Outlet Has 120V but Doesn’t Work [Causes and Fixes]

It’s frustrating when you go to plug something in and find that the outlet isn’t working, especially if you’re getting a reading of 120v when you test it. This can be a sign of a larger issue with your electrical system, and it’s important to address the problem to ensure the safety and functionality of your outlets.

Properly functioning outlets are essential for powering electronic devices and appliances in the home, and a malfunctioning outlet can be a major inconvenience. In this article, we will explore some potential causes of outlets not working even though they have 120v, and provide some solutions for fixing the problem.

Why Does Outlet Has 120v but Doesn’t Work

You might have a problem with some of your electrical outlets not working, even though you are getting a reading of 120-122V when you test them with a digital multimeter. Bob Mariani suggests that this could be because the outlets are fried, or that there may be a problem with the neutral connection.

To confirm whether the outlets are fried, you could try replacing them and see if that fixes the problem. If replacing the outlets does not fix the problem, you may need to look for other issues, such as a problem with the wiring in the wall or with the circuit breaker.

It is always best to have a trained electrician diagnose and fix any electrical problems, as working with electricity can be dangerous if you are not properly trained.

Causes of Outlet Has 120v but Doesn’t Work

1. Outlets May Be Fried or Damaged

One potential cause of outlets not working despite having 120v is that the outlets themselves may be fried or damaged. This can happen if the outlets are overloaded with high wattage appliances or devices, or if there is a surge of electricity that damages the outlet. If the outlets are fried, they will need to be replaced in order to fix the problem.

2. Problem With the Neutral Connection

Another potential cause of outlets not working despite having 120v is a problem with the neutral connection. The neutral wire is the white wire in an electrical circuit, and it is responsible for carrying the current back to the source. If there is a problem with the neutral connection, it can prevent the outlets from functioning properly even though there is electricity present.

3. Issue With the Circuit Breaker or Wiring in the Wall

Another potential cause of outlets not working despite having 120v is an issue with the circuit breaker or the wiring in the wall. The circuit breaker is responsible for protecting the electrical system from damage by tripping when there is too much current flowing through the circuit.

4. Tripping Circuit Breakers

If the circuit breaker is tripped, it can prevent the outlets from functioning properly. Similarly, if there is a problem with the wiring in the wall, it can cause issues with the outlets. This could be due to damaged wiring, loose connections, or other issues.

How to Diagnose if Outlet Has 120v but Doesn’t Work?

Here are the steps to diagnose 120V outlet:

1. Test Outlets With a Digital Multimeter to Confirm Voltage

One of the first steps in diagnosing the problem with outlets not working despite having 120v is to use a digital multimeter to confirm the voltage. A digital multimeter is a tool that measures electrical properties, such as voltage, resistance, and continuity.

2. Turn Off Power

To test the outlets, you will need to turn off the power to the circuit, and then use the multimeter to measure the voltage between the hot and neutral wires (usually the black and white wires).

If you are getting a reading of 120v or close to it, this means that there is electricity present in the outlet, but it may not be functioning properly.

3. Check Wiring

If you have confirmed that there is electricity present in the outlets but they are not functioning properly, the next step is to check the circuit breaker and the wiring in the wall for any issues.

You can check the circuit breaker by looking for a tripped switch or a switch that is in the “off” position. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you will need to reset it and see if that fixes the problem.

4. Check Circuit Breaker

If the circuit breaker is not the issue, you will need to inspect the wiring in the wall to see if there are any loose connections or damaged wires that could be causing the problem.

5. Consider Replacing Outlets

If you have checked the circuit breaker and the wiring in the wall and the outlets are still not functioning properly, you may want to consider replacing the outlets to see if that fixes the problem. This is especially likely to be the solution if you suspect that the outlets may be fried or damaged.

To replace an outlet, you will need to turn off the power to the circuit, remove the old outlet, and then install the new outlet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If replacing the outlets does not fix the problem, it may be necessary to call a professional electrician to further diagnose the issue.

Solutions of Outlet Has 120v but Doesn’t Work

Here are the solutions of outlet has 120v but doesn’t work:

Replacing Damaged or Fried Outlets

If the outlets are fried or damaged, the most obvious solution is to replace them. This will involve turning off the power to the circuit, removing the old outlet, and then installing a new outlet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to make sure that the new outlet is properly wired and secured in place to ensure the safety of the electrical system.

Repair the Neutral Connection

If the problem is with the neutral connection, the solution will be to identify and fix the issue. This could involve checking for loose connections or damaged wires, and then tightening or repairing them as needed.

It may also be necessary to check for any other issues with the wiring in the wall that could be affecting the neutral connection.

Fix the Circuit Breaker or Wiring

If the problem is with the circuit breaker or the wiring in the wall, the solution will depend on the specific issue. If the circuit breaker has tripped, it will need to be reset. If there is a problem with the wiring, it may be necessary to repair or replace damaged wires, or to tighten any loose connections.

It is important to have a trained electrician diagnose and fix any issues with the circuit breaker or wiring in the wall, as these issues can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Safety Considerations

Here are some safety consideration you should consider while working with electircal outlets:

Contact Professional

It is important to hire a trained electrician to diagnose and fix any electrical problems in your home, as working with electricity can be dangerous if you are not properly trained. Electricians have the knowledge and experience to safely identify and fix electrical issues, and they have the necessary tools and equipment to do the job properly.

Hiring a trained electrician will also ensure that the work is done to code, which is important for the safety of your home and the people living in it.

Dangers of Working With Electricity

Working with electricity can be dangerous, even for trained professionals. Some of the potential dangers of working with electricity include the risk of electrocution, fires, and electrical shocks.

It is important to take proper precautions when working with electricity, such as turning off the power to the circuit and using protective equipment, to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. If you are not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

More Things You Might Need to Check Further

Here are a few additional tips for dealing with outlets that have 120v but are not functioning properly:

Check for Loose Connections

One potential cause of outlets not working is a loose connection between the outlet and the wiring in the wall. To check for loose connections, you can gently wiggle the outlet to see if it feels loose. If it does, you will need to tighten the screws or wires to secure the connection.

Check for Tripped Gfci Outlets

If you have any GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets in your home, they may have tripped and stopped working. GFCI outlets are designed to shut off power to the outlet if they detect a ground fault, which can be caused by a number of things, including water exposure or a malfunctioning appliance. To reset a tripped GFCI outlet, you will need to press the reset button on the outlet.

Check for Damaged Wiring

If you have checked the outlets, circuit breaker, and connections and are still having problems, it is possible that the wiring in the wall may be damaged. This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as age, wear and tear, or physical damage. If you suspect that the wiring may be damaged, it is important to have a trained electrician inspect the wiring and repair any issues.

Use a Voltage Tester

In addition to using a digital multimeter to check the voltage, you can also use a voltage tester to quickly and easily check for electricity in an outlet. A voltage tester is a small device with a light or other indicator that will show you whether there is voltage present in an outlet. This can be a useful tool for quickly checking multiple outlets to see which ones are functioning properly.

Final Words

In conclusion, outlets that have 120v but are not functioning properly can be a sign of a larger issue with the electrical system in your home. Some potential causes of this problem include fried or damaged outlets, issues with the neutral connection, or problems with the circuit breaker or wiring in the wall.

To diagnose the problem, it is important to use a digital multimeter to confirm the voltage, check the circuit breaker and wiring for any issues, and consider replacing the outlets to see if that fixes the problem.

The solutions for fixing the problem will depend on the specific issue, and may involve replacing damaged outlets, checking and repairing any issues with the neutral connection, or fixing any problems with the circuit breaker or wiring in the wall.

It is important to address the problem to ensure the safety and functionality of the electrical system in your home, and it is always best to hire a trained electrician to diagnose and fix any electrical issues.