An electrical system wouldn’t be much without high-functioning electrical outlets. For this reason, it’s wise to look after the health and functionality of your electrical outlets at all times.
The question is: how do you do this? The answer: by learning about the most common electrical outlet problems, and being cognizant of them.
Are you curious as to what the most common electrical outlet problems are in Central Florida? This blog post has you covered.
Loose Receivers
Ideally, when you plug something into your outlets, it will plug in snugly. While a little lateral movement isn’t necessarily a big deal, the plugs should be more or less secured in one spot. If your plugs shift around a great deal every time you plug them into a specific outlet, the receivers on that outlet are probably too loose.
Loose receivers aren’t a huge problem as far as electric capabilities and safety are concerned. However, if they’re causing plugs to fall out and lose power with ease, they should probably be replaced. If you need help installing new outlets, a licensed electrician can help you to get the job done.
Deteriorated Wiring
One of the most common problems associated with electrical outlets is deteriorated wiring. Generally, wiring deteriorates slowly over time, causing not only functional problems, but becoming a safety hazard as well.
Some signs of deteriorated wiring are inconsistent power flow, no power flow, and smoke. If you believe that your wiring is deteriorated, it’s highly recommended that you have it replaced as soon as possible. Any reputable electrician can get the job done for you with ease.
Sparking
Every once in a while, when you plug something into your outlets, you will notice a spark. In most cases, this is not a big deal. Sparking every once in a while is entirely normal.
However, if you notice a specific outlet sparking each and every time something is plugged into it, it has encountered a problem of some kind. Generally, when this is happening, it’s because your outlets are suffering from faulty wiring. When this is the case, your outlets can become dangerous.
Be aware, however, that specific appliances can cause outlets to spark. If your outlets are sparking each and every time a specific appliance is being plugged in, the appliance itself could be the problem.
Extreme Heat
Never, under any circumstances, should your outlets feel hot. If they do, there is something wrong with either them, or the appliances that are plugged into them.
If you encounter a hot outlet, you should first unplug the appliance. Wait for it to cool down, then try inserting a different appliance. Is the outlet still hot? If so, the outlet itself is the problem. If not, the appliance is likely the problem.
Outlets become hot due to electric overloads. In some cases, the home’s electrical system will cause electric overload. In other cases, large appliances will cause electric overload.
If you’re dealing with electrical system overloads, in particular, it’s highly recommended that you utilize the services of a licensed electrician. Regardless of what’s causing electrical overloads in your home, your electrician will be able to help you rectify the problem.
Looking for a Licensed Electrician in Central Florida?
Have you encountered a problem with your home’s electrical outlets? In need of a licensed electrician? If so, and if you’re looking for an electrician in Central Florida specifically, All American Air & Electric is the company to call.
Over the years, our team of highly-skilled electricians have fixed a wide variety of electrical outlet problems. Regardless of the nature of your problem, we can help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
It’s good that you mentioned how outlets become hot when electrical systems become overloaded and that you should rely on a professional to handle the problem. Ever since my wife and I plugged our new lamp into an outlet in our living room, we have been noticing that it becomes too hot to touch without hurting our hands. Maybe we should find an electrician that can fix the problem in order to keep our home safe.