Why Are My Exterior Outlets Dead?
Most homes today have two or more electric outlets in the outside area. Having exterior power outlets can be pretty convenient. But what happens when they stop working one day?
Your mind automatically goes toward replacement. However, depending on the root cause, a quick fix can resolve the issue. So, what are the common causes of dead exterior outlets? Let’s find out!
Why Do Exterior Power Outlets Stop Working?
The underlying cause of dead outlets in the outside area of your home can vary. Here are some common reasons why an outlet stops working:
A Tripped Circuit Breaker
Before you assume the worst, start with the basics. One of the most common causes of dead exterior outlets is circuit breaker tripping.
Locate the main electrical box of your household and check if any of the circuit breakers are tripped. When one of the breakers trips, the outlets connected to that particular circuit stop working, while the rest of your house gets a power supply like usual. Simply switch the breaker back on, and the power supply will be restored in your exterior outlet. However, if it keeps recurring, it might be because of circuit overload or a short circuit. Consider calling an electrician and have the pros take a look.
A Tripped GFCI Outlet
A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlet is similar to a circuit breaker. However, exterior outlets are wired to the GFCI outlets in many homes. And the breaker is not in the main electrical box of your home. Instead, you may find it an outlet typically installed in garages. But it can also be installed someplace else indoors.
If the GFCI outlet is tripped, you can simply reset it to restore the power.
Wet Appliance or Outlet
Another common reason outside outlets stops working is because of moist weather conditions. If the appliance plugged into the outlet or the outlet itself comes in contact with water, it can cause a short circuit, which makes the outlet dead.
To resolve this issue, waterproof casings are used. However, if the casing isn’t shut properly or gets damaged, it can still cause water to get inside the outlet. If something similar happens at your home, do not touch the outlet while it is wet, and call your electrician immediately.
Contact Ryan Electric to Restore Dead Exterior Outlets
If your exterior outlets aren’t working because of frequent breaker trips or wet weather conditions, call Ryan Electric. Whether you need weatherproof enclosures, fix faulty wiring, or need GFCI protection, we’ve got you covered. Call us at (913) 406-7700 to learn more about our services.