When to Replace Electrical Outlets

Do you see sparks when you plug an appliance into an electrical outlet? Do the lights flicker in your home?

If so, you may want to call one of our electrical contractors as soon as possible. While electrical outlets are handy when you need to plug things in, they eventually need to be replaced.

Fortunately, our local electricians are able to replace electrical outlets so your home is safe. Continue reading to learn the signs you should replace electrical outlets.

Replace Your Electrical Outlets When

1.) Outlet Sparks When You Plug In

Don’t ignore an electrical outlet that sparks whenever you try to plug something in. This is a fire hazard that needs to be taken seriously before it causes an electrical fire. A sparking electrical outlet could be a sign that there’s a short circuit or that the outlet is simply getting too old. Be sure to let your electrician know if your home has water damage as this can also cause outlets to spark.

2.) Lights Flicker

You might be overloading the circuit breaker if you notice the lights flicker immediately after plugging something into the outlet. If this is the case, your home’s electrical system isn’t able to keep up with the energy demands of your household, causing the lights to flicker. Overloaded circuit breakers are common after installing new major appliances.

As a safety measure, your home’s circuit breaker is designed to shut off when the demand for electricity exceeds its safety parameters. When the circuit breaker is quickly reaching maximum capacity, it can cause the lights to flicker. Since this is a fire safety issue, you’ll want to call an electrician as soon as possible.

3.) Outlet Covers are Cracked

While cracked outlet covers may seem like just a cosmetic issue, they serve a function by keep dirt, dust, and other debris out of the outlet. If you notice cracking along the outlet covers, call a licensed electrician to inspect the outlet.The contractor may determine that you’ll need to replace electrical outlets entirely if dust caused damage to the electrical system.

4.) Outlets Aren’t Grounded

A grounded electrical outlet will have three prongs. It’s important that electrical outlets be grounded. Otherwise you could risk getting a life-threatening electric shock. A three-pronged outlet prevents electrical shocks from appliances encased in metal.

For example, a three-pronged outlet protects you if a loose wire touches the metal case, so that the electricity flows straight into the ground as opposed to electrifying the metal surfaces of your refrigerator. Two-pronged electrical outlets are outdated and should be replaced for safety reasons as soon as possible.

5.) You Have Small Children

Children have been known to stick sharp objects into electrical outlets, which is why it’s always a good idea to install childproof outlets. A tamper resistant outlet is designed to prevent an item from being stuck into only one of the prong holes. However, if you were to plug in an appliance, you won’t be met with the same resistance because equal force would be applied by all prongs.Childproof outlets only cost a few pennies more than other outlets, making them an affordable choice for growing families.

Our electricians in Michigan & Florida are dedicated to helping homeowners improve the safety of their homes. If you are interested in learning more about our childproof outlets or replacing outlets, call Whitney Services at (844) 909-7767.