Your electrical outlets are held in place with outlet boxes, which are attached to drywall or a wall stud. Over time, the outlet box can come loose from the material is was originally anchored to. If you’ve ever pulled a cord out of an outlet and felt like the outlet was going to come out of the wall, your outlet box has likely become detached.
Repairing a detached outlet box isn’t a simple matter of tightening a few loose screws. You might need to replace the box with a smaller one, or you may even need to resize the hole in your drywall. Underlying issues like frayed wires can pose a significant danger to you and your family. If you need to replace your loose outlet hiring a licensed electrician will ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Signs that You have a Detached Electric Outlet Box
Again, if it feels like the outlet is coming out of the wall when you unplug a cord, your box is likely detached. If you can slide the faceplate side to side or notice that the faceplate no longer sits flush against the wall, that’s another sign. If the outlet box has been loose for some time, the wires may have been rubbing against edges and caused wire damage.
Possible Damage Caused by Loose Electrical Outlet Boxes
Although it’s easy to put off getting your loose electrical outlet box repaired, doing so can lead to some possibly dangerous outcomes.
• Cracked Faceplate – After the loose outlet box has been repeatedly pulled against the faceplate, it may crack. A cracked faceplate can expose live electrical wires.
• Inconsistent Device Charging – If your outlet’s electrical box is loose, it can cause inconsistent connections for power cords and unreliable charging for your electronic devices. Over time, the varying power flows to some devices can damage the batteries.
• Electrical Shock – The biggest hazard of a loose electrical box is getting shocked. If this happens when plugging in or unplugging a cord, its critical you get it repaired as soon as possible. Make children cannot access the box until its repaired.
Need a Repair for a Loose Electrical Outlet?
When dealing with electrical issues in the home, it is always best to call in a licensed professional to take care of the problem. This is not only to ensure the job is done correctly but also for your own safety. Wolfe Electric has locations in both Omaha and Lincoln and has years of experience serving both residential and commercial customers.
Call today, and we’ll give you a free quote for your repair.
Omaha – 402-731-1220
Lincoln – 402-464-4333