When to Replace Electrical Outlets? What to Look Out for?
Electrical outlets are handy when we need to charge our phones, watch television, use a microwave, and iron our clothes. But through time, they wear down and become damaged, eventually posing a risk to your home and your family. Fortunately, your local electricians have the expertise needed to safely replace your worn out electrical outlets. When you see the signs below, know that it’s time to call and ask an electrician to replace your electrical outlets.
Sparks appear in your electrical outlet’s slits when you try to plug something in
This is something you cannot simply shake off and ignore. A sparking outlet can trigger an electrical fire. The sparks would indicate that the electric wires behind the outlet have been short-circuited or that the outlet and its slits already have decreasing resistance to electricity because of old age. Water leaking unto the outlet may be also causing your outlet to spark, so let your electrician know if you suspect water damage to be the reason behind the sparks.
Your lights start flickering on and off when you plug something in
One or more of the appliances you have plugged into an outlet could be responsible for the circuit breaker experiencing an overload. The overload means that your home’s electrical system is no longer able to cope with your household’s energy needs. A circuit overload usually happens after you buy and plug in new appliances, especially those that are energy-intensive. The flickering of lights indicates that your household’s electric consumption is about to reach the circuit breaker ’s maximum capacity. The circuit breaker will automatically shut down your house’s energy if the electricity demand exceeds the threshold of safety it is designed to maintain. Since circuit overload is a common issue relating to electrical outlets and the sheer electricity demand of your house, an electrician might be able to help you deal with the matter.
There are cracks on the outlet’s covers
Although these cracks could appear as nothing more than an eyesore, they will eventually let dust, dirt, moisture, and debris into the outlet’s slits, which could cause short-circuiting, sparks, or worse, a fire. An outlet’s cover is designed to keep these threats out. If you see cracks on your outlet’s covers, call a licensed electrician immediately so that they can inspect the outlet and determine if you will need to replace your electrical outlet.
Your outlets only have two prongs
Two-pronged outlets have already largely been replaced by three-pronged outlets, seeing as it has been found that the former may expose you and your loved ones to a potential life-threatening shot. This is particularly true when you plug in appliances covered in metal, such as a refrigerator or a microwave oven. Unlike two-pronged outlets, three-pronged outlets were invented to help electricity flow safely into the ground instead of passing towards the metal casing of the appliance you are holding, preventing you from getting electrocuted. Thus, three-pronged outlets are said to be “grounded.” Any outdated two-pronged outlets that are still in your house must go!
You have or will be having small children in your house
Curiosity can kill the cat. It can also kill curious children who fancy sticking objects into electrical outlets. What’s worse is that it could be a metal fork, a penny, or a part of an electric toy that they can “plug” in. Call an electrician to install childproof outlets for you. These kinds of outlets are designed against being tampered by curious kids by preventing any items from being stuck into the outlet’s slits. These types of outlets will continue to work when you plug in an appliance or gadget. Childproof outlets are very affordable and well worth the safety it provides the children who might be staying in your home.
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affordable. Get in touch today to see how we can help.







