one electrical outlet socket works but the other does not. What's to do?

Question

On one electrical outlet, one socket works but the other does not. Also, on the same circuit, another outlet has no power at all.

Answer 1

== you need to find the last socket and open the wall box and see if the wires are connected properly and if so then you just leave the wall box open and go to the next and check the wires and so on until you find the socket with power == get a little glow lite two wires electric tester to probe for hot power... it might be that some plugs are on another circuit == you may need to rewire for safety === and those wall sockets are about 60 cents or less by the box of 10's -- buy 10 you will use them eventually ---- change those that do not work and if one side works and the other 1/2 of A wall socket does not work it is because that two plug-in wall socket can be split by cutting the connector tab between the two screw-lugs of that single two place wall socket so you gotta check for that problem ...

Answer 2

Outlets on a branch circuit are wired in parallel, not in series, so one not working won't affect power supply to others. Are you sure that the outlet without power is on the same circuit? It could be in the same room (even on the same wall of the room) and be on a separate branch. Start by checking the breaker box. A tripped breaker will look like it's almost on, so don't expect a tripped breaker to look like it's been flipped "off'. If this doesn't resolve the problem, use a voltmeter to check the wiring to that outlet (if you don't know how, get help -- that stuff will try to kill you and could burn the house down).



As to the outlet with one side working but not the other, you might have a light switch by the door, but no ceiling light. Many homes have been built this way, cheaper to build than an overhead light, but lamp can be switch controlled. If this is what you have and you want the outlet hot all the time, just keep the switch to "on". You also could disconnect the switch, wire nut the bare wires, and rewire the outlet so both sides are hot. Again if you don't know how to do this, please get help,

Answer 3

There could be a number of things causing this. It was once common to make the top and bottom of receptacles in kitchens and dining rooms seperate circuits. You may have a tripped breaker or blown fuse on one of the circuits.



If this is not a space you are real familiar with you may have partially switched outlets and not know it, find the switch.



The metal parts inside the outlet may be loose from regular loose and not making good contact anymore. Replacing the outlet as somebody previously stated would correct this. You will also want to look for loose connections in the box behind the outlet, most likely wire nuts if it just quit working.



If you go to replace the outlet pay attention to the brass tab between the two brass colored "hot terminals." If it was removed on the one you take out you are dealing with two circuits or it being partially switched. You most likey want to remove it from the new outlet as well and just put everything else back the way you found it.

Answer 4

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RE:

one electrical outlet socket works but the other does not. What's to do?

On one electrical outlet, one socket works but the other does not. Also, on the same circuit, another outlet has no power at all.

Answer 5

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Somewhere in the chain of connections leading to the outlets that aren't working is a loose connection. Since you are renting I suggest you complain to the landlord and let him fix or have it fixed by a professional. To do so on your own you run the risk of being blamed for any electrical fires that may occur in the future. In fact, I think that with a loose connection right now there's a risk of fire. That loose connection may overheat and start a fire. So don't wait on this one and don't attempt to fix it yourself. Even if you know how to, let the landlord handle it. He's insured if something goes wrong. Likely you're not. Hope this helps. 'av'a g'day mate. ")

Answer 6

Possibly a loose wire on one socket , as the sockets are connected in a ring circuit , this would explain why the other socket has no power. Other problem may be arcing burning of connection.

Answer 7

Replace the outlet that's not working, if that doesn't work, change the one before it