Socket Not Working? Stay Safe, Then Check These

The short answer

A dead socket can be a tripped breaker, a loose connection, or a failed outlet. Do not open socket boxes yourself if you are not a trained electrician — shock and fire risk are real.

Common causes

• Tripped breaker or RCD/GFCI
• Loose terminal behind the socket
• Failed socket mechanism
• Upstream junction fault affecting part of a ring/radial

What you can safely check

These are low-risk checks only. Do not open live electrical panels, handle refrigerant, or dismantle fuel systems. If anything feels unsafe, stop and book a verified professional.

1. Try another known-good appliance in the same socket
2. Try the appliance in a different room's socket
3. Look at the consumer unit for a tripped breaker — reset once if labelled clearly
4. Stop if the socket is warm, discoloured, or smells burnt

When to call a professional

• Scorch marks, melting, or buzzing from the outlet
• Breaker trips immediately when something is plugged in
• Tingling when touching the faceplate

How Tușe and iRanti help

Open the Tuse app and describe what is happening in your own words — for example, “socket not working”. iRanti reads the description, suggests the likely service category and a price band, and routes you toward a verified electrical work professional. It is a preliminary assessment, not a definitive remote diagnosis: the artisan still inspects on site before any repair.

Try describing it on Tușe

Starting price for Electrical work

Electrical work on Tuse starts from ₦10,000. That is starting guidance, not a guaranteed final quote. Scope, parts, and complexity can change the total — you see the price in the app before you confirm, and any on-site change needs your approval first.

See the Electrical work service page

FAQs

Related problems

• Breaker keeps tripping
• Lights flickering
• No power in one room