There is a shortage in the outlet in my garage. serious? if so what service from an electrician is needed.?

Question

I pluged in a fan in the outlet and the fan did not come on. When I wiggled the cord it came on. I need to know that if I call someone out to look at it they will not tell me something is wrong with it and it is just a socket that needs to be changed and then they charge me a arm and a leg. Also with gas prices so high people are charging just to come out and it will not be added to my bill. So I need to know what to expect.

Answer 1

It could be your fan that is the problem rather than the outlet.

Answer 2

try the fan in a known working outlet......that test the fan cord....then just cut the power off and remove the outlet cover and remove the top and bottom s***w from the outlet and pulll the outtlet out.......look at the wires to the outlet...make sure they r tight on the screws on the side of the outlet.......

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 3

Ashly is there some reason you couldn't shut the power off to this outlet and remove and replace it yourself.  How do you know its not in the fan cord itself?

Answer 4

I, personally, and I am not an electrician, would first check something else, a radio, hair dryer, verify it is the outlet. Then, I would turn off the main at the fuse box. I would get a s***w driver and remove the outlet cover and look at the connections. if something was loose, it may just need to be tightened up and reinstalled, if nothing seems loose, then I would call an electrician. it don't sound to serious, but I know electricians can be expensive. It sounds like something a good handyman service would be able to do if you do not feel comfortable trying it yourself. Always respect electricity.Good Luck