This is normal
Not broken: the outlet is on a wall switch
Some outlets, or one half of an outlet, are wired to a wall switch so a lamp can be turned on from the door. That is normal wiring.
Why this happens
Family Handyman and Bob Vila both describe half-hot or switched outlets: one or both halves of the outlet only have power when a particular wall switch is on. Nothing is wrong; the switch was simply off.
What to do
- Leave the wall switch on when you want the outlet live, or plug devices that need constant power into the other half or a different outlet.
- Test both halves of the outlet with the switch on and off so you know which half is switched.
- If you want the outlet changed so it is always live, that is wiring work for a licensed electrician.
If it still worries you, tell the licensed electrician
- Which wall switch controls the outlet and which half is switched.
- Whether you want it to stay switched or be always on.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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