What Should I Do If My Home’s Sockets Stop Working?

If your sockets suddenly stop working, it can be frustrating and even worrying. Is it a simple fix, or do you need an electrician? Before you panic, there are a few things you can check to get your power back on.

A faulty socket isn’t always a sign of major electrical damage. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as resetting a switch. Other times, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit, a tripped ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), or even a local power cut. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything step by step, from checking your circuit breakers to spotting potential wiring problems.

Let's get your sockets working again.

1. Are Other Sockets Affected?

Before you assume the worst, check whether the issue is isolated to one outlet or affecting multiple sockets. A simple test can help you narrow down the problem.

What to Do:

• Try plugging a lamp or another small appliance into different outlets.

• Check multiple rooms, not just the one where you first noticed the issue.

• If some sockets work while others don’t, you may have a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty outlet.

• If no sockets work, the issue could be with your main electrical supply or a larger outage.
  

Why It Matters:

If only one socket has stopped working, it could be a problem with the wiring behind it, a loose connection, or a tripped GFCI outlet. If multiple sockets are out, you might be dealing with a blown fuse, a tripped breaker, or a more serious electrical issue.

Common Terms You Might Hear:

Electricians often refer to “electrical circuits,” “outlet wiring,” or “voltage drops” when diagnosing power problems. If you hear buzzing noises from a socket or see scorch marks, stop using it immediately and move on to step 5.

2. Have You Checked the Circuit Breaker?

A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons why sockets stop working. Your breaker panel (or fuse box) is the control centre for your home's electricity. If a circuit overloads, the breaker trips to prevent overheating or electrical fires.

• Find your electrical panel—it’s usually in a cupboard, garage, or utility room.

• Open the panel and look for any switches that are out of line with the rest. A tripped breaker will be in the middle position.

• Flip the switch fully off, then back on. This resets the circuit.

• If the breaker trips again immediately, you may have an overloaded circuit or a wiring fault.
  

Why It Matters:

Breakers trip when they detect a power surge or an overloaded circuit. Plugging too many high-powered devices into one circuit—such as a kettle and toaster on the same socket—can cause this. If resetting the breaker fixes the issue, great! If not, move to step 3.

Watch Out For:

• Flickering lights or appliances turning on and off unexpectedly.

• A burning smell from the panel (this could indicate overheating wires).

• Breakers that refuse to stay reset—this means there’s an underlying issue.
  

3. Have You Reset Any GFCI Outlets?

Some sockets come with built-in protection against electric shocks—these are called Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). They’re common in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas where moisture could cause electrical faults.

What to Do:

• Look for sockets with “TEST” and “RESET” buttons—these are your GFCI outlets.

• Press the RESET button firmly. You should hear a click.

• Try plugging something into the socket again.

• If the outlet won’t reset, check if another GFCI outlet further down the circuit has tripped too.
  

Why It Matters:

GFCI outlets trip when they detect an imbalance in the electrical current. This protects you from shocks, especially in wet areas. A single tripped GFCI can cut power to multiple outlets in the same circuit.

Signs of a GFCI Issue:

• No power in bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor sockets.

• GFCI won’t reset, even after pressing the button.

• The test button pops out immediately when reset.
  

4. Have You Tested the Socket with Another Device?

Before blaming the socket, check whether the problem is actually with the device you’re trying to use.

What to Do:

• Unplug the device from the non-working socket.

• Plug in a different device, such as a lamp or phone charger, to see if it works.

• Try the original device in another working outlet.
  

Why It Matters:

Sometimes, it’s the appliance—not the socket—that’s faulty. A blown fuse inside a plug, a damaged power cord, or an internal wiring issue could be the cause.

Common Clues:

• A device works in one socket but not another.

• A socket works fine with some devices but not others.

• You notice burn marks or a smell from the plug.
  

If your socket still isn’t working after testing other devices, move on to step 5.

5. Are There Any Signs of Electrical Damage?

If your sockets smell burnt, feel hot to the touch, or make crackling noises, stop using them immediately. These can be signs of overheating wires or electrical arcing.

What to Do:

• Check the socket for burn marks, melted plastic, or scorch marks.

• Feel if the outlet is warm—this could mean excessive heat from faulty wiring.

• Listen for buzzing or crackling sounds, which could indicate a loose connection.
  

Why It Matters:

Damaged wiring behind a socket can be a fire hazard. If you notice any of these warning signs, do not attempt to fix the issue yourself—call an electrician.

When to Be Concerned:

• A burning smell coming from the socket.

• Frequent sparking when plugging in devices.

• The outlet feels loose when you plug something in.
  

6. Could It Be a Power Cut?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t inside your home at all. A local power outage can cut electricity to your entire area.

What to Do:

• Check whether your neighbours have power.

• Look at your streetlights—if they’re off, there may be an outage.

• Visit your electricity provider’s website or call them to check for service updates.
  

Why It Matters:

Power outages can be caused by storms, grid failures, or scheduled maintenance. If your whole street is affected, you’ll need to wait for your electricity supplier to fix it.

7. When Should You Call an Electrician?

If you’ve tried everything and your sockets still aren’t working, it’s time to get professional help.

When to Call an Expert:

• Breakers keep tripping even after resetting.

• GFCI outlets won’t reset.

• You see burn marks, sparks, or melted plastic.

• Sockets feel loose, making it hard to keep a plug in place.
  

A qualified electrician can safely diagnose and fix wiring problems, faulty breakers, or outdated electrical systems. If you live in an older home, it might even be time for a wiring upgrade.

Did You Know?

• Electrical Fires in UK Homes: According to Electrical Safety First, there are approximately 19,300 accidental domestic fires of electrical origin in the UK each year. ​internationalcopper.org

• Faulty Electrical Appliances: Faulty appliances and leads account for 25.9% of electrical fires in UK homes. ​Electrical Safety First

Keeping Your Home Powered and Safe

Electrical problems can be worrying, but many are easy to fix. By checking your breakers, resetting GFCI outlets, and looking for signs of damage, you can often restore power without needing an electrician. However, if you spot burn marks, feel heat, or hear buzzing noises, don’t take chances—get a professional in.

Stay safe and keep your home powered up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Sockets

Does an electrician need to change sockets?

If you’re replacing a standard socket with another of the same type, you can legally do it yourself as long as you follow UK wiring regulations. However, if you need to install a new socket, move an existing one, or upgrade to a smart or USB outlet, it’s best to hire a qualified electrician. This ensures the wiring is safe, meets UK electrical standards, and reduces the risk of faults or fire hazards.

Why are the outlets not working on my entire wall?

If all the sockets on one wall have stopped working, it’s likely due to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty fuse, or an issue with the wiring behind the wall. Start by checking your electrical panel for any tripped breakers and resetting them. If the problem persists, a loose wire or faulty connection might be to blame, which would require an electrician to inspect and fix the issue.

How much does it cost to replace sockets?

The cost of replacing a socket in the UK varies based on the type of socket and labour charges. On average, replacing a standard socket costs between £50 and £150, including parts and installation. If additional wiring work is needed or if you’re upgrading to a smart or USB socket, costs may be higher. Electricians typically charge an hourly rate of £40 to £80 depending on location.

Does a 1970s house need rewiring?

Most houses built in the 1970s still have their original wiring, which may not meet modern safety standards. If your home has outdated rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated wiring, frequent blown fuses, or old fuse boxes instead of modern consumer units, a rewire is recommended. Full house rewiring in the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £8,000, depending on the size of the property. If you’re unsure, an electrical inspection can assess whether your wiring is safe or needs upgrading.

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