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Do You Need New Electrical Outlets?

Apr 19, 2021

Plugged Into The Outlet — Richmond, VA — Beckstoffer Welsh Inc.

Outlets are a necessary part of your home. Without them, you wouldn't be able to access electricity to use most of your devices.

However, even the best outlets do not last forever.

Sometimes outlets experience problems and stop working; they can even pose a fire risk to your home.

For these reasons, it's important to know the warning signs that you need an electrical outlet replacement so that you can spot and fix problems before they have a chance to put your home at risk.

Your Outlets Are Outdated

You can easily tell if your outlets need an update just by looking at them.

Do your outlets feature only two prongs? If so, they are out of date and old-fashioned.

In the United States, homes have been advised to upgrade to three-prong outlets, so if all of your outlets don't have three-prong openings, you need to make a switch.

Your Outlets Are Discolored

Your outlets and the walls that surround them should be the color you painted them.

If there is any other kind of color present, especially if the color resembles a burn or scorch mark, your outlet could be dangerous.

Burn marks typically indicate that an electrical outlet has shorted out or sparked, usually due to an outlet overload or to poor wiring in general. Don't take chances either way.

Have the outlet inspected to determine what caused the marks and then fix the underlying problem and replace the outlet.

Your Outlets Can't Hold a Plug

Outlets exist in order to hold a plug and supply power to the connected device.

Sometimes, though, outlets can't do that simple job because of loose springs inside the outlet or other problems.

Outlets that are worn in this way are prone to sparking and can also pose an electrocution risk.

If your electrical outlets can't hold a plug, discontinue use of the outlets and have them replaced as soon as possible.

Your Outlets Have Damaged Plates

If the outlets in your home have damaged plates, you might not think the damage is a big deal. Other than being unattractive, many people think damaged plates simply signal damage to the plate itself.

While outer damage is sometimes just that, this damage can also signify that the plate and the wiring behind it damaged or compromised.

Cracked or damaged plates can be indicators that you should have the related wiring examined to make sure it's safe. If the wiring is also damaged, then replacing the entire outlet is in order.

Your Outlets Are Hot

Outlets should be a normal temperature, even when they are in use.

If your outlets feel hot to the touch, either at rest or when in use, the heat is a sign that your wiring may be damaged.

Outlets that overheat can also pose a fire risk to your home, so this problem should never be ignored.

Your Outlets Don't Work

Many people have one or more outlets in their homes that do not work.

Fortunately, non-working outlets usually do not pose a major risk. Instead, they are just considered dead outlets.

However, dead outlets can be annoying, especially if more than one outlet is dead or the outlet is in a place where you really need it to work.

For maximum use and access to power, have non-functioning outlets replaced or repaired by professionals.

Outlets typically give off signs that there's a problem. If you notice any of these signs or want to ensure your outlets work as they should, reach out to us at Beckstoffer-Welsh Inc. We can help with all of your electrical needs.

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