How to Check If a Power Point Is Faulty

You go to make toast and nothing happens. The toaster is fine, and other outlets are working. In cases like this, the problem often comes down to a single faulty power point. Faults like these are easy to miss until something stops working or a hazard appears. This guide from Powerhub Electrical explains how to identify early signs of a faulty power point, how to test safely, and when to call a licensed electrician in Parramatta.

What Is a Power Point and Why Faults Matter

A power point, also known as a wall socket or outlet, is a fixed connection that supplies electricity to your appliances and devices. When these sockets become damaged or fail internally, they can pose serious safety risks. Faulty outlets may cause electric shocks, fires, or damage to your appliances. Early detection is key, especially in older Parramatta homes or homes with high usage and multiple occupants.

Warning Signs of a Faulty Power Point

Power points often give early signs of failure, catching these issues early can prevent shock, damage, or even fire:

Appliance Not Powering On

If you plug in a working device and it does not turn on, but works in another outlet, the issue likely lies with the power point.

Heat or Burning Smell

An outlet that feels warm to the touch or smells burnt should never be ignored. This can indicate overheating or melting components inside the socket.

Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Any kind of buzzing, humming, or crackling from the outlet suggests loose wiring or arcing. These faults can lead to electrical fires and need urgent attention.

Loose Socket Movement

If the socket moves, feels unstable, or pulls away from the wall when unplugging a device, the internal mounting or wiring may be damaged and unsafe.

Discoloured or Scorched Faceplate

Black burn marks, yellowing, or signs of melted plastic on the faceplate indicate past overheating or an internal failure. These are strong signs that the outlet should be replaced immediately.

Step-by-Step: How to Safely Check a Power Point

Step 1 – Turn Off Appliances

Switch off and unplug any appliances or devices connected to the power point you suspect is faulty. This ensures your safety before you begin checking.

Step 2 – Inspect for Visible Damage

Look closely at the outlet for signs of cracks, burn marks, melted plastic, or any movement in the socket. If you notice anything unusual, avoid using the outlet and arrange for an inspection.

Step 3 – Test with a Working Device

Use a known working appliance, such as a lamp or phone charger, and plug it into the outlet. If it does not power on, the socket may not be supplying electricity.

Step 4 – Try Another Socket Nearby

Test other power points in the same room or on the same wall. If more than one outlet is not working, the issue could be with the circuit rather than a single socket.

Step 5 – Check the Switchboard

Locate your switchboard and check for any tripped circuit breakers or RCDs. If one has been triggered, reset it only after unplugging all devices from the affected area.

Step 6 – Reset and Re-test

Once the breaker or safety switch has been reset, try your test device again in the same outlet. If it still does not work, there is likely an internal fault, and you should contact a licensed electrician.

Common Causes of Power Point Failure

Power points can fail due to damage, misuse, or environmental factors that compromise their internal components or wiring. Here are the most frequent reasons they stop working safely or reliably:

Ageing Power Points Lose Internal Integrity

Power points over 15–20 years old may suffer from brittle plastic, worn springs, and loose contacts, leading to poor performance, sparking, or complete failure when under load.

Overloading Causes Heat and Socket Damage

Using high-wattage appliances like kettles, heaters, or air fryers on the same outlet can cause overheating, internal melting, or permanent wiring damage behind the wall.

Water or Moisture Entry Triggers Faults

Sockets in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or patios can allow moisture in through seals or wall gaps, causing trips, corrosion, or short circuits that make the outlet unsafe.

Poor DIY Wiring Leaves Hidden Hazards

Unlicensed installations may have reversed polarity, loose terminations, or missing earthing, all of which increase the risk of shock, fire, or constant tripping when devices are used.

Physical Damage or Impact Weakens Safety

Cracked faceplates, exposed wiring, or sockets that move when plugs are inserted are signs of impact damage that can break safety seals or expose live contacts.

Pest Activity Can Interfere with Wiring

Rodents or insects sometimes chew through insulation or nest behind outlets, leading to damaged wiring, exposed conductors, or sudden power failure at a single point.

Is It Safe to Keep Using a Faulty Outlet?

No. Even if a faulty outlet works some of the time, it can still pose serious risks. Intermittent faults may cause overheating, electric shocks, or start a fire inside the wall cavity. If you see, hear, or smell anything unusual coming from a power point, stop using it immediately and contact a licensed electrician.

Can I Fix a Power Point Myself?

No. In NSW, only licensed electricians are legally allowed to install, repair, or replace power points. Attempting DIY electrical work is not only illegal but also highly dangerous. Even actions as simple as removing a faceplate or tightening internal screws can result in shock or fire. Always call a professional.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

• Outlet feels hot or unusually warm
  
  • Stop using the socket immediately. Heat can signal loose internal terminals or an overloaded circuit, both of which increase the risk of melting plastic, electrical arcing, or fire.
    
• You notice a burning smell or hear faint crackling
  
  • A burnt odour or quiet popping sounds from an outlet usually means something inside is sparking or overheating. This is often caused by damaged wiring or poor connections and needs urgent inspection.
    
• Using the outlet causes the breaker or safety switch to trip
  
  • If plugging a device into the same socket consistently causes your switchboard to trip, it likely points to internal damage or a fault in that section of wiring.
    
• Outlet has no power but breakers are still on
  
  • If power is lost at one socket while the rest of the circuit remains live, the socket may be disconnected internally or have failed due to wear or a wiring break behind the wall.
    
• Socket is cracked, discoloured, or loose in the wall
  
  • Yellowed, blackened, or physically loose outlets are unsafe. Damage to the faceplate or surrounding plastic can expose live parts and lead to electric shock or short circuits.
    

👉 If you notice any of these signs, stop using the outlet and contact a licensed electrician to investigate and repair the issue safely.

Need Help With a Faulty Power Point?

Do not wait until a minor issue becomes a major hazard. Powerhub Electrical can inspect and repair faulty outlets across Parramatta with same-day availability. All work is performed by licensed, insured electricians and meets Australian safety standards. Call now or book a free quote online for urgent or scheduled service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a power point work and still be faulty?

Yes. A faulty power point can still supply electricity to some devices but fail under higher loads. For example, a phone charger might still work while a kettle or microwave causes tripping, flickering lights, or overheating. Faults like loose terminals or damaged internal contacts may not stop the outlet from functioning entirely, but they can still be dangerous and unpredictable.

What happens if I ignore a faulty socket?

Ignoring a faulty socket can lead to serious consequences. Over time, a small internal fault can worsen, potentially causing short circuits, arcing, damage to appliances, or even electrical fires. Intermittent faults may also make it harder to trace the source of electrical issues later. 

Do power points need to be replaced over time?

Yes. Like all electrical fittings, power points deteriorate with age and use. After 15 to 20 years, the plastic may become brittle, the terminals may loosen, or insulation can break down. If you live in an older home or notice discolouration, buzzing, looseness, or warmth, it’s wise to have an electrician assess whether a replacement or full outlet upgrade is needed.

Is a warm power point always dangerous?

Yes. Any warmth from a power point is a red flag. It can signal overloading, loose wiring, poor-quality connections, or corrosion inside the outlet. Left unchecked, this can cause plastic to melt, create arcing, or lead to a fire. Even if the outlet seems to be working, stop using it immediately and arrange for a licensed electrician to inspect it.

Can I install a weatherproof outdoor power point myself?

No. In Australia, it’s illegal and unsafe for anyone without a license to install or modify outdoor power points. External outlets must be installed with correct IP-rated enclosures, weatherproof gaskets, and cable protection to prevent moisture ingress. Poor DIY work can result in water damage, electric shock, or non-compliance with building codes and home insurance requirements.

Should I upgrade to USB power points?

Yes. USB outlets are a safe and modern solution for today’s tech-filled homes. When installed professionally, they allow you to charge devices directly without bulky adapters, reducing clutter in areas like kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices. High-quality models also protect against overcharging and can increase property value by modernising your electrical setup.