The Importance of Replacing Faulty Outlets and Switches

We use electrical outlets every day, but many of us don’t stop to inspect them to ensure they don’t need to be replaced. Thankfully, we don’t need to do it often, but replacing faulty outlets should never be neglected. This post will cover the top reasons you need to replace them and give you a few signs that your outlets need replacement:

• Fires: The number one reason to replace faulty outlets is that they can cause a fire. A sparking outlet can cause an electrical arc that can lead to a house fire. The best way to prevent a fire is to replace your old outlets as soon as possible.
• Appliance damage: Today’s appliances require more electricity than ones from just a few decades ago. If your high-end TVs, computers or other electronics are connected to aging outlets, they might not work—or worse, they could become damaged.
• Appearance: One of the reasons to replace outlets is that old outlet covers look dated and could bring down a room’s overall aesthetic. Even though they’re small, changing those outlets and covers can make a big difference in a room’s look.

Signs you need to replace your outlets

Now you know the top reasons to replace outlets, but do you know when an outlet needs to be replaced? Here are five indicators:

• Sparking: Stop what you’re doing and call an electrician if you ever see an outlet spark. Electrical fires often start with a sparking outlet. This problem won’t go away on its own, so that faulty outlet will need to be replaced right away.
• Hot to the touch: Another sign that your outlet could lead to a fire is if it’s hot to the touch. Again, a hot outlet could start a fire very quickly, even if nothing is plugged into it. Replacement is the only way to fix a hot outlet.
• Flickering lights: Your lights might flicker for several reasons, but one of the main causes is an old outlet that’s no longer able to meet your electrical demands. Since technology will only require more and more power as years go on, replace your outlets today.
• Cracked or worn covers: Like many components in your home, your outlet covers will likely see some wear and tear over the years. Instead of just turning a blind eye to those worn-out covers, just replace them. New outlets with new covers will look great and be much safer.
• During renovations: If you’re making any home improvement that requires electrical work, ask your contractor or electrician about replacing the outlets. They may already be on it, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

Don’t replace outlets by yourself

It’s important to note that replacing faulty outlets isn’t a DIY chore. One small mistake during replacement could lead to a nasty electrical shock or worse. Instead, call our professionals at Wilkinson Electric Inc. to tackle it. We offer a wide variety of residential electrical services to ensure your home is always safe and up to date.

Categorised in: Electric Contractor

This post was written by Writer