Having an outdoor outlet that is not working can be frustrating, mainly when you rely on it for various electrical needs.
Whether you want to power up your outdoor lights, use power tools for a project or charge your devices, a malfunctioning outdoor outlet can disrupt your plans.
However, the good news is that many common issues with outdoor outlets can be resolved easily without needing extensive electrical expertise or costly professional assistance.
This article will explore 11 ways to fix a non-functioning outdoor outlet easily.
These solutions are based on the information gathered from a thorough analysis of various sources and cover a range of potential causes.
By following the instructions and safety precautions you’ll find in this article, you will be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, restoring power to your outdoor outlet efficiently and effectively.
Why is your Outdoor Outlet Not Working?
There could be several reasons why an outdoor outlet is not working.
Here are a few common causes to consider:
1. Blown Fuse
If your outdoor outlet is not working, one possible cause could be a blown fuse.
A blown fuse can disrupt the electrical flow to the outlet in a fuse box system.
You can check if a blown fuse is an issue behind your outdoor outlet not working by inspecting the fuse box for signs of a blown fuse, such as discolored glass or melted metal.
If you discover that a broken fuse is the reason behind it, carefully unscrew it and replace it with a new fuse of the same rating to ensure proper electrical protection.
2. Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is a common reason for an outdoor outlet to stop working.
Circuit breakers protect the electrical circuits from overheating by shutting off the power when an excessive current is detected.
To fix this, locate your circuit breaker panel and check for any breakers in the “off” or middle position.
Next, switch the tripped breaker to the “off” position.
After that, switch it back to the “on” position to reset it.
3. Burnt Out Outlet
Another possible cause of an outdoor outlet not working is a burnt-out outlet.
Over time, the strong electrical current flowing through the outlet can cause a small fire within the wiring, leading to a malfunction.
Look for signs of blackening around the outlet, which indicate fire damage.
In such cases, replacing the entire outlet is crucial to ensure safety.
It is recommended to seek professional assistance to handle the replacement properly.
4. Tripped GFCI Outlet
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks and can be found in areas where water is present, such as outdoor locations.
If your outdoor outlet is not working and you have a GFCI outlet, it may have tripped due to detecting a short circuit.
Locate the GFCI outlet, typically identified by the “test” and “reset” buttons, and press the “reset” button to restore its functionality.
5. Loose Wiring Connection
Loose wiring connections can cause an outdoor outlet to stop working.
However, working with electrical wiring can be dangerous.
So it is safer to hire an electrical expert to help you fix the loose wiring in your home.
Before inspecting, switch off the circuit breaker connected to the outlet.
Carefully remove the outlet’s cover and inspect the wiring for any loose connections.
If you find any, reposition the wires, ensuring they are securely tightened.
Remember to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when working with electrical components.
6. Half-Hot Outlet
In some cases, an outdoor outlet may be a half-hot outlet, which means only one-half of the outlet remains powered while a wall switch can control the other half.
If your outdoor outlet is not working, check if a wall switch controls it.
Simply flipping the switch may restore power to the outlet.
7. Worn-Out Slots
Over time, the metal contact points within an outdoor outlet can wear out, resulting in poor electrical connections.
This can lead to electrical resistance, overheating, and potential circuit breaker trips.
The slots are likely worn out if you notice crackling sounds or signs of sparking from the outlet.
You can address this problem by turning off the power before replacing the worn-out outlet with a newer one.
Ensuring the replacement outlet meets the necessary electrical codes is essential, especially if GFCI or arc-fault requirements are involved.
8. Faulty Weatherproofing
Outdoor outlets are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to weather damage.
Water infiltration or corrosion can cause the outlet to malfunction.
Has your outlet been affected or damaged by water?
You can be sure by inspecting the outlet for signs of water damage, including rust or discoloration.
If faulty weatherproofing is identified as the cause, the outlet may need to be replaced with a weather-resistant model to ensure safe and reliable operation outdoors.
9. Animal Damage
Outdoor wiring can be vulnerable to animal damage, such as rodents chewing on the wires.
If your outdoor outlet is not working and you suspect animal damage, contact a qualified electrician to assess the situation.
They can inspect the wiring for any signs of animal interference and make the necessary repairs to restore the functionality of the outlet.
10. Overloaded Circuit
An overloaded circuit can cause an outdoor outlet to stop working.
Outdoor outlets are typically connected to a circuit that may power other devices or outlets.
If the total electrical load exceeds the circuit’s capacity, it can trip the circuit breaker, resulting in the outdoor outlet not working.
To resolve this, distribute the electrical load across multiple circuits or consider installing a dedicated circuit for the outdoor outlet to prevent overloading.
11. Faulty Outlet Cover
A faulty outlet cover can sometimes lead to an outdoor outlet not working.
So if the outlet cover is damaged or not securely fastened, it can disrupt the electrical connection.
Ensure that the outlet cover is properly attached and undamaged.
If necessary, replace the cover to ensure proper functioning and protect the outlet from debris and moisture.
How to Fix an Outdoor Outlet Not Working
If you realize that the outdoor outlet doesn’t work anymore, you can do several things to make it work again.
Some of the things you can do to fix the faulty or non-functional outdoor outlet include:
1. Blown Fuse
If your outdoor outlet is not working, it could be due to a blown fuse.
Start by locating the fuse box that controls the outlet.
Inspect the fuses and look for signs of damage, such as discolored glass or melted metal.
If you find a blown fuse, start by unscrewing the blown fuse before replacing it with a newer fuse of the same rating.
Using the correct fuse is crucial to avoid further disruptions or potential hazards.
2. Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is a common reason outdoor outlets stop working.
Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and check for any breakers in the “off” or middle position.
If you find any tripped breakers, all you have to do is to reset them.
To reset a tripped breaker, switch it to the “off” position.
After doing that, switch it back to the “on” position.
3. Burnt Out Outlet
An electrical outlet may sometimes burn out, leading to its malfunction.
Inspect the outdoor outlet for signs of blackening or charring.
These signs indicate that a small fire may have occurred within the wiring, posing a severe risk.
It is crucial to replace the entire outlet.
Contact a professional electrician to handle this task safely and effectively.
4. Tripped GFCI Outlet
If your outdoor outlet is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, it may have tripped and caused the interruption in power.
GFCI outlets are commonly used in areas where water is present, such as outdoor locations, to protect against electrical shocks.
Look for a GFCI outlet near the outdoor outlet and locate the “reset” button.
Press the “reset” button to restore the outlet’s functionality.
This action should resolve the issue if the GFCI outlet has tripped due to a fault or short circuit.
5. Loose Wiring Connection
Loose wiring connections can also lead to non-functioning outdoor outlets.
Before attempting any electrical work, ensure your safety by switching off the circuit breaker connected to the outlet.
Carefully remove the outlet cover and inspect the wiring connections.
If you find any loose wires, this is likely the cause of the problem and a potential fire hazard.
To fix this problem, reconnect the wires securely (ensure that the wires are no longer loose).
After that, ensure to tighten all the screws holding the wires in place.
6. Half-Hot Outlet
Some outdoor outlets may be wired as half-hot outlets, where only one half remains powered while a wall switch can control the other half.
Check if your outdoor outlet has this configuration by examining the wiring.
If it is a half-hot outlet, ensure that the corresponding wall switch is turned on to activate the outlet for use.
7. Worn-Out Slots
Over time, the metal contact points within an outdoor outlet can wear out, leading to poor electrical connections.
This can result in problems with the outlet, such as tripped breakers or crackling sounds.
To address this issue, turn off the power and replace the worn-out outlets with newer ones.
When replacing the outlet, ensure it meets the required safety standards and is compatible with your electrical system.
8. Faulty Weatherproofing
Outdoor outlets are exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to damage.
Inspect the outdoor outlet for signs of water damage, such as rust or discoloration.
If you notice any water intrusion indications, replacing the outlet with a weather-resistant model is essential.
These outlets are specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions and provide reliable performance.
9. Animal Damage
In some cases, outdoor outlets may experience damage caused by animals, such as rodents chewing on the wiring.
If you suspect animal damage, it is recommended to contact a qualified electrician.
These professionals can assess the situation, identify the extent of the damage done by animals and make the necessary repairs to ensure the outlet functions properly and safely.
10. Overloaded Circuit
An overloaded circuit can cause outdoor outlets to stop working.
Ensure that the electrical load on the circuit is within its capacity.
If multiple high-power devices are connected to the same circuit, consider redistributing the load or using different circuits to prevent overloading.
When the outdoor outlet consistently experiences overloading, it may be necessary to install a dedicated circuit to ensure a sufficient power supply.
11. Faulty Outlet Cover
A faulty outlet cover can sometimes prevent the outdoor outlet from functioning correctly.
Inspect the cover for any signs of damage or insecure attachment.
If the cover is damaged or loose, you can replace it with a newer one for proper functioning and protection of the outlet.
Remember, when dealing with electrical repairs, it’s crucial to prioritize safety.
If you are unsure or uncomfortable handling any of these fixes above yourself, it is always better to seek help from a qualified electrician.
They have the knowledge, expertise and experience to safely and effectively handle electrical jobs.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
