One Socket Not Working: Causes, Checks & Fixes

Stop if there is heat, burning, arcing, exposed parts or water near the socket

Do not remove socket covers, touch exposed conductors or continue using damaged accessories. Leave the socket or circuit off and call a registered electrician where danger signs are present.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Failed socket switch The mechanical switch may no longer make contact.

Loose terminal A conductor may have loosened or overheated.

Failed spur supply The socket may be supplied from another accessory or fused spur.

Broken conductor A damaged spur or ring connection can isolate one point.

◫ Symptom variations Match the exact behaviour before testing. ⌄

Only one socket is dead
One half of a double socket fails
Socket works when the plug is moved
Socket stopped after drilling or building work
No breaker or RCD has tripped

✓ Quick checks Safe checks using plugs and front-panel switches only. ⌄

Test the appliance in another known-good socket.
Test the socket with a known-good small appliance.
Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO or RCD.
Look for heat, smell, damage, moisture or recent building work.
Attempt one controlled reset only if no danger signs are present.

If power returns: monitor the socket and connected appliance.

If the fault remains: stop using the socket and arrange testing.

1 Fix 1 — Test both outlets Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Use a known-good small appliance in each outlet.

Success looks like: One side works and one side does not, indicating accessory failure.

Failure means: Both sides dead suggests supply or internal failure.

2 Fix 2 — Check nearby fused spurs Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Look for a labelled or nearby fused connection unit.

Success looks like: Restoring the spur or replacing its fuse restores power.

Failure means: If not, the local circuit needs testing.

3 Fix 3 — Stop using intermittent sockets Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Do not wiggle plugs to restore power.

Success looks like: The socket remains isolated until repaired.

Failure means: Intermittent contact can arc and overheat.

⌁ Common causes explained Why the fault may happen. ⌄

If only one socket is dead while nearby sockets work, the fault is usually local to that accessory, its spur cable, an upstream fused spur or a loose connection.

Socket faults can be local to the accessory or caused by a wider circuit problem. Heat, crackling, repeated trips and intermittent operation should never be treated as harmless.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Technician-level testing for a competent electrician. ⌄

Test incoming voltage and earth continuity.
Inspect accessory terminals for heat damage.
Trace spur origin and continuity.
Check ring continuity if part of a ring final circuit.
Inspect for cable damage from screws or nails.

▣ Parts that may need replacing Common failed components linked to this fault. ⌄

Socket accessory
Fused spur fuse
Fused spur accessory
Damaged cable
Terminal or junction

! When to call an electrician Conditions that should end DIY troubleshooting. ⌄

The socket is hot, burnt, buzzing, crackling or sparking.
The fault remains after basic appliance checks.
A breaker or RCD repeatedly trips.
Water may have reached the socket or circuit.
The accessory is loose, cracked or pulling away from the wall.
Several sockets are affected or recent building work may have damaged a cable.

? Frequently asked questions Common questions about socket faults. ⌄

Can a socket fail without tripping the breaker?

Yes. A local switch, contact or loose connection can fail while the protective device remains on.

Can I replace the socket myself?

Only if you are competent to isolate, prove dead, identify the circuit correctly and test the completed work.

Is a warm socket normal?

Slight warmth under a heavy load may occur, but noticeable heat, smell or discolouration is not normal.