Circuit Breaker on but No Power to Outlet | What are the Reasons & Solutions?

The most common reasons why you have no power to the outlet even when the circuit breaker is on include faulty circuit breakers, GFCI issues, bad wiring, and hidden switches. You can try fixing these issues yourself given you have experience. Otherwise, hire an electrician.

When you lose power to a room, you simply check the circuit breaker and flip it back to get things to normal. However, you would be surprised if you saw that the breaker is okay but there is no power to the outlet. Let’s check out what, probably, has happened.

Reason Why You are Not Getting Power from the Outlet Even the Circuit Breaker is On

There could be several reasons as to why you would have the circuit breaker on with no power. In this section, we will discuss the probable reasons and how to solve them.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

Naturally, the first thing you should look into is whether you have a faulty circuit breaker or not. This issue is seen from time to time and there is nothing to panic about. Make sure your breaker is not tripped even if it looks like it is not tripped. To check that, unplug all the appliances that are running off of the breaker.

Once you are done with unplugging, you can do the resetting by turning the breaker off. After a few minutes, turn the breaker back on. If power starts flowing to the outlet, your issue is resolved. However, if it does not, you can flip the breakers and try again.  If you feel like the breaker is not firm enough, then you will most likely need to reset it.

GFCI Needs to Be Reset

This one is a complex issue that even the best electricians find troubling. If the GFCI or “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” is faulty, then the power will not go to the outlets even if the circuit breaker is functional. The GFCI acts as a mini circuit breaker that can cut off power.

The electricians use the GFCI outlets inline with a circuit to protect the appliances that could have contact with water. Check the GFCI reset button to see if it is properly functional. If you do not have such outlets in your home, the issue could lie with the loose or damaged wires.

Loose Connection

Broken or damaged wires could be one of the issues if the other ones fail. The outlets could lose power if a neutral or hot wire becomes loose over time. This happens when you have recently done renovations or changed light fixtures but forgot to wire them tightly.

There are three types of loose connections you might encounter. They include loose terminal screws, loose wires at wire connectors, and loose stab-in connectors. You can fix these issues by taking out the outlet and checking the outlet box for loose connections.

Blown Fuse

To troubleshoot a power loss in an outlet, inspect the fuses carefully. Look for visual cues like charred glass or a broken filament within the fuse, indicating a blown fuse due to a short circuit. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a fuse of the same type and matching amperage. Ensure the power to the circuit is switched off before replacement and verify that the outlet functions correctly after the replacement.

If the issue persists or the new fuse blows, it could signify a more complex problem requiring professional electrician intervention.

Steps for Replacing the Circuit Breaker

If the aforementioned reasons are not causing the power issue to the outlet, then the most likely reason is that your breaker is busted. Simply replace the breaker with a new one to resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a circuit breaker:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

Safety is paramount. Start by switching off the main electrical supply to your home. This ensures no live current is flowing through the circuits you’ll be working on.

Step 2: Identify the Problem Circuit

Determine which circuit corresponds to the outlet with no power. Locate the circuit breaker that controls it, which should be in the “off” position.

Step 3: Disconnect Wires

With caution, disconnect the wires attached to the old circuit breaker. These typically include hot wires, neutral wires, and ground wires. Carefully label or note these connections for accurate reattachment.

Step 4: Remove the Old Circuit Breaker

Gently remove the old circuit breaker from the electrical panel. Handle it with care, as it might still have live current parts.

Step 5: Install the New Circuit Breaker

Securely install the new circuit breaker, ensuring it matches the type and amperage rating of the old one. Fasten it in the electrical panel.

Step 6: Reconnect Wires

Methodically reconnect the wires to the new circuit breaker. Ensure the hot wire connects to the breaker’s hot terminal, the neutral wire to the neutral terminal, and the ground wire to the ground terminal.

Step 7: Restore Power

Turn the main power supply back on and ensure the circuit breaker corresponding to the outlet in question is in the “on” position.

Step 8: Test the Outlet

Verify that the outlet is now receiving power. If the issue persists, or if you have any doubts about the process, consult a qualified electrician to address any potential underlying electrical problems in your system.

Popular Inquiries

What should I do if my circuit breaker won’t trip?

If your circuit breaker won’t trip, it could be a sign of a malfunction. In this situation, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. First, turn off the main electrical supply to your home to ensure no electricity is flowing.

What to do when an outlet has no power?

When an outlet has no power, begin by checking the circuit breaker associated with that outlet. If it’s not tripped, inspect the outlet for loose wires or other visible issues. If you don’t find any obvious problems, it’s advisable to consult a professional electrician to diagnose and rectify the underlying electrical problem.

Can a circuit breaker be on but with no power?

Yes, a circuit breaker can be in the “on” position while an outlet has no power. This situation might occur due to various reasons, such as a tripped Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), a blown fuse, or a loose wire connection. It’s essential to troubleshoot and identify the specific cause of the power loss.

What should I do if my circuit breaker won’t trip?

If your circuit breaker refuses to trip, it indicates a malfunction and immediate attention is necessary. To address this issue, ensure that the main electrical supply to your home is turned off to prevent electrical hazards. Then, contact a professional electrician to inspect and repair the problematic circuit breaker.

Why is my circuit breaker not tripping, but no power?

When a circuit breaker doesn’t trip despite a lack of power, it signifies an electrical fault that is preventing the breaker from functioning correctly. This can occur due to issues like a short circuit, an overloaded circuit, or a malfunctioning breaker.

Conclusion

Although the reasons and fixes mentioned above are pretty common, it won’t be surprising if you face a more complicated issue. If you are having trouble getting your head around it, you can always get the help of a veteran or a certified electrician. However, if you are dealing with the issue yourself, make sure you have the safety measures covered.