Is there an outlet in your home that doesn’t work correctly? And maybe you've gotten used to avoiding it?
In this article, we’ll explain 3 common outlet issues and how to fix them, so you can fix the outlets in your home.
Some people solve the problem of a loose outlet by bending the prongs of their plugs out so they’ll stay in. This is dangerous! If you’re plugging cords into outlets and they’re falling out, it means the pins in your outlet that hold the plug in are loose.
And loose pins mean that there is space between the prongs of the plug and the actual pins. This space could cause arcing and excess heat, which is a fire hazard. The safest thing to do is replace these outlets. It’s well worth it to take care of the problem and replace the outlet sooner than later.
Are your breakers tripping when you use hair dryers, vacuums or other household appliances? Overloading an outlet is a common issue. With all the electronics a standard household relies on, outlets need to have the functionality to match. Here are things to check at this stage:
If you’re still having issues, you may need the help of a licensed electrician.
Are you constantly searching for open outlets to charge your phone or devices? When it comes to charging all the devices in a typical home, sometimes there’s just not enough room. So the best solution is to add more plug space with a USB outlet.
There are a few options for this type of outlet, some with regular plugs, and some with multiple USB ports. Replacing a standard outlet with a USB outlet is something the motivated DIY-er can do themselves.
These suggestions should take care of most problems. But if you’ve tried the options above, and you’re still having issues, it's a good idea to call an electrician to inspect your electrical system.
If you don't already have an electrician you trust, Any Hour Services would be happy to help. One of our electricians can answer your questions and help you find a solution that works best for you. You can give us a call or schedule an appointment online.
