How to Fix That One Annoying Loose Outlet That's Driving You Crazy Without Calling an Electrician
Having a loose electrical outlet in your home can be extremely frustrating. That occasional spark when you plug something in, or the outlet that stops working when you barely touch it is not only annoying but potentially dangerous. Luckily, in most cases this is an easy fix that you can tackle yourself without having to call an electrician.
Assessing the Problem
The first step is to determine exactly why the outlet is loose. Here are some of the most common reasons an outlet can become loose:
- The screws that hold the outlet in place have become loose over time from repeated plugging and unplugging. This is often the simplest fix.
- The wires connected to the outlet have become detached or damaged, preventing a solid connection. This may require reconnecting or replacing the wires.
- The wall box the outlet is installed in is damaged or worn, causing the outlet to not sit flush and tight to the wall. The box may need replacing.
- There is an issue with the home's wiring related to that outlet. This requires an electrician's expertise.
Before doing any work, turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet so there is no power flowing to it. Then, unplug everything and remove the cover plate so you can inspect the outlet.
Tightening Loose Screws
If the outlet simply seems loose in the wall box, tightening the screws is often all that's needed. Use a screwdriver to tighten the two screws on the sides of the outlet that hold it in place. Tighten them snugly, but be careful not to overtighten.
This should press the outlet flush to the wall and create a tighter electrical connection. Carefully plug something in and turn the power back on to test that the connection is solid. The outlet should no longer spark or feel loose when inserting a plug.
Reconnecting Wires
If the screws are tight but the outlet still seems loose, the problem may be disconnected wires. With the power off, remove the outlet from the wall box so you can inspect the wiring.
The wires should be securely wrapped around the screws on the sides of the outlet. If they are loose or disconnected, wrap them clockwise around the screws and tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
If the wires are damaged, they will need to be replaced. Turn the power off at the main breaker, then connect new wires to the existing wires in the box by joining them together with wire nuts. Wrap the ends around the outlet screws and reinstall the outlet.
Replacing the Wall Box
Sometimes the box itself can be worn out or damaged, causing the outlet to not sit flush. With the power off, remove the outlet and inspect the box. If it is cracked or does not hold the outlet tightly, the box needs to be replaced.
Turn the power off at the main breaker. Remove the existing box and install a new electrical box in its place. Feed the outlet wires into the box and screw the outlet in tightly. Then turn the power back on and test that the outlet is now secure.
When to Call an Electrician
If tightening the screws, reconnecting wires and replacing the box does not resolve the issue, there may be a problem with the home's wiring that requires an electrician.
Some signs you need professional electrical help include:
- The outlet or switch gets extremely hot.
- You receive electric shocks from the outlet.
- The outlet has exposed wires.
- There are burn marks or scorching around the outlet.
Loose outlets can quickly become a fire hazard. If you cannot determine the cause of the issue or do not feel comfortable doing electrical repairs yourself, call a licensed electrician right away.
With the proper precautions and some DIY troubleshooting, you can often resolve a loose electrical outlet yourself. But if the outlet presents any safety risks that you cannot fix, never hesitate to call in an expert.