7 Signs of A Bad Outlet

Identifying Problems with Your Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are one of the most frequently used features in any home or business. Without outlets, we couldn’t use most of the electrical appliances we depend on day to day, and just like your lighting fixtures, light switches, home generators in Bend, Oregon and other essentials, outlets require inspections and replacement from time to time.

While electrical outlets might not be something we think of as very dangerous, they can malfunction and pose a serious threat to the safety of a home or business at any time. Identifying these types of electrical problems can prevent mild inconveniences or even catastrophes, such as appliance short-outs and house fires.

Warning Signs of A Bad Electrical Outlet

There are several indicators that can indicate your electrical outlets in Bend, Oregon are going bad. Below are a few warning signs to look for in your home or commercial building.

1. Sparking Outlet

An outlet that sparks when plugging in any appliance or other electrical device is an obvious sign something isn’t right with your electrical system. This could be one of the many warning signs of an electrical fire about to ignite.

2. Melted Outlet or Discolored Outlet Cover Plate

If you notice one or more outlets are melted in your home or business, this is another indication that the outlet(s) in question is highly dangerous and poses a fire hazard, even when not in use.

3. Smoking Outlet

A smoking outlet indicates your outlet is not working properly and has sustained damage, possibly due to heavy use, cracking, corrosion, etc. Whatever the reason, if one or more of the electrical outlets in your home or business are smoking, contact a certified commercial or residential electrician in Bend, Oregon as soon as possible.

4. Burning Odors

If you notice a burning smell coming from an electrical outlet, or a burning odor is present in the building without any identifiable source, these are warning signs that your outlet(s) may be faulty.

5. Outlet Feels Hot

If an outlet feels hot to the touch, even if it’s only one side of the outlet, this is another indicator that your outlet(s) are going bad and pose a danger to your home or business.

6. Loose Plug

If a plug falls out of a power outlet when you go to use it, or a plug sits loosely in the outlet, these are indicators that the outlet is old and has endured excess wear. This poses a fire hazard just like an electrical outlet sparking would. This is because loose outlets indicate wire connections are aged, weak, and unreliable.

7. Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you’re constantly tripping the circuit breaker every time you plug something into an outlet, this is a common sign that the outlet isn’t working properly and needs to be inspected by an electrician.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs occurring at your home or business, or other unexplained electrical issues, turn off the flow of electricity to the affected outlet(s) and contact our professional electricians in Bend, Oregon today. The team at Roth Home will assess the situation and provide professional advice that could help prevent a catastrophe.

Contact Roth Home for Electrical Repairs & Services

If an outlet sparked recently in your home, you’ve noticed an unexplained, persistent smell of smoke or burning, or an outlet sparks when plugging in appliances or electrical devices, it’s time to contact the professionals at Roth Home.

Not only do we offer expert outlet and switch installations, we also provide electrical inspections, rewiring services, and lighting installations.