Nearby GFCI devices
Use nearby GFCI devices to learn whether the symptom is limited to one device, one circuit, or a wider part of the system.
What to know before you get started.
A dead receptacle can be downstream of another device, GFCI protection, a loose connection, a switch, or a circuit fault. This guide explains what to document for a dead outlet with the breaker on and which warning signs change the response. Testing for a dead outlet with the breaker on still has to identify the source of the fault.
Start with the pattern, not a guess
A dead receptacle can be downstream of another device, GFCI protection, a loose connection, a switch, or a circuit fault.
Switched receptacles
Review switched receptacles for a connection to a load, control, protection device, or operating condition that could explain a dead outlet with the breaker on.
Other dead devices
Use other dead devices to tell whether the pattern repeats or appeared only once.
Treat warning signs as information, not a reset routine
Heat, visible damage, arcing, smoke, water exposure, or a burning odor change how a dead outlet with the breaker on should be handled. Avoid repeated resets or continued use of damaged equipment while investigating a dead outlet with the breaker on.
Recent work
Recent work may reveal what changed before a dead outlet with the breaker on began.
Heat or damage
Heat or damage can indicate that a dead outlet with the breaker on involves a damaged connection or equipment condition.
Circuit labeling
Circuit labeling records what happens after an attempted reset without encouraging repeated operation.
Different faults can create the same symptom
A dead outlet with the breaker on can begin at the load, device, branch circuit, control, protective device, panel, or service. Testing determines which part owns the repair.
Device or load
For a dead outlet with the breaker on, note which appliance, lamp, receptacle, switch, or control was operating at the time.
Circuit or connection
For a dead outlet with the breaker on, list every affected room or device so the circuit boundary can be traced.
Panel or service
For a dead outlet with the breaker on, report widespread patterns, panel noise, heat, corrosion, or effects tied to large loads.
What to notice before a repair visit
A short description is enough to start. If it is safe to do so, note the affected locations, timing, recent changes, and any visible damage related to a dead outlet with the breaker on.
Write the sequence down
Record what turned on, what stopped working, and whether a dead outlet with the breaker on is constant or intermittent.
Photograph without opening equipment
For a dead outlet with the breaker on, take safe exterior photos of affected devices, the panel, labels, and visible damage.
Keep the first scope honest
The a dead outlet with the breaker on description can guide the starting point, but concealed connections may still require on-site testing.
Questions about outlet not working but the breaker is on
For a dead outlet with the breaker on, note the timing, operating equipment, affected areas, recent changes, and any heat, odor, sound, moisture, or visible damage.
Related Crescent pages
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Service: Outlet Not Working but the Breaker Is On
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