Electrical outlets are essential in our day-to-day life, providing power to the devices and appliances we use. However, like all things, electrical outlets have a lifespan, and sometimes, they need to be changed. There are many signs that indicate when an outlet needs to be changed, and it is important to know these signs to avoid electrical hazards. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why you should change your electrical outlet.
No Power or Voltage in the Outlet
- The most obvious sign that you might need to change your electric sockets is a total lack of power coming through them. If you have power in other outlets, your appliance works in those outlets, and an appliance you know is fine doesn’t work in this outlet, you can be relatively confident that the outlet is the problem.
Intermittent Voltage
- Similar to the above problem with no power, you could experience a situation where the appliances plugged into a particular outlet lose power intermittently. This will often coincide with movement of some kind. Losing power in this way—and, crucially, regaining power without having to replace fuses or reset breakers—is a sign that there is something wrong with the connection in the outlet itself.
Fuse Burns with Visible Damage to the Outlet
- When the device is plugged into the outlet, and the fuse in the device burns with visible damage to the outlet, it is a sign that the outlet needs to be changed.
Plugs Falling Out of the Outlet
- When you plug an appliance into an electrical socket, it is held in place by the tension of the socket’s contacts pushing against the prongs of the plug. If your plug is loose or falling out, that means that the tension of those contacts is failing. Beyond being a nuisance, this can also lead to electrical problems, since the contacts are the things holding it in place.
Outlet Falling out of the Wall
