Powerboard or extension lead not working
A powerboard or extension lead delivers no power, while the wall outlet it's plugged into is fine — usually the board's switch, its overload/reset, or a damaged lead.
Safety first
Damaged leads are a shock/fire risk — don't use a board or lead with damaged insulation or a cracked case. These are appliances, not fixed wiring.
Isolate, lock out / tag out, and prove dead before working unless a live test is specifically required, authorised, and carried out under proper supervision. Always follow local regulations, your site procedures, and the equipment manufacturer's documentation.
Full detail — causes, the why, and common mistakes.
Likely causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1
Board switch off / overload tripped
Most likelyThe powerboard's master switch is off or its built-in overload/reset has tripped.
- 2
Damaged lead or plug
#2A broken conductor in the flex or a damaged plug stops power getting through.
- 3
Wall outlet it's plugged into is off/dead
#3The supplying GPO is switched off or faulty.
- 4
Failed board (surge MOV / internal)
Least likelyA surge board can fail internally after absorbing a surge.
Reports are saved on this device to reflect what you actually find.
Testing sequence
Work through one test at a time. Expected reading and what each result means.
Confirm the supplying wall outlet works (plug something straight in), and the board's switch/reset is on.
Wall outlet works; board switched on / reset.
Supply and switch fine — check the lead and the board.
Wall outlet off/dead or board switch/overload tripped — restore.
View all expected readings at once
Fault-finding flowchart
The same logic as a decision tree.
- 1start
Powerboard/lead dead
→ step 2 - 2decision
Does the wall outlet work and is the board switched/reset on?
Yes→ step 3No→ step 4 - 3decision
Is the lead/plug undamaged and does the board power a good appliance?
Yes→ step 5No→ step 6 - 4result
Restore the wall outlet / board switch or reset.
- 5result
If still dead with good supply, the board has failed — replace.
- 6result
Damaged lead/plug or failed board — replace it.
Common mistakes apprentices make
- Not checking the board's own overload/reset button.
- Using a board/lead with visible damage.
- Assuming the board when the wall outlet is switched off.
- Trying to repair a sealed powerboard instead of replacing it.
When to stop & escalate
Powerboards and leads are replaceable appliances, not fixed wiring — replace damaged ones. If the supplying GPO is faulty, that's licensed electrical work.
If you're past your competence, authorisation, or the safe limits of the job — stop and hand it on. There's no fault worth getting hurt over.
Related faults
Power point (GPO) completely dead
Nothing plugged into a power point works, while other outlets are fine. A classic trace-it-back fault on a single GPO or the run feeding it.
Power point burnt, melted, or smells hot
A GPO is discoloured, melted, or gives off a burning smell — a serious fire-risk fault from arcing/overheating at the outlet, usually from a poor plug fit or overload.
Half the power points in the house not working
A group of outlets across several rooms is dead together while lights and other GPOs work — points at one power circuit's protection or a shared upstream fault.