Tag Archives: outlets

Why Would Plugs Fall Out of My Outlets?

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Loose Electrical OutletWe’re all so reliant on outlets these days. Whether we’re charging our phone, tablet, laptop or plugging in our favorite game consoles or lamps, we use the outlets in our homes and businesses every single day. As such, it can be quite frustrating when they’re not working properly.

One such example would be the process of a plug literally falling out of the outlet. Let’s say you’re charging your phone, and leave the area for a while, only to return to see the phone hasn’t charged and the plug is no longer in the outlet; once it’s happened more than once and you’ve ruled out a ghost playing tricks on you, you realize there are is an issue with the outlet. So what would cause plugs to drop out of your outlets (besides that mischievous ghost)?

Daily Wear and Tear and Defective Contact Points

If you’re like us, you probably use your “favorite” outlets each day. It’s not so much that you have a favorite, as much as a particular outlet is convenient for doing a certain job, and you start using it habitually. In this scenario, the daily wear and tear can add up and cause the outlet to be loose enough that it loses its grip and the plug slides out. If the metal in the outlets lose their sturdiness on electrical plugs, this could also cause it to fall out.

The Importance of Having Your Outlets Looked At

Sadly, a loose plug can cause sparks or electrical arcing, two things that are potential fire hazards. In addition, a loose outlet can cause damage to interior wiring, which could lead to a blown fuse or it could cause the circuit breaker to trip.

How an Electrician Will Help

A professional electrician can come and see what is bothering your loose outlet, and will isolate the problem. Next, he or she will can either fix the outlet if it’s salvageable, or rewire a new one.

If you’re in the Rifle, CO area and need a licensed electrician, contact Always on Electric today.

Reasons to Replace Outlet Receptacles

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Outlet Receptacles

Over the past few months, we’ve all had extra time to look around our homes or businesses and think about which improvement jobs need to be prioritized. Now, more than before, it’s essential for homeowners and business owners to have an ample amount of outlet receptacles, since we’re so reliant on the technology that requires outlets for charging or working purposes. As such, if you can’t remember the last time you’ve replaced the outlet receptacles in  your home or business, here are some telltale signs that it’s time.

The Outlets Feel Warm When You Use Them

Have you ever taken a phone charger out off the outlet and it felt hot? If so, it’s a scary feeling, and if it is happening often, it’s also a warning sign to replace your outlet receptacle. More often than not, the heat stems from outlets being worn out, though sometimes it might be caused by poor electrical wiring. Either, it’s best to further instigate if it becomes a common problem, especially if the screws holding the sockets in place are hot.

There are Breaches in the Outlets

If you see gaps, cracks and other openings in the outlet receptacle, it could lead to an accumulation of dust and possibly make the outlet a fire hazard. A build up of dust and other debris is bad news, and if your outlet is hot and has cracks or other crevices, then you know it’s time to do something about them.

You See Sparks

If you see sparks emanating from the outlet receptacle, it could indicate that the electrical wiring behind them has become outdated or is not able to withstand modern technical demands. A sparking outlet could lead to a fire breaking out, making it essential to have a professional look at your outlet receptacle.

If you’re in Rifle, CO area and are unsure about the outlet receptacles in your home or business, the electricians at Always on Electric are here to help. For more information, give us a call at 970.309.2616