ApprenticeMedium risk

Double power point — one side works, one doesn't

On a double GPO, one socket works and the other is dead — usually an internal fault in the outlet or a loose link between the two sockets.

Start fault-finding

Safety first

Isolate and prove dead before opening the outlet — the working side proves the point is live.

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. 1

    Internal fault in the GPO

    Most likely

    The dead socket's internal contacts or link have failed within the outlet.

  2. 2

    Loose link between the two sockets

    #2

    The internal link/bridge feeding the second socket is loose or broken.

  3. 3

    Damaged socket contacts

    Least likely

    Worn or burnt contacts on one socket (e.g. from a poor plug fit/arcing).

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.

Test 1 of 2
1

Confirm only one socket of the double is dead (test both with a known-good appliance).

Expected reading

One socket works, the other is dead.

If it passes

Single-socket fault — isolate and inspect the outlet.

If it fails

If both are dead, treat it as a dead GPO (trace the supply).

Often leads toPower point (GPO) completely deadPower point burnt, melted, or smells hot
View all expected readings at once
1. Confirm only one socket of the double is dead (test both with a known-good appliance).
One socket works, the other is dead.
2. Isolate, prove dead, and inspect the outlet's internal link and contacts.
Sound internal link and clean contacts.

Fault-finding flowchart

The same logic as a decision tree.

  1. 1
    start

    One socket of double dead

    → step 2
  2. 2
    decision

    Is only one socket of the double dead?

    Yes→ step 3No→ step 4
  3. 3
    decision

    Are the internal link and contacts sound?

    Yes→ step 5No→ step 6
  4. 4
    result

    Both dead — treat as a dead GPO; trace the supply.

  5. 5
    result

    Looks fine but a socket is dead — replace the outlet.

  6. 6
    result

    Loose link / burnt contacts — replace the outlet.

Common mistakes apprentices make

  • Assuming the whole circuit when only one socket of a double is dead.
  • Reusing a GPO with burnt/arced contacts.
  • Not isolating because 'the other side still works'.
  • Overlooking a loose internal link.

When to stop & escalate

Replacing a GPO is licensed electrical work. Burnt contacts suggest a poor plug fit or overload worth noting.

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 points & circuits

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.

4 causes3 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk
Power points & circuits

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.

4 causes3 test steps
QualifiedHigh risk
Power points & circuits

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.

4 causes3 test steps
ApprenticeMedium risk