How to Fix Loose Electrical Receptacles

Not only are loose receptacles aggravating, but they can also seriously compromise the safety of your Melbourne, Florida home. Some may fail to recognize the danger behind a loose receptacle; a plug falling out of the wall seems minor. However, whether it’s your phone charger or an appliance in the kitchen, it’s always an inconvenience and has the potential to lead to a bigger issue! To remedy this nuisance, the receptacle will have to be replaced.

Thankfully, replacing the receptacle can be a fairly easy DYI project. There are some instances when you would want to call a licensed electrician like South Brevard Electric to replace the receptacle - take a look at the tips below and we’ll review what signs to keep an eye out for when changing the receptacle. When in doubt, give our team of qualified professionals a shout.

Are plugs falling out of the receptacles (a.k.a. outlets) in your home or business?

When a plug just won’t stay in an electrical receptacle, it can be due to a number of reasons, so you will have to do some investigating. The issue could be the receptacle or the prongs. Many times, damaged contact points are the main culprit. The contact points can wear out over time, or there could also be sparks and heat that are causing damage. This is why it is important to replace the receptacle fully, and also inspect the area and look for signs of damage or other electrical safety problems like burnt wires.

Electrical Receptacle Replacement

• Turn off the power – Ensure the power is totally shut off on the main circuit panel. The only way to be sure the power is totally shut off is by checking it with a voltage tester.
• Unscrew the faceplate and examine – Upon unscrewing the faceplate, you will be able to see if the issue was with the plug or it the faceplate wasn’t secure. You can try to move the plug; if it stays securely, you can simply screw the faceplate on firmly to stop it from moving.
• Are the plugs supported? – Check the screws that are holding the plug, this may be the issue if it was not the faceplate. If you see that the screws are not in all the way, you’ll need to screw them in. Keep inspecting, if you notice that the screws are in all of the way but just aren’t supporting the plug, it will need to be secured with receptacle shims. You can find these at your local hardware store.

A loose receptacle can range from to minor to disaster, so it's important to call us if you notice any signs of a bigger problem. If you notice any scorch marks or excessive heat, it’s a sign unsafe wiring, which threatens the safety of your home or business.

Frayed wires are another issue to look out for, frayed wires behind an receptacle can be the result of heat or could just be from aging, give us a call to come take a look and replace the wiring.

Lastly, if you notice and broken switch plates or receptacle covers, replace these immediately, they ensure the wires inside are secure. If you ever feel uncomfortable, unsure, or feel there are further issues with the receptacle or wiring in your Melbourne, FL, home or business contact us today! We look forward to working with you.