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Outlet not working
A dead outlet is usually a simple fix. Here's what to check.
Before anything — check these
If any of these are true, stop and get professional help now:
- Burning smell
- Sparking
- Scorch marks
Safe checks you can do
Tick what you've checked. Only do homeowner-safe actions.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripped breaker | high | Low | $0–$50 |
| GFCI tripped | high | Low | $0–$50 |
| Loose wire | medium | Medium | $75–$250 |
| Dead outlet | low | Low | $100–$200 |
Recommended next action
Reset the breaker and any GFCI first. If the outlet is still dead, call an electrician.
Plan the fix
Once you know roughly what's wrong, size the job and get a cost range:
Electrical Project Estimator