How to Test an Electrical Outlet

By far the most common problem with a receptacle is that it doesn't work. Because receptacles are very inexpensive and easy to replace, it makes sense to replace them when they cease to work properly. But before you go to the trouble of buying a new one and installing it, make sure that the old one is truly defective. Plug a working lamp or appliance into it. Then check the circuit breaker or fuse that serves that circuit--make sure the fuse hasn't blown or the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If you find a blown fuse or tripped breaker, be aware that there may be a defective receptacle, switch, or appliance hooked up to that circuit that caused the failure. If you find no apparent problem and the other receptacles near the non-working one operate fine, the chances are pretty good that the non-working receptacle is defective.

Keep in Mind

Appliances require special receptacles. Check when installing if the appliance is rated from 15 to 50 amps, 240 volts, and 20 to 50 amps, 120/240 volts. They have two hot wires (red and black) and a separate grounding wire.