We've all been there - you have that one outlet in your house that just never seems to work properly. No matter what you plug into it, the power is weak, devices turn off unexpectedly, or it makes weird noises. You've replaced surge protectors, checked the wiring, and nothing seems to help. When you call an electrician, they take a quick look, say everything is fine, and charge you a hefty service fee. What gives?
Why Your Troublesome Outlet Is Being Difficult
There are a few common reasons why you may have an outlet in your home that is temperamental:
Loose Wiring
Over time, vibrations and movement in the walls can cause the wiring connected to the outlet to become loose. This interrupts the flow of electricity and can cause power to cut in and out.
Faulty Wiring
If the outlet was not properly wired during installation, it can cause issues down the line. Common wiring problems include loose connections, crossed wires, overloaded circuits, or incorrect wire gauge used.
Dirty/Corroded Connections
Outlets that are located in damp areas of your home like basements or garages can accumulate dirt, dust, and corrosion over time. This buildup interrupts the electrical current.
Old/Damaged
Outlets do wear out over decades of use. If you have an outlet that is over 20 years old, it may simply not work well due to internal components becoming damaged.
Diagnosing the Issue
Before you can fix that pesky outlet, you need to figure out what's causing the problem. Here are some steps you can take:
Plug In a Tester
Use an outlet tester to see if the outlet is improperly wired. This will indicate if the hot and neutral wires are reversed, the ground is faulty, etc.
Check for Loose Wires
Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet before removing the cover plate. Inspect the wires connected to the outlet for any loose screws or damaged insulation.
Look for Signs of Overheating
Discoloration, scorch marks, or a burning smell are indications your outlet has overheated from a wiring issue or overload.
Test With a Multimeter
Use a multimeter to check the voltage, resistance, and current flow. It can detect abnormalities.
Consider Hiring an Electrician
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, hire a licensed electrician to diagnose the root cause. They have the proper tools and testing equipment.
Fixing a Troublesome Outlet
Once you've determined the cause of your problematic outlet, here are some tips to finally get it working properly:
Tighten Loose Connections
If the issue is due to loose wiring, turn off the power and use a screwdriver to tighten all screws securing the wires to the outlet.
Replace Old/Damaged Wiring
For faulty or degraded wiring, it needs to be replaced. Turn off power and replace old wires with new 12 or 14 gauge electrical wiring.
Clean off Corrosion
Use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub away any built-up grime on the outlet contacts and wires. Be gentle and avoid damaging the components.
Install a GFCI Outlet
For outlets near water sources, replace it with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet which will shut off power in unsafe conditions.
Upgrade the Circuit Breaker
If the circuit is overloaded, install a higher amp circuit breaker to handle the level of electricity needed.
Replace the Entire Outlet
If an outlet is excessively old or damaged, replacement is the best option. Install a spec-grade, tamper-resistant outlet for best performance.
Call an Electrician for Major Issues
Some wiring problems like knob and tube wiring are best left to the pros. They have the expertise to safely rewire your home's electrical system.
Preventing Future Electrical Outlet Issues
To avoid more outlets malfunctioning in the long-run, here are some tips:
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Use outlet covers in harsh environments to protect from dirt and moisture
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Don't overload outlets with too many high-wattage appliances
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Install more outlets around the house to spread out electrical demand
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Periodically check outlets for heat and loose connections
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Consider having an electrician inspect your home's wiring every 5-10 years
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Upgrade to tamper-resistant outlets which shut power off if an object is inserted
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Use surge protector power strips to protect against power spikes
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Ensure outlets near water sources are replaced with GFCI outlets
So there you have it - a few troubleshooting tips to diagnose that one problematic outlet in your home and techniques to finally get it working properly. With some diligent inspection and replacement of worn components, you can save the headache and expense of another useless electrician visit.