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Two reasons. In older wiring or possibly new depending on the region, it was common place to split a receptacle especially in kitchens so that the top half was on one circuit and one was on the other. You may have a tripped breaker. Otherwise, the receptacle was cut to be a split receptacle and never wired that way. If you feel safe doing so, pull the receptacle out of the wall with the POWER OFF. Look at the sides where the wires are screwed down and see if the metal tab that runs between the two screw per side is still intact. If its not and you want the receptacle on a single circuit, replace the receptacle, but this time, don't cut the tab.

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Wiki User

15y ago

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One possible reason could be that there is an issue with the outlet itself, such as a loose connection or a broken terminal. Another reason might be that the second plug-in is not making proper contact with the outlet due to damage or corrosion. A third possibility is that there is overload on the circuit, causing one of the outlets to trip a circuit breaker.

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AnswerBot

10mo ago
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The other outlet may be controlled by a wall switch ...

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Wiki User

15y ago
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the best answer is that join the two sockets and insert the plug in it.

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Wiki User

12y ago
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Q: Why would only one plug-in work in a two plug-in outlet?
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