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In today’s digital world, where most electronics, appliances, and devices run on electricity, we rely on well-functioning electrical outlets to power and charge various types of equipment. Can an electrical outlet go bad? If so, how can you tell when you have a damaged outlet?
As highly rated electricians in Plymouth, MA, the Crowe Electric team highlights the reasons for outlet malfunction and tips on identifying bad electrical outlets.
Signs of a Faulty Electrical Outlet
Unfortunately, most homeowners in Plymouth do not have the slightest clue how to go about troubleshooting electrical outlets. As such, it helps to know some reasons an electrical outlet would stop functioning and what steps to take.
For example, an outlet will most likely fail because of a tripped circuit breaker caused by an overloaded system. This happens when you plug too many devices into an outlet at the same time. However, most electrical outlet failures result from circuit wiring issues.
Stay alert to the following outlet failure symptoms.
Discolored or Melted Plastic
Excess heat can discolor or melt the plastic part of your electrical outlet. Melted plastic or discoloration often points to short-circuiting or another issue like a burned or damaged wire. Remember to inspect your outlets routinely to spot the signs of damage before things spiral out of control.
Nothing Stays Plugged In
When you plug an electrical appliance or device into an outlet, and it falls out easily or doesn’t fit snugly, you have a worn outlet in need of replacement. A faulty connection from a worn-out outlet may cause electrical arcing and result in a house fire.
You Smell Smoke or Notice Sparking
An outlet that sparks, smells, or smokes needs an urgent outlet and wiring inspection. The outlet may have a short circuit or possibly could be coming into contact with water. Cut off power to the outlet at the breaker panel and contact your local Plymouth electrician to inspect the outlet.
Two-Pronged Outlet
Can an electrical outlet go bad? Yes, it can, and you should replace it when it does. However, you should also replace two-pronged outlets regardless of their working condition as they have no grounding wire.
Two-pronged outlets present a high risk of shock and irreparable damage to your electronics. These ungrounded outlets also limit you from plugging in appliances with three prongs (grounded outlets.)
Tripped or Malfunctioning Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
GFCIs, typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-humidity areas, cut power to the outlet when they come into contact with moisture or detect excess electric current. Each GFCI has its own reset button that you can press to restore power to the outlet whenever it trips.
However, another issue arises when the outlet doesn’t trip, and that’s where the test button comes in. Pressing the test button on the outlet should trip the breaker to show that it’s working as it should.
If the test button doesn’t trip the breaker or the reset button doesn’t restore power to the outlet after it trips, contact a certified electrician to inspect your GFCI for replacement.
The Outlet Covering Feels Warm
An outlet that feels warm to the touch shows a clear sign of a potentially dangerous electrical outlet issue that may cause a fire and needs professional attention. Potential culprits include loose, worn, or damaged wires.
When to Replace Electrical Outlets in Your Plymouth Home
While the symptoms of a bad outlet often call for an outlet replacement, you have plenty of other reasons to replace your electric outlets. For example, today’s modern outlets deliver significant benefits compared to their older counterparts, making an outlet replacement a worthy investment:
- Improved safety: Replacing your old outlets with, for example, recessed or pop-up outlets boosts household safety.
- Space savings: Thanks to their small footprint, USB outlets expand your home’s capacity to accommodate more chargers and appliances.
- Improved efficiency: Today’s smart outlets allow you to operate and monitor your electrical outlets remotely. For example, a wi-fi enabled outlet makes it easier for you to turn off devices from anywhere.
Contact Crowe Electric for High-Quality Electrical Services in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Can an electrical outlet go bad? Yes, it can. Look no further than Crowe Electric, a seasoned electrical company, to check and replace your damaged outlets.
Our competent crew can handle any electrical job, from electrical panel repair and replacement to whole-house generator installations.
Call Crowe Electric at (781) 678-8266 to schedule professional electrical services in Plymouth, Massachusetts, or nearby. We provide 24-hour service.
