Plug Socket Not Working: What It Can Mean
Plugged something in and nothing happened? One socket has gone dead, a whole row of sockets has stopped, or an outside socket keeps tripping the fuse box? This guide explains what each of those can point to, which checks are safe to make yourself, and when it needs an electrician.
Send a short message and a photo of the socket and the fuse box to start.
Why a socket stops working
Start with what has stopped and what still works. It narrows down where the problem is.
It may not be the socket. The appliance, its lead or the fuse in its plug may have failed. If the same appliance works in another socket, and another appliance works in this one, the socket is more likely to be fine.
One socket is dead. If a working appliance gets nothing from one socket while the others around it work, the fault may be in that socket or the connections behind it.
Several sockets have stopped at once. The circuit may have switched off at the fuse box, or there may be a fault on that circuit. Electrical Safety First says a tripping RCD is likely to point to a fault that needs investigating, either with an appliance or the wiring itself.
The socket is loose, warm or marked. Electrical Safety First says sockets should be in good working order, show no damage or burn marks, and not be warm to the touch.
Safe checks before you call
Try something you know works in the socket, such as a lamp or a phone charger, and try the original appliance in a different socket.
Check what else has stopped. One socket, one room or several rooms? Note it down, because it helps narrow down where the fault is.
Check the fuse box. If a breaker or the RCD has tripped, the RCD keeps tripping guide explains when one reset is reasonable and when to leave it off. Unplug what was on that circuit before you reset it.
Do not unscrew the socket from the wall. Behind the faceplate are mains connections. Leave anything behind it to an electrician.
Stop using it if the socket is warm, loose, shows burn marks, or buzzes or crackles. The burning smell guide explains what heat and scorch marks can mean.
These checks follow guidance from Electrical Safety First.
When it needs an electrician
If a working appliance still gets nothing from the socket, a group of sockets stays off after one reset, or a socket is warm, loose, marked or crackling, it needs an electrician. Electrical Safety First says that if you notice burn marks on plugs and sockets, buzzing or crackling, fuses blowing or circuit breakers tripping, a registered electrician should check your electrics as soon as possible.
How a fault is traced and put right is explained under fault finding and repairs. Outside sockets are covered under garden power and outdoor lighting.
Socket faults AJS has fixed
Ten AJS jobs reviewed on Checkatrade involved sockets that had stopped working or needed putting right: faulty and broken sockets changed, sockets that had lost their connection to the circuit, an outside socket that kept tripping, and downstairs sockets that were working again after a tripping fault was found.
Every review here is copied word for word from Checkatrade. You can read the full list on Checkatrade and Google.
A socket that had lost its connection
“Alex did a great job - very neat and tidy - added a new circuit to the mains and all worked great”
Checkatrade review, internal and external socket that lost connection to the mains circuit, KT5
An outside socket that kept tripping
“Sam was super helpful and efficient. He arrived at the estimated time and gave nothing but an excellent service! Would definitely recommend!”
Checkatrade review, outside socket tripping, KT20
A broken power point
“Alex was reliable & efficient & we are very pleased with his work. Would certainly use Alex again & would recommend.”
Checkatrade review, lighting converted to LED and a broken power point replaced, RH1
Wall sockets made safe
“Very helpful and top quality work”
Checkatrade review, light fittings changed and wall sockets made safe, CR6
Common questions
Only one socket has stopped. Why?
If a working appliance gets nothing from it while the others work, the fault is likely to be in that socket or the connections behind it. It needs an electrician to find it.
Several sockets have gone off at once. Why?
Usually because the circuit has switched off at the fuse box, or there is a fault on that circuit. If it trips again after one reset, leave it off and get it checked.
Is a warm socket dangerous?
It should not be ignored. Electrical Safety First says sockets should not be warm to the touch. Unplug what is in it, stop using it and get it checked.
Is a dead socket an emergency?
Not usually. If there is a burning smell, smoke or scorch marks, switch off at the fuse box if it is safe to do so. For anything urgent, the emergency electrician page explains how a call-out works.
What should i send?
A photo of the socket and the fuse box, with a note of what has stopped and what still works.
Socket stopped working?
Send a photo of the socket and the fuse box on WhatsApp with a note of what has stopped, or call. It is the same process whichever of the electrical services available you need.