Troubleshoot a Dead Electrical Outlet and GFCI’s explained

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Ontario Homeowners Guide

A dead electrical outlet can occur occasionally in any home. The good news is the fix is often simple and doesn’t require an electrician. Outlets can stop working due to tripped breakers, loose connections, or built‑in safety shut offs. Use the following step‑by‑step Troubleshooting guide to determine your electrical problem

Tools you will need;

  • Voltage tester or a small plug in light
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Flashlight
  • Replacement outlet (if needed)

Step 1

Check the top and bottom of the outlet that isnt working using the voltage tester or the small plug in light. . If there’s no current detected or light from the lamp, check other plugs that are close especially those used near water.

Step 2

If you see an outlet with a red and black button press it and see if the power come on

Often times outlets that are not working are connected to the neighboring GFCI/ GFI which allows the safety shutoff feature to apply to them as well.

GFI’s explained (GFI=GFCI)

  • A GFI shuts power off in 1/40th of a second, long before the person feels the shock
  • As you can see, the bottom black line is the power for both black sides
  • The black and red buttons in the middle are the circuit breaker which cuts and restores the power to the small bladed side of the receptacle
 

Step 3

Go to your electrical panel and look for:

  • A breaker in the middle position
  • Flip it fully OFF then fully ON.
  • If the outlet works now, the breaker was tripped.
  • Problem solved

If not? You must ask yourself do i know how to change an outlet safely or should I call an Electrician or rental maintenance?

  • Most jurisdictions require an qualified expert but it is a gray area especially between renters and owners
  • If there’s a fire and this is the cause, insurance will often not pay

and you will, so consider carefully

Step 4

If the outside cover is blackened there is a short and a need for changing, so do this,
  • Its important you have a meter because once inside, the light plug will not connect
  • Ensure the breaker is off checking outlet to ensure disconnection with your voltage tester,
  • Remove the middle cover screw and the top and bottom screws holding the outlet
  • Grab the outlet at the top and bottom and gently tug the outlet forward from wall hole,
  • Ensuring no wire terminals are touched OR CONTACTED TO THE METAL BOX
  • Use the voltage tester on the brass and silver terminals to confirm no power
  • Look for; Loose wires, burn marks, melted plastic, broken terminals

STEP 5

Align the new outlet with old outlet ensuring the ground round hole is to the bottom and that they are the same type
  • Disconnect the wires and reconnect in a similar manner
  • Ensure the ground is connected to the box and the outlet grounding screw
  • Install with screws at top and bottom, keeping the outlet equa-distant from the sides of the box
  • Ensure the wires are firmly secured and tucked away
  • Restore power and test again

When to Call a Pro

Call a licensed electrician if:
  • Breakers trip repeatedly
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks
  • Multiple circuits are dead
  • You’re uncomfortable working with wiring
  • The outlet still doesn’t work after replacement
Electrical issues can escalate quickly — when in doubt, get help.

Cost Estimate

If your doing it yourself, 10-20. If its a Electrician in Canada? 300. – 400.

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