Can One Outlet Knock Others Out?

You plug something into an outlet—suddenly, a few others nearby stop working. Is it a fluke, or can one outlet really knock out the rest?

Yes, it can. In many homes, especially older ones, outlets are wired together in a series or daisy-chain layout. That means power flows from one outlet to the next down the line. So if the first outlet in the chain has a loose connection, faulty wiring, or a tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter), it can cut off power to all the outlets that follow it.

Common Causes:

• A loose wire or worn connection in a single outlet

• A tripped GFCI (often located in a bathroom, kitchen, or garage)

• Overloaded circuit

• A burned-out or damaged outlet acting like a broken link

What You Can Do:

1. Check for a tripped GFCI — Even if it’s not the outlet that seems “dead,” it might control others.

2. Look for signs of damage — Burn marks, loose plugs, or crackling sounds.

3. Don’t overload circuits — Too many appliances on one line can cause failures.