I have an outlet that has a switch and a light that shows when it is turned on. The light is turning on, but anything plugged in doesn't work.
By NH
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
It sounds as though one of the wires leading to the outlet is pulled away, worn, broken, or frayed. It is still making a connection but not a connection sufficient to supply full power to any item plugged into it.
Two solutions to this one (remove the outlet plate and have a look, OR call in a trained, licensed professional) but FIRST: shut down the breaker to that circuit NOW and leave it off until the problem is sorted. The pulled away/worn/broken/frayed wiring is generating enough electricity to start a fire.
Next, decide if you want to give this a go yourself, or if you are going to call in a licensed professional. If it is simply a pulled away wire you may be able to remove the outlet plate and tighten the wire yourself. HOWEVER if you feel a lack of confidence, do call in a pro-better to be safe than sorry!
Additionally, using a professional will satisfy your insurance company should anything happen, and if you are a renter you may have landlord issues to consider. *If you are renting, call the landlord. He/she may have an electrician on call, or may have the skills to do the work. Very few responsible landlords want you doing the work as it may affect their insurance and/or other legal responsibilities.
DIY electrical work is a DIY job best left to people with some training and experience, and there are a lot of very good books available in your local library to help you learn. The Reader's Digest books are excellent as a starting point and you may decide to add a copy to your home library. The books cover just about every sort of home maintenance job there is. Local community colleges and adult education programmes also offer courses with certificates upon completion.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
