Quick answer
A dead socket is a tripped breaker, a wall switch that is off, a loose internal terminal, or a failure in a socket upstream on the same chain. Test other sockets on the same circuit first: if they all work, the fault is at that outlet; if none do, it is the circuit. A socket that failed with a bang, a smell or any discolouration is a different matter and needs immediate attention.
Common causes
- Tripped breaker or earth leakage on that circuit
- Wall switch or isolator for the socket switched off
- Loose terminal inside the socket, which often shows as intermittent operation first
- Failure at an upstream socket on the same chain, cutting everything after it
- Damaged cable behind the wall from drilling or fixing
- Worn contacts no longer gripping the plug pins
What you can do now
- 1Check the breaker and earth leakage at the DB board
- 2Test other sockets on the same circuit to establish whether it is one outlet or the whole run
- 3Check for a wall switch controlling that socket
- 4Test with a different appliance to rule out the appliance itself
- 5Stop using it and switch the circuit off if there is any discolouration, smell or buzzing
When to call a professional
If the breaker is on, other sockets on the circuit work, and the appliance is fine, the socket itself needs replacing. Call urgently instead if it failed with a bang, a smell or any scorching, because that indicates arcing and the cable behind it may be heat-damaged too. An electrician will replace the socket and check the terminations either side of it.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Socket R450–R650
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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