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ELECTRICAL FAULT GUIDE

Socket Not Working

A dead socket may be caused by a tripped breaker, RCD operation, a faulty appliance, a failed socket switch, a loose connection or a fault elsewhere on the circuit.

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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

Tripped breaker or RCD The socket circuit may have been disconnected by a protective device.
Faulty appliance The item being tested may be dead rather than the socket.
Failed socket accessory The switch or internal contacts may have worn or overheated.
Circuit or spur fault A loose connection or failed upstream spur can remove power.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact behaviour before testing. ⌄
  • One socket is dead
  • Both outlets on a double socket are dead
  • Socket works intermittently
  • Socket stopped after an appliance fault
  • Socket is dead but nearby sockets work
✓ Quick checks Safe checks using plugs and front-panel switches only. ⌄
  1. Test the appliance in another known-good socket.
  2. Test the socket with a known-good small appliance.
  3. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO or RCD.
  4. Look for heat, smell, damage, moisture or recent building work.
  5. 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 with a known-good appliance Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Plug in a small known-good lamp or appliance.

Success looks like: The known-good item works, proving the original appliance is faulty.
Failure means: If it remains dead, the socket or circuit needs further checks.
2 Fix 2 — Check breaker and RCD Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Look for a tripped protective device and reset once.

Success looks like: Power returns and remains stable.
Failure means: If it trips again, leave it off and investigate the circuit.
3 Fix 3 — Check any upstream fused spur Follow this check without opening live electrical accessories. ⌄

Process

Look for a nearby switched fused connection unit supplying the socket.

Success looks like: The spur was off or its fuse had failed.
Failure means: If the spur is fine, the socket or wiring may be faulty.
⌁ Common causes explained Why the fault may happen. ⌄

A dead socket may be caused by a tripped breaker, RCD operation, a faulty appliance, a failed socket switch, a loose connection or a fault elsewhere on the circuit.

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. ⌄
  • Prove dead and remove the accessory safely.
  • Test voltage, polarity and earth continuity.
  • Inspect terminals for heat or looseness.
  • Trace ring, radial or spur continuity.
  • Inspect upstream joints and fused spurs.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Common failed components linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Socket accessory
  • Fused spur fuse
  • Fused spur accessory
  • Cable section
  • Circuit breaker or RCBO after testing
! 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.