Loose Outlets & How to Fix Them

Electrical outlets have become an essential part of our everyday lives because all the appliances we use, including televisions, computers, and lamps, depending on them to transmit energy. These plugs also save us from being electrocuted by high-voltage currents. It’s critical to repair them as soon as they become loose. French Electrical – residential, commercial, and industrial electrical service provider, discusses the risks of loose outlets and how to fix them.

Why Is the Outlet Loose?

Since they’re connected to an electrical box that’s mounted well away from the wall, outlets are prone to loosening. A faraway electrical box isn’t strong enough to hold the entire fixture in place. This can cause the wires to bump or become loose, resulting in more serious issues in the long run. Sparks, flames, and electric shocks are all dangerous to you and your house. Contact French Electrical today and we will fix this problem for you.

 

 

Circuit testimg
How to Fix a Loose Outlet?

This problem can be solved with outlet shims, a wire tester, and a screwdriver. To do so safely, follow the steps outlined below, which were developed by licensed master electricians:

  1. Switch off the electricity to the room’s circuit breaker. You can prevent electricity from flowing around the house by turning off the main breaker. Bring a flashlight with you.
  2. To make sure there’s no electricity, use the tester. Don’t go any further until you’re certain.
  3. Remove the outlet from the wall by unscrewing it.
  4. Remove the shims from the outlet screws and mount them on the shims. The gaps between the electrical box and the screws would be filled with shims. The number of shims you’ll use will depend on how far away the electrical box is.
  5. Replace the outlet, lock it, and check to see if it sits snug. If it’s still loose, add more shims until it’s stable. Once done, turn on the breaker.

French Electrical will handle all your residential, commercial, and industrial electrical needs. We include services such as exterior and interior lighting, solar panels installation, heat pump installation, and more. Call us at (09) 274 8082 or fill out our book-a-job form to schedule an appointment. 

Home Theatre System (HTS) Installation

From popcorn mishaps to hilarious audience reactions, the theatre experience often provides more than just a movie—a memorable journey filled with emotional moments. “I’d gone to the movies to watch ‘Infinity War’. A few patrons had dressed up, and this guy, about...

Electrical Maintenance in the workplace

“Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others.” Avondale Lifecare is a 67-bed rest home and hospital that offers dementia and medical care. After an electrical fire broke out, ambulance crews assessed more than 30...

Preventing power surges in commercial properties

Power surges happen for various reasons; in rural and residential areas, they can happen when a car crashes into a power pole, a tree falls on a power line, or a possum climbs into a transformer box. In the city or industrial and commercial areas, power surges usually...

EV charging at home

Embrace the future of transportation by installing your own charging station right at home. As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, so are the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having a charging station at home. Gone are the days of scrambling to...

Emergency Lighting – building consent triggers

Emergency lighting is predominantly found in commercial buildings, and it’s a fundamental safety feature offering illumination when standard lighting fails. It plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants during emergencies.Like regular...

Considering air conditioning for your home?

It’s the Summer we’ve all been asking for, with predictions of more hot weather still to come. The after-sun has been used as much as the sunscreen, and with this much sun, air conditioning is a reset to keep enjoying the rest of the day. There’s nothing better than...

Why should you have a long-term electrical maintenance plan?

A long-term electrical maintenance plan for your property is essential for several reasons. And if you are only reacting when something goes wrong, you could be in for a shock (pun intended). Budgeting. A maintenance plan is helpful because it lets you predict the...

Red flags to look for when choosing your electrician

We’ve seen it time and time again. We get called in to fix something another electrician or tradesperson has done. It’s actually quite scary what you see behind the scenes in the world of trades. Here’s a list of what to look out for…   Red flag #1: Cash jobs The...

Lighting and electrical plans

A lighting and electrical plan is crucial for designing a residential home or a commercial space. These plans provide a road map to ensure electrical systems' safety, functionality, energy efficiency and aesthetic considerations.We’ve been creating well-designed plans...

Enjoy the creature comforts outside

It’s happened at some point where an extension lead is hanging out a window or through a ranch slider to provide power to something outside… the extra fridge for Christmas or the water blasting task on the deck. Whatever it may be, having an outdoor power point makes...