A dead outlet with a normal-looking breaker may be controlled by a wall switch, upstream ground-fault protection, a loose connection, or an internal receptacle fault. Start with external checks and do not remove the cover.
Test another device and nearby wall switches
Confirm that the lamp or charger works in another outlet. Some receptacles are controlled by a wall switch, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
Look for a GFCI that may protect it from another location
In North American installations, an outlet may be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) located in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outside. If it has tripped, address moisture and reset it once using the normal procedure.
Reset a suspect breaker fully off and then on
Some breakers rest in a middle position that is hard to see. If you know the circuit and there is no heat, odor, or visible damage, perform one full reset; if it trips again, do not keep resetting it.
A persistently dead outlet can hide a wiring fault
If switches, GFCI protection, and the breaker are normal but the receptacle stays dead, stop using it and call an electrician. Do not remove the cover or tighten energized connections, especially if other outlets on the circuit are also affected.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Electrical Safety — Household electrical hazards and safe response to overheating, outlets, switches, and breakers.