Safety
Whether you own a tiny abode or a much larger property, you’d know the significance of your home’s outlets. This crucial electrical system component provides a convenient means of accessing electrical power to operate various appliances and devices. Proper outlet installation also ensures that your home’s system distributes the energy safely and efficiently.
However, like other things, their daily exposure to physical wear can make your outlets inefficient, especially if you own an old home. For this crucial reason, you must get an upgrade.
If you want to power a safer and more efficient home, this article will enumerate the red flags to get an upgrade and why you should do it immediately.
1. Outlets Feel Hot to the Touch
You may not realize it, but heating outlets can be hazardous if you don’t address it immediately. If you notice that electrical outlets are hot when you touch them, it indicates a wiring problem. This issue happens because of loose or damaged wiring or if you have worn wires hidden behind the walls. You should also schedule a new outlet installation immediately because this problem can start an electrical fire.
2. Your Outlets Only Have Two-Prongs
If your electrical outlets only have two prongs instead of three, you should replace them immediately. Two-prong outlets don’t have a grounding wire and can cause dangerous electrical shocks or damage expensive electronics. Surge protectors won’t help if you don’t ground your outlets. You should also know that changing the outlets alone isn’t enough; you must rewire your electrical panel to add grounding to ensure the outlets are safe.
3. Your Outlets Experience Discoloration from Heat
If you notice discoloration on the outlet or the wall around it, it indicates a high risk that the outlet is malfunctioning and could be damaged, or the contractor didn’t install it correctly. Short circuits can cause scorch marks and melt the plastic around the outlet, creating a fire hazard. You must also know never to use a discolored outlet. Instead, cut power and let an electrician inspect and fix it immediately.
4. You See a Spark, Smoke, or Smell Something Burning When You Plug an Appliance
If you notice any signs, you should let a professional inspect and install a new one immediately because there may be a short circuit or water exposure. You should also worry about sizzling or popping sounds because it could cause a fire. You can prevent mishaps by switching off the power to the panel outlet and letting a professional assess it immediately.
5. You Insert a Plug, and It Falls Out
When an outlet’s slots aren’t tight enough, and the plugs disconnect from any connected device, you may have worn-out contacts inside. While it may seem insignificant, it can lead to missed or loose connections that cause electrical arcing. Then, it will put you at a high risk of experiencing house fires. If you observe that the plugs fall out of the outlet frequently, you must replace them immediately.
6. Your GFCI Outlets Don’t Trip When You Test Them
If Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) outlets don’t trip when you press the TEST button, you must replace them. If they malfunction, but the RESET button doesn’t restore power, you must change them. GFCIs only last about ten years; you must replace them with new ones for safety. Also, test the outlets monthly to ensure they function correctly.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Your Outlets?
Upgrading outlets can save space, increase safety, and offer convenient operation with new technology like USB, recessed pop-out, and Wi-Fi outlets.
Final Thoughts
Outdated outlets can pose significant safety hazards to your home, primarily if the previous contractor didn’t ensure proper installation or if you have an old house. You can protect yourself and other residents from costly dangers by observing the warning signs and contacting a professional electrician.
If your house needs new outlet installation in Estero, FL, contact Coup Electric Co.! We provide professional electrical services to help homeowners enjoy safe and energy-efficient properties. Hire us now to see how we can meet your electrical needs!
