We’ve all encountered it at least once – you attempt to plug a lamp or charger into an outlet, but the plug immediately sags or falls out altogether. This is a frustrating inconvenience, especially when the outlet causing the problem is in a high-value spot, like right next to the front door or couch. But plugs not working correctly are not an inconvenience that you have to live with.
Why Does This Happen?
You may be wondering: what makes some outlets unable to hold onto plugs in the first place? In general, it is caused by one of two things – either the prongs of the plug itself or the receptacle represent the issue. Try to plug your device into multiple outlets to determine if the prongs that are causing the problem. If this is the case, you can get a rewiring kit or simply replace the device with the damaged plug.
Alternatively, try plugging multiple devices into the outlet to see if it’s the receptacle that is loose. In most cases, the receptacle is loose because the contact points within the receptacle can become worn or damaged over time – making it difficult for plugs to be held properly. However, it could also be that some other form of electrical damage has interfered with the outlet. Check for signs of electrical hazards such as a hot or buzzing outlet, sparks when you plug something in, or the smell of burnt wires.
Fixing the Plug Issue
When you’ve determined that the receptacle is the issue, the only thing to do is have the outlet replaced. This is a simple process that will take your electrician less than 60 minutes to perform, barring any other issues that might be revealed. We recommend that homeowners who are not trained and licensed electricians avoid performing DIY electrical work as it is life-threatening, and improperly-performed jobs can have devastating results if they cause shock or an electrical fire.
As mentioned, replacing an outlet is relatively quick.
- First, the electrician will go to the breaker panel and turn off the breaker for the broken outlet’s circuit.
- Before touching the outlet, they will test it to make sure that power has been removed using a handheld meter to prevent accidental shock.
- The outlet receptacle will be unscrewed and taken out of the housing box.
- The terminal screws will be loosened and the wires taken off. Any wire damage such as wearing or burning will be evident at this point. This indicates a more significant problem, and the electrician will need to investigate the issue further to ensure the outlet is fixed correctly.
- They may need to strip the wires a bit further in order to connect them correctly to the terminal screws on the new outlet. Careful attention must be paid to make sure the cables are being connected to the correct screws: black (hot) wire to the brass screw, white (neutral) wire to the silver screw, and copper grounding wire to the green screw.
- Once the wires are fully attached, and the screws are tightened, the new outlet can be screwed into the box, and the cover can be replaced.
No electrical project should be attempted without the help of a professional. The master electricians at Promise Electric are trusted in Sarasota – for everything from small residential projects to large construction projects. Call today, regardless of the size of your electrical project.
