Home Tips by Anne & Larry - How to deal with a faulty electrical outlet

Saturday, May 9, 2009

It always happens at the worst possible time, you go to plug something in and BANG (or sometimes pop) the electrical socket makes this terrible noise / lightening combination that is never good.

In order to avoid a repeat performance, something has to be done....

Larry: The most imporant aspect of replacing a faulty electrical outlet is safety. Make sure you turn off the breaker or remove the fuse first. Hopefully, all of your breakers will be properly labelled. I highly recommend using an amp tester to make sure the outlet is off, just in case. Remove the faulty outlet and replace with the new one, following the same wiring set-up that was in the original. This might change slightly if you are upgraded to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlet in a kitchen or bathroom.

Ann: Whenever I discover a faulty outlet, my response is always quick and efficient. First, I stare at the outlet, then I let out a little scream, then I run away. Last, and probably the most effective step is to tell Larry about it.

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Home Tips by Anne & Larry offers two sides of the same coin..In the tradition of He Said, She Said, this column offers - with tongues firmly planted in our cheeks - two views of how to deal with common problems around the home, from cleaning tips, to home repair and improvement advice.