What to do when your plug socket stops working

Electrical safety disclaimer

Before we get down to business, it’s important to remember that any electrical work should be carried out by a certified electrician, who has the right level of competence to undertake the work safely.

Please keep in mind that while it’s perfectly safe to touch your fuse box, faulty electrics are very dangerous. So, before you start any work, you should ensure that the right risk assessments are carried out, so all work can be completed as safely as possible.

Before you start any work, you should consider:

• Are there signs of scorching?
• Can you smell burning?
• Is there any rust around the circuit breaker?

If you answer yes to any of the above, or you’re not feeling confident in your ability to carry out this work, turn off the electricity to the affected area if safe to do so and seek the help of a qualified electrician. 

Check for common plug socket problems

Before you panic, let’s look at the usual suspects behind a plug socket not working.

Tripped circuit breaker

A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons for a dead plug socket. If the circuit that your socket is on has tripped, it’s likely because of a faulty appliance. Here’s what to do:

How to identify a tripped circuit

• Check other sockets on the circuit. Do they have power? Often, plug sockets in the same room are on the same circuit, so test them by plugging in a lamp to see if the other sockets work.
• Go to your fuse box (consumer unit) and check the switches. You can usually find your fuse box in a utility room, garage, hallway or under the stairs.
• If any of the switches are down, it means your circuit has tripped.

What to do if it’s tripped

• Switch off and unplug all appliances and devices connected to the affected circuit. The circuits should be labelled on the fuse box so you know where to focus on.
• Reset the breaker by flipping the switch back to the “on” position.
• If it trips again immediately, there may be a deeper electrical fault. Time to call an electrician. It is important that you don’t try to flip the switch back to the ‘on’ position until an electrician has fully assessed the circuit.
• Once you’ve unplugged all your appliances, make sure the breaker within the fuse box is switched to “on” and then, one by one, individually plug in and switch each appliance back on to troubleshoot which one is causing the fuse to trip.
• If the power trips again after plugging in a specific item, you’ve likely found the source of the problem.

If your circuit hasn’t tripped and just one of your plug sockets aren’t working, skip to our faulty socket explainer. 

Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many devices into the same circuit can overload it, tripping your circuit breaker and causing sockets to stop working.

Fixing the problem is pretty simple: unplug some of your devices to reduce the load on the circuit. Start by unplugging any extension blocks or power strips, where wall sockets are being used to power several devices.

Top tip: Anything that produces heat i.e. toasters, air fryers and similar kitchen appliances often contribute to overloaded circuits.

After unplugging some devices and reducing the use of power strips, find your consumer unit and reset the breaker using the instructions above. If the switch stays up you’ve fixed it! If it doesn’t then it’s time to call an electrician. Once again, if the switch doesn’t stay up, don’t keep trying. Leave the circuit off and wait for an electrician.

Faulty Sockets

Just one plug socket not working? It could be an issue with the socket, or how it was installed.

Turn the power off

Safety first – your socket might not be working but if the circuit hasn’t tripped it’s still connected to live electricity. Find your fuse box (consumer unit) and shut the power off.

Once it’s safe to continue, inspect the socket for:

Signs of Damage

Check for scorch marks, discolouration, cracks, or melting. These are signs of overheating caused by a bad connection. You’ll need an electrician to assess the problem and fix it safely.

Loose Faceplate

Check that the faceplate is securely attached to the wall. Tightening the faceplate is unlikely to fix the socket, but it is a sign that the socket might not have been installed correctly.

Loose Wiring

With the power switched off you can loosen the faceplate with an insulated screwdriver. If you don’t have an insulated screwdriver, it's worth getting one of these for any electrical work. If you notice frayed, broken or loose wires, do not attempt to fix them yourself. This is a job for an electrician.

Get a professional in to help with plug socket problems

If you’re unsure about any of the above, it’s best to call an electrician. Electrical faults can be dangerous, and a qualified professional will ensure everything is safe and compliant.

How often should plug sockets be replaced?

Plug sockets don’t last forever. On average, sockets should be replaced every 10–15 years, or sooner if you notice signs of wear, damage, or overheating.

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