Audience
Resident
Category
Maintenance
Electrical Outlet Troubleshooting Steps
Guidance for checking common causes of non-working electrical outlets before submitting a maintenance request.
Before requesting maintenance, please follow the steps below to help determine whether the issue is with the outlet or the connected device:
Was the outlet ever working?
If the outlet never worked, it may not be connected to power or may be controlled by a wall switch (common in living rooms and bedrooms).
Test the device.
Plug the same device into a different outlet to confirm that the device itself is functional.
✅ If the device works elsewhere: continue to Step 3️⃣.
❌ If it does not work elsewhere: the device may be the issue.
Check for a wall switch control.
Some outlets (especially top or bottom halves) are connected to a wall switch. Try toggling nearby light switches and see if power is restored to the outlet.
Check for a GFCI outlet or reset button.
Look around nearby outlets—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and exterior walls—for a GFCI outlet (the one with “TEST” and “RESET” buttons).
Press RESET once firmly until it clicks.
Then test your outlet again.
Check the circuit breaker panel.
Locate your electrical panel (usually in a hallway, basement, or closet).
Look for any breaker that appears in the “OFF” position or not fully aligned with the others.
Switch it fully OFF, wait 3 seconds, and turn it back ON.
Some breakers may show an orange or red indicator even if they appear “ON.” This means they tripped—reset as described above.
Try a different outlet on the same wall or circuit.
If multiple outlets are out, this can help confirm whether it’s a circuit issue rather than a single outlet failure.
Contact us if the outlet still does not work.
If you’ve completed all steps and the outlet still has no power, please notify us so we can dispatch a technician.
⚠️ Important: If a technician is dispatched and it’s determined that the issue was caused by a tripped breaker, GFCI, or a faulty device, a service fee may be charged to your account. Please ensure you complete all troubleshooting steps before submitting a maintenance request.