5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Power Outlets

Posted on 12 March 2018

Are your power outlets getting old? Do you have the same receptacles that you’ve had since the day you moved into your home? Whether you’re in a house or an apartment, you need to keep a close eye on your power outlets.

A faulty or outdated power outlet can be extremely dangerous and ineffective for use. When using a faulty power outlet, you may be subject to electrical fire or even electrocution. You should be aware of the 5 major signs that it’s time to get electrical installation Singapore and replace the power outlets in your home. Staying knowledgeable can help you stay safe when using all of your electrical devices and appliances.

Here are the 5 signs it’s time to replace your power outlets.

1. The Outlet is Loose

The receptacle itself may be coming loose from the wall. If the entire outlet panel is wobbly or loose, do not use it. It can be very dangerous to attempt to use a loosened outlet.

Sometimes, when the panel comes out, you can see the electrical wiring behind it. Being exposed to raw circuits can cause short circuiting or blown fuses. This can overload your electrical components and cause a power outage, or worse, an electrical fire.

2. Your Receptacle is Ungrounded

An ungrounded receptacle is an extremely dangerous component as well. How can you tell whether your outlet is grounded or ungrounded? The answer is simple: A grounded outlet has a three-pronged shape, while ungrounded ones have two prongs. Keep in mind that not ALL three-pronged outlets are grounded, but if they were installed by the electrician, they are guaranteed to be.

If you have any two-pronged outlets in your home, you should try to replace them with grounded outlets as soon as possible. Ungrounded outlets are at risk for shocking you or damaging your appliances due to an unstable current.

3. Non Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Newer receptacles are completely tamper-resistant. Old ones are no longer in compliance with certain codes that require these devices to be put in place. You don’t need a newer home in order to be able to replace your outlets; just make sure that they are not tamper-resistant.

Children and other individuals are always at risk for playing near outlets, which can be a great electrical devastation if they are tampered with or played with the wrong way. Remind your children that an outlet is not a toy, and that they can be extremely dangerous if they are fooled around with.

4. Plugs are Falling Out

When you plug in your device and it keeps falling out, this is a sure-fire sign that you are in need of a replacement. You may have experienced this inconvenience before, but if you ignore it for too long, then you’ll soon find out that it’s more than just an inconvenience.

This implies that your outlet has a loose connection to the circuits behind it, which poses a threat for shock or fire. This electrical hazard should be addressed as quickly and as seriously as possible. It’s common for your outlets to wear out over time, and eventually it will become more difficult to keep things plugged in. And when that time comes, you should replace your outlets to maintain good electrical safety.

5. Your Outlets are Cracked or Damaged

Cracked, damaged, and discolored outlets are extremely dangerous. If you are teaching your children not to play with outlets, you should also teach them never to touch or use an outlet if it shows signs of wear and tear.

Discolored outlets are an indication that the circuits are overheating, meaning there is some sort of electrical fault in your home. Don’t risk starting a dangerous fire. Instead, you should contact your electrician right away and plan to replace your outlet receptacles as soon as possible.

Cracks and breaks are just as dangerous. This poses the possibility of exposing circuits and wires, which are hazardous to the home and the body. Be sure to get your outlets replaced immediately if something doesn’t look quite right.

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