It's not uncommon to have loose outlets in your home, but is a loose socket cover dangerous? Indeed, you'll want to fix such a problem promptly after discovering it, as a loose outlet can present safety and property damage concerns common among many electrical wiring problems.
On that note, the following guide will help you identify ways to find and prevent loose outlets anywhere in your home. Are loose outlets dangerous? Let's find out below.
When you have a loose outlet in your home, the risk of fire or electrical surge is greater. If a faulty outlet does lead to an event, you could suffer personal and financial losses, such as electrical shocks, house fires, and appliance/device damage.
An outlet typically loosens over time due to several different factors, which are listed below.
Regardless of the underlying cause, you must hire a Brandon Electric technician to repair the outlet. Whether it becomes loose due to long-term wear and tear damage, poor installation, or low-quality parts, prompt repairs will lower your household's safety risks.
Through repetitive use, an outlet’s contact points suffer damage and eventually loosen, demonstrating an inability to hold a plug’s prongs. You’ll likely feel the lack of pressure as you push the cord into the outlet, and it might fall out of the outlet altogether.
Keep in mind that wear and tear damage won't only affect your outlet. Over time, the drywall, wood, and concrete around the outlet might also erode. Watch the condition of your home's structure surrounding each outlet to spot problems early.
An inexperienced installer might improperly install an outlet in several ways. For one, they may not install the outlet flush with the wall. Since the cover plate isn't strong enough to hold the outlet, repeated use can lead to the entire part loosening or falling back into the wall.
A second type of poor installation involves the wiring. If the installer fails to connect and ground the wiring properly, using the outlet can result in a buildup of heat or electrical arcs.
Can a loose plug in an outlet cause a fire? Any loose outlet presents the dangers of a potential fire, but there are higher fire and shock risks with a low-quality outlet. A cheaper outlet might seem like a bargain, but remember that the manufacturer most likely used less reliable parts that will break much sooner. You might have an outlet that sparks, won't hold the plug, or overheats quickly.
Instead, it’s best to work with a transparent and honest electrician. You should be able to examine any components the electrician installs in your home and research the equipment independently. If you like a specific brand or style, ask your electrician about it. Performing your due diligence ensures a result you can trust.
Are loose outlets dangerous if you don't use them? The answer is a solid yes, as electricity still runs to the outlet. That means overheating, surges, and other hazards remain a risk.
Thankfully, when you’re able to spot the traits of a loose outlet, such as the ones listed below, you can ask Brandon Electric to repair or replace it sooner:
How do I know if my outlet is unsafe? You'll notice that your outlet is loose right away when you push a plug into it. As mentioned earlier, the plug's prongs should encounter some force or pressure, which indicates that the outlet’s contact points are tightly gripping them. The prongs should not slide in easily.
You might also notice that the entire outlet has loosened or shifted. Loose fittings can result from old age, screw holes that have widened over time, or an improper installation. No matter what caused the outlet to become loose, you’ll want to avoid using the outlet. Turn off the breaker that immediately connects the energy flow to that outlet.
An outlet that remains loose will eventually expose its wiring. As the wiring overheats, you might notice a burning odor near the affected outlet. Feel the wall and outlet cover for warmth. If there is a notable amount of heat, turn off the power supply at that outlet before calling Brandon Electric for help.
Exposed wiring in a loose outlet won't contain the flow of electricity. Instead, energy will jump (or arc) from one loose connection to another. Those arcs can even jump through the contacts in the outlet. Someone who tries to use the outlet when an arc occurs can suffer a severe electric shock.
When plugging a device or appliance into a loose outlet, you'll notice changes in the equipment's operation. Phones and tablets might take longer to charge, and kitchen appliances might stop working briefly. If a surge occurs, the appliance might burn out through sudden overheating.
All of these issues share one underlying cause: a loose outlet. Worn contact points won't hold the prongs securely, and as the prongs shift, they will no longer touch the contact points. That leads to a loss of energy flow and raises the chance of an arc.
Property damage is just one consequence of using loose outlets in your home. Although there's a substantial cost involved in replacing those items, the risks to yourself and your family are greater.
In 2021, the U.S. Fire Administration attributed 24,200 home fires to loose outlets and other electrical hazards. Those electrical home fires caused 295 fatalities and an additional 900 injuries. The report calculated the financial losses from those 24,200 fires at $1.2 billion.
Since electrical arcs can jump to the contact points and spark from the outlet, standing near a loose outlet can cause harm regardless of whether a device is plugged into the outlet. Some minor sparking is common, but larger arcs are also potential.
An electrical shock can lead to immediate and long-lasting injuries. A shock of any size can cause burns and tissue damage. It can also cause muscle and nerve problems that might never heal and even damage multiple organs as it travels through the body. It's common for electrocution to cause heart, lung, and brain damage.
Unfortunately, this is a consequence too many people experience. An electrical arc coming from a loose outlet can ignite any flammable material nearby, be it carpeting, wood, or paper, and once started, an electrical fire can spread fast.
One recent residential electrical fire in Johnstown, PA, chased two residents from their home. Thankfully, no one suffered injuries in connection with the fire.
Similarly, a house fire near Valley Gardens in Canada resulted from poor electrical wiring. One person suffered minor injuries. Although the investigation is ongoing, the couple's home suffered significant damage.
In yet another recent example, an elderly couple lost their lives when faulty wiring led to a house fire. Although the couple called emergency services when they noticed smoke, the fire spread quickly. The rapid spread of the flames trapped the couple.
Appliances and electronics suffer damages to varying degrees when plugged into a loose outlet. Interrupted power can cause surges that damage a device’s internal components. Through long-term use of the loose outlet, that damage will accumulate. If a strong arc hits the device, you will likely lose it altogether, as the electrical wiring will overheat and burn out the equipment.
A loose outlet will force you to repair or replace your devices sooner than expected, whether through a sudden arc or a series of smaller arcs. Many manufacturers won't honor warranties when loose outlets or faulty wiring lead to the reported damage.
How do you secure a loose outlet? While it's never wise to attempt electrical repairs independently, following some best practices regarding when to schedule electrical services is wise.
Brandon Electric provides professional inspection services that cover every electrical component on your property. They will involve checking your electrical panel, wiring, outlets, light fixtures, and other connections to give you an accurate assessment of your electrical system's health.
In addition to a routine inspection, you can schedule an electrical checkup anytime your household uses energy differently. When you install a new major appliance, switch to a different energy source, or expand your household, an electrical system inspection will ensure your family still uses energy safely and efficiently.
If you notice burning, sparking, power drains, or any other signs of an electrical problem, get help immediately. A certified electrician practices safety in all aspects of the work. From protecting themselves against shocks to ensuring they leave your home with a system that processes energy safely, a certified electrician is the best person to perform repair work.
Brandon Electric can also assist with the installation of new equipment. When you install a dishwasher, take on a work-from-home job, or buy an electric vehicle, your home's power needs change. An electrician determines your power needs and tests your electrical panel for the proper capacity. When necessary, your electrician will update the panel to ensure it can safely handle the increased energy needs.
You should never ask any electrician to cut corners or use low-quality parts, as those savings will catch up to you quickly. Similarly, avoid working with an electrician known for using low-end parts. Even if they want to offer their customers low upfront costs, the shoddy workmanship will lead to frequent repairs and replacement parts. Due to the poor quality of cheap electrical parts, your home wastes more energy.
In addition to replacing loose outlets, you might need rewiring and more electrical services regularly. While predicting how long one outlet will last is difficult, you shouldn't expect to repair or replace your electrical system for decades. Depending on the age of your home, its maintenance and upkeep, and the quality of your parts, your system should have a lifetime of 25 to 70 years.
Whether you have a loose outlet or another electrical issue, leaving this work to professional electricians is safer and cost-friendly. Brandon Electric offers an unparalleled commitment to providing safe and high-quality work. Learn about our wiring and rewiring services, or contact us to schedule service today.
