Why is my power point not working?

A power point may stop working due to a tripped circuit, faulty wiring, a loose terminal, or internal damage to the socket. Sometimes, the issue is with the appliance, not the outlet. If nearby power points are also affected, it may be a circuit-wide fault.

Introduction Power Points

When a power point suddenly stops working, it’s easy to blame the appliance—but often, the outlet itself is the problem.

In homes across Werribee, Altona, and Tarneit, we regularly track down faulty power points caused by wear and tear, poor connections, or underlying circuit issues. If you’ve lost power to one or more sockets, here’s how to troubleshoot the cause—and how we fix it.

1. Is It Just One Power Point?

First, figure out whether it’s just a single socket or multiple ones on the same wall or room.

Check nearby sockets

If nearby outlets work, the fault is likely limited to one point. If several are dead, you may have a tripped breaker or fault in the wiring.

Try another appliance

Rule out the obvious. Plug in something you know works (like your phone charger) to see if the issue is with the outlet or the device.

2. Check the Switchboard

Go to your fuse box or switchboard. Look for any switches that have flipped to OFF—especially the breaker labelled “Power” or “General Power.”

• Try resetting it
• If it trips again right away, unplug appliances and try again
• If it still trips, leave it off and call us

This could mean there’s a fault either with a device, the circuit, or the outlet itself.

See our Emergency Electrician Services if the issue won’t resolve.

3. Common Causes of Power Point Failure

Worn-out sockets

Older outlets eventually loosen inside or fail from internal arcing. You may hear a click but get no power.

Loose connections

We’ve opened plenty of sockets where wires have worked themselves loose from vibration, poor installation or old age.

Burned terminals

If a plug was loose or overloaded (like a heater), the socket may overheat and burn internally.

Shared circuit tripping

Power points in older homes often share circuits. A fault further along the line—at a different socket—can kill power to multiple outlets.

DIY damage

Drilled a hole for shelving and lost power? You might have clipped a wire behind the wall. We can trace and repair those cleanly.

4. When to Call an Electrician

Call us if:

• The breaker trips every time you reset it
• You smell burning at the power point
• The outlet is warm or discoloured
• You hear crackling or buzzing sounds
• You’ve tried other appliances and the outlet is still dead

We’ll isolate the fault, test the circuit, and replace or repair what’s needed.

5. What We Do

Our on-site diagnostic service includes:

• Testing power point output
• Inspecting internal socket wiring
• Load testing the circuit
• Thermal scanning for overheating
• Full switchboard check
• Replacing or upgrading faulty points
• Providing a Certificate of Electrical Safety for all completed work

We carry replacement outlets on board and can usually resolve the issue on the spot.

6. Consider Upgrading While We’re There

If your sockets are old, cracked, or discoloured, we often recommend replacing others nearby. We can also:

• Add USB power points
• Install weatherproof outdoor sockets
• Upgrade double outlets to quad
• Relocate or add points in living areas, bedrooms or kitchens

Check our General Electrical Services page for more upgrade ideas.

FAQs

Can I replace a power point myself?

No. In Victoria, all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, even simple outlet replacements.

How much does it cost to fix one outlet?

If the problem is isolated and no wiring damage is found, it’s usually a quick fix. We’ll quote before any work is done.

Is a dead outlet dangerous?

Potentially. A failed socket might still be receiving power internally and could short, overheat or arc.

What if I drilled through a wire?

Turn off the power at the main switch immediately and call us. We can trace and repair the damage safely.

Final Electrical Advice

A power point that isn’t working might be harmless or it could be a sign of deeper wiring problems. Either way, you deserve to know what’s going on.
Let Electrx find and fix the issue so you’re not left guessing. We’ll test it, sort it, and make sure it doesn’t become a hazard.

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