Is your outdoor outlet not working, and can't figure out why? Outdoor outlets can be prone to electrical problems caused by water damage, loose wiring, and other issues. Here are 5 of the most common causes of an non-functioning outdoor outlet, and how you can fix them.
Tripped circuit breaker
One of the most common causes of an outdoor outlet not working is a tripped circuit breaker. If you have an electrical overload or a short circuit, your circuit breaker will trip to prevent further damage from occurring. To check this, locate your breaker box and look for any switch that is in the off position. Flip it back on and check if your outdoor outlet is now working.
Damaged outdoor outlet wiring
Damaged wiring may also be a cause of your outdoor outlet not working. If this is the case, check your outlet for signs of burnt or loose wires, which could be the cause of the problem. It’s best to call an electrician if you find any issues in order to avoid risking your safety when repairing it yourself.
Broken switch or outdoor outlet connections
If a switch or outlet connection is loose, it can cause your outdoor electrical outlet to not work. To fix this issue, you’ll need to identify the broken connection and tighten or replace it accordingly. To do this, double check that all screws are secure and tighten any that are loose. You may also need to replace the switch or outlet altogether if it appears burned out or broken in some way.
Grounded outdoor outlet and GFCI issues
If you have a grounded outlet, it’s possible that it becomes frozen in the “on” or “off” position and stops working. This happens when the grounding wire has been broken or hasn't been connected properly. A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet may also be necessary to protect your outdoor outlets from electricity overload and therefore keep them functioning properly. To improve the safety of an outdoor electrical outlet, add a GFCI device.
Faulty GFI outdoor outlets or receptacles
A GFI outlet or receptacle is a safety device designed to protect you from electric shock. When a GFI outlet is not working properly, it can prevent your outdoor electrical outlet from functioning optimally. Common signs that your GFI isn’t working include reduced power to all your outlets compared with the power on non-GFI outlets and reset buttons that look like they’ve been pushed but haven't actually worked. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the faulty GFI unit or check your ground connection.
