Are Electrical Outlets Dangerous?
be careful when using holiday lighting not to add too much amperage to an outlet
Electrical outlets can be found in nearly every corner of an average household. Since their primary purpose is to supply electricity, they can be a safety issue for many homeowners, especially with children in the house. But is the reason for concern justified?
Are electrical outlets safe to use?
Electrical outlets can be dangerous, making them unsafe to use at times. They can result in burns and shocks if mishandled, and these injuries are typically found in children.
Research indicates that nearly 90% of shock and burn victims are children six years old or younger. Some of them even lose their lives each year due to electrocution by electrical outlets.
Accordingly, The National Electrical Code (NEC) has mandated using tamper-resistant receptacles since 2008 in some locations. The purpose of these receptacles is to place a plastic cap in front of the area where the plug is inserted. The plastic lid should only be removed if you need to place an object into both spots of the receptacle, which children aren't likely to do inadvertently.
Taking caution around electrical outlets is vital in preventing injuries and more severe consequences.
When are electrical outlets potentially hazardous?
Two of the most common instances where electrical outlets can lead to bodily harm include recessed outlets and floating outlets.
Recessed outlets
Recessed outlets occur when receptacles are positioned too far against the wall. In this case, the unit won't rest firmly on your wall, and it will be supported by the electrical box located behind it. As a result, whenever the receptacle shifts its position, the wires might come loose and cause a fire.
Fixing recessed outlets is best left to professional electricians. However, if you have the proper skills, here's what to do:
Buy an electrical box extender.
Disconnect the receptacle and the cover.
Slide the wires through the extender's opening and place the extender into your wall.
Upon reassembling the cover and the outlet, they should fit together more firmly.
Floating outlets
Similarly, if receptacles aren't lined up correctly, the cover plate will be the only thing holding them in place. Still, the plate can't keep the receptacle on its own firmly when devices are plugged in and out—it causes a lot of stress for the plate, making it susceptible to cracks and potentially causing a fire.
Again, hiring an experienced electrician is highly recommended to fix floating outlets. But if you have the electrical know-how, here's how to repair floating outlets:
Buy plastic electrical spacers.
Remove the receptacle and slide the spacers onto the screws.
Reinstall the receptacle.
Next time a device is plugged in, the receptacle will sit tightly against the outlet.
Safety first
Even if the law doesn't mandate it in your location, consider placing receptacles on electrical outlets. They will significantly lower the risk of injuries. Additionally, get a seasoned electrician to inspect electrical outlets whenever you suspect an imminent danger to avoid cracks and potential fires. Your outlets are no trifling matter.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.