Quite often, we will meet a customer who has a home full of outlets in which one or more of the sockets fails to grasp appliance prongs. This can be an alarming situation, not only due to the frustration of non-working appliances but also because they can cause a short in the wiring.

The problem

Some homeowners will bend the prongs of their appliances to make it work. This is not only the incorrect response but can also damage the appliance cords. Other customers push something up against the plug while it is in the outlet to ‘hold’ it in place. We’ve already mentioned that it can cause a short. Others will use an extension cord connecting the appliance to an outlet further away.

The real problem is that the connectors in the outlet have worn out. Worn connectors are often found in older homes and with outlets that come under quite a lot of repetitive use. For example, the outlet that has a table lamp will probably not wear out as fast as an outlet that is repeatedly used to plug in the vacuum. 

The options

The handy homeowner can go down to the Big Box store, purchase outlets, remove the worn-out outlets, and replace his own. We do not necessarily recommend this for a couple of reasons (fire, electrical shock, insurance denial in the event of a later claim). Still, it will save a handy homeowner a few dollars.

What we recommend is that the homeowner has these replaced by an electrician. In the process of having these replaced, a homeowner has a variety of choices that were not available at the time the outlets were installed initially.  

Here are some of the types of outlets that should be considered:

• Smart outlet. A Smart outlet allows you to control the power and appliances connected to the outlet from anywhere using a cellphone app. This is incredibly handy for people who spend time away from home but want control over electrical appliances while they’re away. The downside is that they currently require a home hub to work.

• A GFCI. We love GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets because they have saved thousands of people from being shocked or electrocuted. For people who have children or for outlets that are near a water source, a GFCI is a must-have item. They cut power to the outlet during a power anomaly such as that produced during a shock. Even better, they only need to be installed in the first outlet in the circuit to protect the whole circuit.

• USB outlets. These offer a plug for a USB charging cord, and given the widespread use of phones, we’re surprised that more places don’t have them. A homeowner can plug in the phone and still use the outlet for other cords. 

• An AFCI outlet. AFCI stands for arc fault circuit interrupter, which essentially means that these prevent arcing, that dangerous leap of electricity inside the wall. These are terrific for areas where vulnerable people sleep because they prevent electrical fires that some populations may not be readily able to escape. These, like GFCIs, protect the whole line if they’re installed in the first outlet in the circuit.

• 20A outlet. A 20 amp outlet is one that offers 20 amps of power. These are the outlets that are used for heavy draw appliances such as the dryer, stove, or power tools.

• Switch outlet. A switched outlet allows a homeowner to control the power to a device right at the outlet. Not all appliances come with an on/off switch; others have a switch that is inconveniently located, such as overhead lighting in garages. These usually offer one plug and the switch on the receptacle. 

If the homeowner has any two-prong outlets, non-working outlets, or other electrical issues, the day the electrician comes to replace outlets with bad connectors is a great time to address these other issues. While the homeowner will spend a little more money than he would if he replaced the outlets himself, it may be well worth his money to call an electrician. A professional electrician can ensure the new electrical outlets are safe and will last for years.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!