiring system checked regularly by a certified electrician to check for issues like:

• Short Circuit
• Faulty Outlet or Outlet Issue
• Plug socket condition
• Consumer unit or Electrical Panel checks
• Circuit Resistances and wiring condition

9) Bad Connection in Street

When outlet problems occur that affect all outlets and lighting then there could well be a possible issue in the street. Your home’s electrical system is normally fed from underground cables in the street outside. These cables have joints and connections that are weak spots and will eventually fail. 

When these joints or cables fail then there is often complete power loss inside the house or sometimes flickering lights as a warning sign prior to complete failure. 

If you have an intermittent power issue with your electrical devices where things appear to be going on and off randomly, lights flickering and so forth then it might be a good idea to call the local electricity network supplier and report the problem to them. 
In the UK the number for this is 105 freephone. When you call this number, they will inform you if there are any planned works in your area, emergency repairs or other situations that are resulting in power disruption to your property. 

Summary
If you have one or more plug sockets not working then there is limited safe investigation that you can carry out yourself. If OUTLETS NOT WORKING NOTHING TRIPPED then there is likely an issue that requires an electrician to intervene. 

If you find that you are having intermittent power cuts then this could be something else. Check our article for the 7 common causes.