It’s a tale as old as time. You approach one of your trusty outlets to plug in the vacuum or laptop charger. When you insert the plug into the outlet, you notice the plate wiggles or the outlet moves a bit. Still, you plug in your appliance and device without overthinking it.
But are loose outlets dangerous? Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s top electricians in Stroud, OK, understand that information protects our customers. We’ll answer this question below to help you determine what steps to take next.
Do You Have a Loose Electrical Outlet in Your Stroud Home or Business?
How do you know for sure that your outlet has loosened? Go back to the outlet in question. Don’t touch it without practicing basic electrical outlet safety:
- Turn off the circuit connected to that outlet.
- Only touch the plate area to see if it wiggles.
- If it wiggles, avoid using it to prevent potential electrical outlet hazards.
Even a loose plate could mean that the whole outlet has become displaced in some way. Are loose outlets dangerous? They sure are, but you should treat every electrical oddity as a risk until an electrician tells you otherwise.
What Makes Outlets Loosen Up?
Outlet wiring issues such as loosening typically develop because of wear and tear. Anything you frequently use will gradually incur damage over time. Electrical outlets and other components are no exception.
However, some outlets loosen for other reasons. Places like Stroud, Oklahoma, become muggy during spring and summer. The weather increases household humidity, which affects the integrity of wires, outlets, and switches.
Moisture corrodes metals, such as the materials holding your outlets in place. Your outlets can also loosen if you or other household occupants treat them roughly. For example, someone might habitually yank cords out of the outlets rather than gently tugging them until they are free.
These repetitive stressors loosen the outlets and plates from their connectors. You might install a dehumidifier to manage indoor moisture levels and treat your cords or outlets more carefully.
Are Loose Outlets Dangerous, or Can You Keep Using Them?
Now, let’s get to the primary question. Are loose outlets dangerous? Should you keep plugging appliances and devices into them?
Yes, loose outlets are incredibly dangerous, so you shouldn’t use them to practice electrical fire safety. This issue introduces two major concerns to your home: loose outlet fire risk and shock hazard. Each can have equally devastating consequences.
Loose outlets can spark fires because the electrical current may arc with nothing plugged in. An arc occurs when an electrical current jumps from one conductive point to another. In this case, the conductive destination isn’t an appropriate component, which enables sparks to fly and ignite on whatever surface they land.
A loose outlet shock hazard develops when the electrical circuit is not properly grounded. You have no way of knowing whether the outlet wires are still firmly connected when the outlet has loosened, so you should keep your distance from that outlet until an electrician fixes it.
What can you do in the meantime?
- Cut the power supply to that area of the building by flipping the appropriate breaker switch.
- If you need power in that area, temporarily cut it and put a plastic or rubber outlet cover over it. This keeps the outlet more secure and controlled.
- Stay away from the outlet until the electrician arrives. Don’t use it, and warn others.
Are loose outlets dangerous? Yes, but you can mitigate the hazards by following the advice above and immediately contacting your Stroud electrician.
How an Electrician Might Fix Your Loose Outlet in Stroud, OK
Now, let’s explore how electricians go about fixing loose outlets. Most loose outlet repair services get straight to the point:
- First, your electrician cuts the power supply at the breaker box. This is Electrical Safety 101.
- Next, they’ll remove the plate covering the outlet.
- They thoroughly inspect the outlet for more complicated concerns, like corroded or loose wires. If they discover these issues, they’ll fix them.
- Many loose outlets just need their screws tightened. Your electrician will adjust them to secure the outlet before replacing the plate.
- Last but not least, the electrician returns electricity and tests the outlet for security and safe connection.
Call Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric for Electrical Services in Stroud, Oklahoma
Are loose outlets dangerous? Now that you know the answer contact Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric about adjusting your outlets in Stroud, Oklahoma. Our team also works with heating and cooling systems, so we have no trouble understanding HVAC electrical requirements.
