Why do I have voltage at an outlet but nothing works when I plug something in?

You likely have a broken neutral connection at that outlet. When the neutral wire is disconnected or damaged, you'll still read voltage between hot and ground (which is what most voltage testers measure), but no current can flow to power your devices because the circuit isn't complete.

This is actually a common and potentially dangerous electrical problem in GTA homes, especially in older houses with deteriorated wire connections or homes that have had multiple renovations over the decades. Here's what's happening: your voltage tester is reading the 120V between the hot wire and the ground wire, but without a proper neutral connection, electricity can't flow through your plugged-in device and back to the panel to complete the circuit.

The most likely causes include a loose or broken neutral wire connection either at the outlet itself, at a junction box upstream in the circuit, or even back at the electrical panel. In older Toronto homes with original wiring from the 1950s-70s, wire nuts can loosen over time, especially with the freeze-thaw cycles we experience here. The constant expansion and contraction of materials can work connections loose. Another possibility is a GFCI outlet upstream that has tripped — if this outlet is protected by a GFCI elsewhere on the circuit (like in the bathroom or garage), the GFCI may have cut power to the downstream outlets while still allowing voltage to be present.

This situation requires immediate professional attention because a broken neutral can create several safety hazards. Plugged-in devices may not work properly, metal appliance cases could become energized, and you could experience voltage fluctuations that damage electronics. In some cases, a broken neutral can cause the outlet to deliver 240V instead of 120V to your devices, destroying anything you plug in.

Turn off the breaker to that circuit immediately and don't use the outlet until a licensed electrician can diagnose and repair the problem. They'll need to trace the circuit, test all connections, and potentially open up junction boxes to find where the neutral connection has failed. This type of troubleshooting requires working with live electrical systems and specialized testing equipment — it's not a DIY repair.

In the GTA market, expect to pay $200-400 for this type of diagnostic and repair, depending on how difficult it is to access the problem connection. If the issue is simply a loose wire nut in an accessible junction box, it's a quick fix. If the neutral wire has actually broken inside the wall, the repair becomes more involved and expensive.

Need help finding a licensed electrician to diagnose this safely? Toronto Electrical Repair can match you with local professionals who handle these types of electrical troubleshooting calls throughout the GTA.