Short answer: If a power point isn’t working but the lights are, check whether a safety switch or circuit breaker for the power circuits has tripped. Power points and lights are usually on separate circuits. Also check the switch on the power point itself and try another appliance. If nothing has tripped, or several power points in one area are dead, there may be a loose connection or faulty outlet, which needs a licensed electrician.
A dead power point is one of the most common calls we get. Usually it’s something simple, like a tripped safety switch. Sometimes it’s a loose wire in an outlet that’s been worn out by years of heavy use. Here’s how to narrow it down safely.
If the power point is scorched, cracked, hot or smells of burning, don’t use it. Turn off the circuit at the switchboard and see burning smell from a power point.
Why lights work but power points don’t
In most homes, lights and power points are on separate circuits, each with its own circuit breaker. They may also be on different safety switches. So a tripped power circuit can leave the lights on, and vice versa.
Quick checks
- Is the power point’s own switch on? It sounds obvious, but it catches everyone.
- Try a different appliance you know works, such as a phone charger or lamp. The appliance may be the problem.
- Check other power points in the same room and nearby rooms. Is it one outlet or a group?
- Go to the switchboard. Look for a safety switch (with a Test button) or circuit breaker that’s down or in the middle position.
- Reset it once. Push it fully off, then on. If it trips again straight away, unplug everything on that circuit and see safety switch won’t turn back on.
What the results tell you
| What you find | Likely cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| A tripped breaker or safety switch that resets and stays on | An appliance or temporary overload | Plug things back in one by one to find the culprit |
| Trips again immediately | Fault on the circuit or an appliance | Unplug everything; if it still trips, call an electrician |
| Nothing tripped, one outlet dead | Faulty outlet or loose connection | Call an electrician |
| Nothing tripped, several outlets in a row dead | Loose connection at one outlet feeding the others | Call an electrician |
| Half the house out | A whole circuit or a safety switch protecting several circuits | See power out in part of the house |
| Dead USB ports, but the socket works | Faulty USB module in the outlet | Replace the outlet |
Why outlets fail
- Loose terminals: connections loosen over time with heat and use, especially on outlets that run heaters or kettles
- Worn contacts: old outlets lose grip on plugs, causing arcing
- Daisy-chained wiring: many outlets are wired in a chain, so a loose connection at one stops the ones after it
- Physical damage: cracked faceplates or outlets pulled from the wall
- Water: outdoor or laundry outlets can fail after moisture gets in
Don’t do this
- Don’t open the outlet or take off the faceplate
- Don’t use a power board from another room as a long-term fix
- Don’t keep resetting a breaker that trips immediately
- Don’t use an outlet that sparks, buzzes or feels warm
Renters
In a NSW rental, an electrical fault is an urgent repair, according to NSW Fair Trading. Tell your landlord or agent. Landlords can see our landlord electrical safety checklist.
When to replace instead of repair
If your home has old outlets that are loose, discoloured or brittle, it may be worth replacing several at once, or adding new ones so you’re not relying on power boards. See power point installation cost for the factors that affect pricing.
Outlets in older homes sometimes reveal wider issues, like old wiring or no safety switch on the power circuits. If you’re seeing that, read signs you need a switchboard upgrade.
Power point dead and nothing has tripped? Our electricians find and fix faulty outlets and loose connections. See our fault finding service or call 0421 772 661.
We fix dead power points in Ashfield, Petersham, Croydon, Glebe and nearby suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my power point not working but the lights are?
Lights and power points are usually on separate circuits. A tripped breaker or safety switch on the power circuit, or a fault in the outlet, can cut power to the outlets while the lights stay on.
Why have several power points stopped working at once?
Often a tripped circuit breaker or safety switch. If nothing has tripped, a loose connection at one outlet can stop the others wired after it.
Can a power point just stop working?
Yes. Connections can loosen and contacts can wear out over time, especially on outlets used for heavy loads.
Is a dead power point dangerous?
It can be, if it’s caused by a loose or overheating connection. If there’s heat, burning smell or scorch marks, turn off the circuit and call an electrician.