If you have a bad electrical outlet, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Here are six reasons why:
1. To avoid a potential fire hazard: If an electrical outlet is damaged or defective, it can cause a fire.
2. To avoid electrocution: If an electrical outlet is damaged or
defective, it can cause an electric shock that could potentially be life-threatening.
3. To protect your home and family: Any electrical outlet that is not working properly puts your home and your loved ones at risk, which is why it’s essential to replace a bad electrical outlet as soon as possible.
4. To save money: A malfunctioning electrical outlet can cause your energy bills to go up, as well as wear and tear on your home’s electrical system. By replacing a bad electrical outlet, you can help keep your energy costs down.
5. To prolong the life of your appliances: If an electrical outlet is not working properly, it can cause your appliances to overheat or short-circuit. This can lead to premature breakdown or even fire.
6. To maintain your home’s value: If you ever plan on selling your home, potential buyers will be looking for any signs of electrical problems. By replacing a bad electrical outlet, you can help ensure that your home maintains its value.
If you have a bad electrical outlet, don’t delay in replacing it. Doing so can help keep your home safe and save you money in the long run. Contact OHM Electrical Contracting to evaluate and replace any bad outlets in your home or workplace.
Can one bad outlet affect others?
If an electrical outlet is damaged or defective, it can cause problems with the flow of electricity in your home. This can lead to other outlets not working properly, or even cause a power outage. That’s why it’s important to replace a bad electrical outlet as soon as possible.
How long do electrical outlets last?
Most electrical outlets will last for many years, but there are a few things that can shorten their lifespan. One is if they are constantly being used to power high-demand appliances, such as air conditioners or space heaters. Another is if they are located in an area of the home that experiences a lot of moisture, such as near a sink or in a basement. If you have any electrical outlets that seem to be going bad, it’s best to have them replaced before they cause any problems.
Is Your Outlet Really Bad?
Tripped GFCI
Before you replace an outlet first check if it’s a GFCI outlet that’s been tripped. GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupt. A GFCI outlet is an outlet that automatically shuts off when there’s a problem with power or current. To check if your GFCI has been tripped, simply press the “Test” button and then “Reset.” If the power doesn’t come back on, you may have to replace your electrical outlet.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If you are dealing with a tripped circuit breaker, this can be caused by any number of issues. Often it’s due to too much power demand being placed on the electrical system, such as with an appliance that has stopped working or gone into overdrive. In other cases, it could be due to issues with your wiring, or even a stray animal that has chewed through a wire. If you suspect any of these issues, it’s best to call an electrician to come and take a look. Contact OHM to get started.
Prevention tips:
1. Regularly inspect your electrical outlets for any signs of damage or wear, and replace faulty or aging outlets as needed.
2. Avoid plugging high-energy devices into outlets that may not be able to support them, such as air conditioners and space heaters. If you find yourself regularly using so much power that your circuit breakers trip, then you may need to upgrade your electrical panel in order to support your higher electrical usage.
3. Make sure that all electrical outlets in wet or damp areas, such as basements or bathrooms, are properly sealed and protected from moisture. In addition, any outlet that is in a kitchen, bathroom, outdoors, or anywhere else near water or in an area that might get wet, should be a GFCI outlet in order to help prevent accidental electrocution. In the US this is the law, but older homes, especially those built before 1971, may not be up to code in this regard.
4. If you have any wiring issues, be sure to call a professional electrician to handle them. This will help prevent potential problems down the road.
5. Finally, always keep safety in mind when dealing with electrical outlets. Unplug appliances, turn off power at the breaker box, and take any other necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
