Some outlets can lose power while others keep working because outlets are spread across different circuits, some are protected by a GFCI that has tripped and some sit after a failed connection on the same circuit. Each of these can leave a scattered pattern of dead outlets.
Since different causes can look alike, it is best not to assume all dead outlets share the same problem.
Outlets Are Divided Into Circuits
Homes are wired with many circuits, and each one feeds a group of outlets and lights. A single room may have outlets on two or more circuits, and one circuit may serve parts of several rooms.
If one breaker trips, only the outlets on that circuit lose power. That is why outlets on the same wall can behave differently. Kitchens, for example, often have several countertop circuits, so one dead outlet does not mean the whole kitchen has a problem.
Some outlets are also controlled by wall switches. Half of an outlet may be switched while the other half is always on.
GFCI Outlets Can Affect Others
A GFCI outlet can protect other outlets connected after it on the same circuit. When the GFCI trips, those outlets lose power too, even if they look like standard outlets.
The GFCI may be in a different room, such as a bathroom, garage, kitchen or outdoor area. Pressing its reset button may restore power to outlets elsewhere. Some protected outlets are labeled “GFCI Protected.”
A Break in the Chain
Outlets on a circuit are usually connected one after another. If a connection fails at one outlet, the outlets further along the chain lose power, while the ones before it keep working.
This often happens with loose wire connections, worn outlets or older push-in connections. The outlet with the failed connection may still work while the outlets after it go dead, which makes the source harder to spot. An electrician can test along the chain to find it.
Loose connections can create heat, so they should be found and repaired.
Other Possible Causes
Damaged wiring inside walls, a failing breaker that has not visibly tripped and a worn outlet that no longer supplies power are other possibilities.
If outlets lose power along with lights that become dim or unusually bright, the problem may involve the main service connection rather than a single circuit. Contact the utility, then an electrician.
Do not open outlet boxes or the panel to look for loose wires. Outlets can stay live even when some appear dead.
If some of your outlets have stopped working, our partial outage repair services page explains how the cause is traced. For a single damaged outlet, our electrical outlet repair page may help. Contact us to describe which outlets are affected.