Can One Bad Outlet Affect Others?
Keep an eye out for bad outlets
Highlights
Outlets typically last 15 to 25 years.
One bad outlet can affect others.
Common causes of bad outlets are loose wiring, old circuit breakers, and series wires.
If you notice an outlet isn’t working properly, your next thought may be to wonder whether one bad outlet can affect others in your home. Electrical outlets are one aspect of a home many of us take for granted, but when an outlet isn’t working and then it affects others, it can be frustrating to determine the cause and severity of the problem.
Find out the cause behind a bad outlet, how to fix the issue, and how you can keep your home safer with working electrical outlets.
Does One Bad Outlet Affect Others?
Yes, one bad outlet can affect others in your home, but it doesn’t always impact other outlets. If one outlet stops working, your next step should be to test the power of other outlets. Here are common reasons why multiple outlets will go out simultaneously.
GFCI Outlets
If multiple outlets in your home aren’t working, check to see if they are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCI outlets are required by national building codes to be in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other rooms where water is near the outlet. These outlets work like a circuit breaker and will shut off power if an electrical shortage or surge is detected. This action can cause multiple outlets to shut off at the same time.
If your GFCI outlet isn’t working, try pressing the reset button. If the reset button doesn’t work, the outlet may be old and you’ll need to replace it.
Old or Tripped Circuit Breaker
Many older homes have several outlets connected on a single circuit breaker, meaning one bad outlet can trip the circuit breaker and cause other outlets to stop working. Try resetting the breaker to get the other outlets working. If that doesn’t work, your home may need new wiring, which will require the help of a professional electrician.
Loose Wiring
One or multiple outlets may stop working if your home’s wiring is loose. This problem typically occurs in older homes where the wiring has loosened over the years or in new homes where wiring was installed incorrectly. Loose wiring causes more repercussions than bad outlets, such as electrical shock or fire, so call an electrician for help if you notice loose wiring in your walls.
Daisy Chaining
Daisy chained outlets, also known as series wires, are when outlets are connected in a series. If one outlet in a daisy chain breaks down, other outlets connected in that series will stop working, too. An electrician can help you identify which outlet has broken down and repair it to fix the problem in the other outlets.
What to Check if an Outlet Has No Power
If an outlet has no power, remember several potential reasons and solutions exist.
Ensure your circuit breaker has not been tripped, and if so, reset it if necessary.
Check if you are dealing with a GFCI outlet and press the reset button.
Confirm whether the plug is in the outlet or loose and address it.
Test the other outlets nearby to see if the issue is localized.
Plug in a different appliance or device to determine if the first device was the issue.
Consult a local licensed electrician if you need help determining the issue or are uncomfortable working with electricity.
Cost to Replace an Electrical Outlet
It's good to know that in 2024, replacing an electrical outlet costs generally between $125 and $200, influenced by your home's location, labor fees for the area, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour, and outlet type.
For example, a standard 120V outlet replacement averages $175. However, a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet can cost up to $500. Standard outdoor outlets are also pricier, with installation costs ranging from $150 to $260.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you notice a bad outlet and other outlets no longer working, you can take a few simple steps to try and fix the issue on your own. These steps include simple fixes like resetting your circuit breaker or resetting a GFCI outlet.
If those methods don’t work, the next step is to call an electrician near you. These electrical pros have the knowledge and skills to fix the issue and keep your electrical wiring safe and secure. You should not attempt to DIY fix serious electrical problems like replacing or updating your home’s wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most regular three-prong outlets last for about 15 years if installed properly. Outlets may last even longer if they’re rarely used. GFCI outlets last a little longer than regular outlets, around 15 to 25 years. If your home is older than 15 years old, it’s not uncommon to have faulty outlets, but it’s essential to address the issue quickly before it becomes a safety hazard.
Yes, a bad switch can cause other outlets not to work. If the switch is part of a circuit that controls multiple outlets, a fault in the switch can disrupt the entire circuit. It can happen if the switch is wired incorrectly, has a loose connection, or is damaged. Fixing or replacing the faulty switch can often restore power to the affected outlets
A piggyback circuit breaker, also known as a tandem or double-stuff breaker, combines two separate circuits into a single slot in a breaker panel. This design allows adding more circuits without a larger panel, making it a space-saving solution. Each breaker in the piggyback unit operates independently, protecting two circuits in one standard breaker slot. This is especially useful in older panels with limited space for additional breakers.