A plug socket that stops working is one of the most common electrical problems in UK homes. The good news is that most causes are simple. A few safe checks can often tell you what is wrong before you call anyone. This guide walks you through what to check, what usually causes it, and when to stop and call a qualified electrician in Newport.
Quick Answer, Why Your Plug Socket Has Stopped Working
In most cases, a plug socket stops working because of a tripped RCD or circuit breaker, a blown fuse inside the plug itself, a faulty appliance, or a loose connection inside the socket. If only one socket has stopped working, the fault is often local to that socket. If several sockets have stopped at once, check your fuse box first.
Check These Things First
Before you call anyone, these checks are safe to do yourself. None of them involve opening a socket or touching wiring.
- Check other sockets nearby. If they are dead too, the problem is likely at the fuse box, not the socket itself.
- Check your fuse box. Look for a tripped RCD switch or a circuit breaker that has flipped off. Reset it once and see if it trips again straight away.
- Check the appliance, not just the socket. Plug a different item, such as a phone charger, into the socket to rule out a faulty appliance.
- Check the plug fuse. If the item has a UK three pin plug, open it and check the small fuse inside has not blown.
- Check the socket switch. Many UK sockets have a small on off switch next to the pins. Make sure it is actually on.
Common Reasons a Plug Socket Stops Working
- Tripped RCD or circuit breaker. This is the most common cause. An RCD trips when it senses a small imbalance in the current, often caused by a faulty appliance or damp reaching a cable.
- A blown fuse in the plug. This only affects the one item plugged in, not the socket, and is an easy fix.
- A faulty appliance. Older appliances, kettles, and heaters are common culprits, especially ones that draw a lot of power.
- Loose or worn wiring inside the socket. Wires can work loose over time, especially in sockets used often.
- Water or damp. Sockets near kitchens, bathrooms, or outside walls can be affected by moisture, which is a real safety risk.
- An old or worn socket. Sockets do wear out. If yours is decades old, the internal contacts may have simply failed.
Why Is Only Half My Socket Not Working
If you have a double socket and only one side has stopped working, it is usually one of two things. Either that half has its own small fault, such as a loose wire or worn contact, or the socket is on a switched circuit and one side has been turned off at a nearby wall switch. This is common in older homes, where one socket is wired to a switch for a lamp. If moving the plug to the working side solves it, the socket itself likely needs replacing.
When It Is Safe to Check Yourself, and When to Call an Electrician
The checks above are safe because you are not opening anything up or touching live wiring. Once a problem points to something inside the wall, such as a socket that needs removing or a fault that keeps coming back, it is time to call a qualified electrician.
Call a professional straight away if you notice any of the following:
- A burning smell near a socket or the fuse box
- Sparks when plugging something in
- Scorch marks or a warm faceplate
- The RCD trips again as soon as you reset it with everything unplugged
- The problem keeps coming back with no clear cause
Work inside sockets and wiring should only be carried out by a qualified electrician. It is a legal requirement for certain jobs in kitchens and bathrooms under UK Part P rules, and it is not worth the risk otherwise.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Plug Socket
Pricing depends on what caused the fault and how easy the socket is to reach. As a general guide, typical UK pricing looks like this:
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Call out and diagnosis (first hour) | £40 to £60 |
| Replacing a single socket | £40 to £105 |
| Replacing a double socket | £50 to £150 |
| Fixing a wiring fault behind a socket | Priced after inspection |
These are general UK price ranges. For an accurate figure based on your property, see our pricing page or get in touch for a free quote.
Get a Socket Fixed by Powrie Electrical in Newport
Our electricians deal with plug socket faults across Newport and the surrounding areas every week, from a single dead socket to a fault that keeps tripping the whole house. We will find the cause, explain it in plain terms, and fix it safely. Browse our blog for more electrical safety guides, or get in touch with our team to book a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my plug socket suddenly stopped working?
The most common reason is a tripped RCD or circuit breaker, often caused by a faulty appliance or a small fault in the wiring. Check your fuse box first.
Why does my socket have power but nothing plugged into it works?
This usually points to the appliance rather than the socket. Try a different item in the same socket to check.
Is it dangerous to keep using a socket that stops working?
It can be. A socket that repeatedly loses power, especially with a burning smell or warmth, may have a wiring fault and should be checked by an electrician before you use it again.
Can I fix a plug socket myself?
Simple checks such as resetting the RCD or checking a plug fuse are safe to do yourself. Opening a socket or working on the wiring behind it should be left to a qualified electrician.
Why has only one socket in my house stopped working, but the rest are fine?
This points to a fault local to that socket or its wiring, rather than the whole circuit. It could be a loose connection, a worn socket, or a switched socket turned off elsewhere.
How much does it cost to call an electrician for a socket that is not working?
Most UK electricians charge £40 to £60 for the first hour, which usually covers the call out and diagnosis. Repair or replacement costs are on top of this.
How quickly can an electrician come out for a socket problem?
This depends on the electrician and how urgent the fault is. Many, including our team, offer same day appointments for problems that pose a safety risk.