When your home doesn’t have electricity flowing from outlets, it can cause anything from an annoyance to a serious emergency. It can even become an emergency for not only your family but your neighbors as well. This is why you need to know how to fix a dead outlet.
However, attempting a do-it-yourself fix that could result in serious injury. So what should you do? How should you fix a dead outlet without causing harm and injury to others and yourself?
In this article, we’re going to discuss just that. So keep reading to find out.
Check for Permits and Codes
When attempting to fix a dead outlet yourself, it is essential to know if you need permits or codes from your local municipality. You may want to start by consulting a local building inspector or electrician. They will help you determine what the required permits are.
Once you know what permits or codes you need, pull the necessary paperwork and contact the appropriate agencies. Be sure to submit the appropriate forms, fees, and documents to obtain the permits or codes before any work can begin. If everything is in order, you can proceed with the repair.
Must-Have Tools
Before attempting to fix a dead outlet, make sure you have the right tools to work with. This will make the process easier and smoother without the risk of injury. The tools and tech you need are written below:
Voltage Detector
This tool makes sure that the power to an outlet is safely shut off before repairs begin. With a voltage detector, you can quickly trace the wiring to the wall outlet. You can make sure the power is off and identify any underlying issues before beginning repairs.
Electrical Tester
An electrical tester can tell you if you failed to turn off the circuit breaker, if the wiring is off, or if you need to replace the dead socket. The electrical tester can also identify the voltage and check for shorts or bad connections.
Electrical Tape
An electrical tape is an essential tool for fixing dead outlets. This adhesive tape composes of a special electrical grade material, such as vinyl or rubber. It insulates electrical wires, seals out moisture, and acts as a barrier against sparks.
When used properly, it can help fix shoddy electrical connections. It can also provide additional protection against shock and fire and even extend the life of connections.
Needle Nose Pliers
When repairing a dead outlet, needle nose pliers loosen, remove, and tighten screws. They can strip and re-connect wiring, bend and shape wires, and remove rusted parts. They are also useful in removing, straightening, and cutting wires.
Electrical Wire Cutters
Electrical wire cutters have sharp edges that can cut through insulation without damaging the copper wires. You can use them to trim exposed copper wires to prepare for a safe connection to an electrical outlet.
Screwdrivers
A good set of screwdrivers for electrical repairs should include a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, Phillips head screwdrivers are great for Phillips head screws. Magnetic screwdrivers are also great for keeping screws securely in place until you’re ready to use them.
Insulation Stock
An essential tool is an insulation stock, which can come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, black, and orange. The insulation stock is used to disconnect live wires and split wires when working with electricity. It’s great for releasing wire strands, cutting wires and sheathing, wrapping cords, and binding with ties or wire harnesses.
Shrink Tubing
Shrink tubing serves as a great visual aid in determining the best way to repair the outlet. This heat-shrinkable material is especially useful with outlets located in hard-to-access areas. This is because it allows you to quickly and easily make all necessary connections with minimal manual labor.
Electrical Box Screws
Electrical box screws provide an essential connection point for mounting an electrical box to an interior wall. They come in various lengths and shapes, such as bronze, hex, and roundhead types.
Caulk Gun
A caulk gun allows you to easily and safely apply the necessary caulk to seal the gap around the outlet after you have completed the repair. A handheld caulk gun is usually the easiest to use for residential projects and it can be rented from many home improvement stores.
How to Fix an Outlet That Isn’t Working
If an outlet has stopped working, the first step in outlet troubleshooting is to check the circuit breaker. The breaker may have an off switch, so check and make sure it is flipped to the “ON” position. If the breaker is already on, you can try cycling the circuit by flipping it off and back on again.
If the circuit breaker hasn’t solved the issue, you may need to reset the GFCI outlet. A GFCI outlet will have two buttons (often red and black) and can be reset by pressing both at the same time.
Another potential culprit is a tripped circuit breaker. To reset, simply locate the tripped circuit on the breaker box and flip it back to the “ON” position.
If the outlet still is not working, it may have gone dead, and you’ll need to replace it with a new one. This may require you to hire an electrician like the people at BuellElectric.com for a safer installation.
When you call an experienced electrician, you may even be able to ask for advice on what to do in the future. You can ask for the preventative measures you can take before any of your wiring problems escalate.
Fixing a Dead Outlet Is Not Easy But Necessary
Fixing a dead outlet yourself is possible. With the permits, the right tools, and knowledge of the process, you can conduct a DIY repair that’ll save you money.
However, it is best to call a professional electrician to be safe and avoid any potential electrocution. There are many risks if you try to do it yourself.
Call a professional today and get the outlet fixed correctly!
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