Loose electrical outlets are common problems in any home or business. They’re also straightforward to repair. In this post, we’ll discuss tightening an open outlet and what to look out for. Let’s get started!
What to Look Out for When Checking and Tightening Your Outlets
You likely already know which heavily-used outlets are having problems in your home or business. However, many people forget about the outlets they don’t use as often (like the ones behind a piece of furniture or cabinet). And, chances are, if one outlet is loose, then others will also be loose. So, generally, when checking your outlets, look out for the following:
- • Loose faceplates
- • Loose outlets and wires
- • Scorch marks
- • Frayed wires
- • Burns
If you have loose outlets and wires, it is safe to repair them yourself. However, the DIY approach could be dangerous if you find frayed wires, scorch marks, or burns. So instead, contact our team of electrical experts.
How to Tighten a Loose Outlet and Loose Outlet Wires
Tightening loose outlets and wires is as easy as turning a screwdriver. No, it’s that easy. However, before you pull all your outlets and wires, turn off the power to the outlet you’re working on. You can do this by flipping off your electrical panel’s corresponding breaker. After that, you’re free to tighten to your heart’s content!
To tighten the outlet itself, remove the faceplate with a flathead or Philips screwdriver (depending on the type of screws used to hold the plate to the wall). Then, locate the screw(s) with the outlet to the wall box. There will be a single screw in the middle of the outlet or one screw at the top and one at the bottom (some outlets even have all three). Once you’ve found the screw, turn it clockwise to tighten it up.
Remove the faceplate and outlet from the wall box to tighten the wires in an outlet. Then, please make sure the wires are well-seated in their respective terminals. Then tighten the screws by turning them clockwise. After the wires are securely held, the outlet is back on in the wall box, and returns the screws. Then put the faceplate back on, and you’re good to go!
Too Much? Contact USA Electric
If you’re worried about tightening your outlets, you can always rely on our team of professional electricians. In addition, our electrical contractors at USA Electric are here to help you with your outlet problems. So, if you’re worried about a loose outlet or a much worse electrical situation, don’t hesitate to contact us!
We offer lighting services in the following locations:
- • Culver City electricians
- • West Hollywood electricians
- • Granada Hills electricians
- • Chatsworth electricians
- • Pasadena electricians
- • Burbank electricians
- • Beverly Hills electricians
- • West Hills electricians
- • Tarzana electricians
- • Hollywood Hills electricians
- • Woodland Hills electricians
- • Downtown LA electricians
- • Sherman Oaks electricians
- • North Hills electricians
- • Marina Del Mar electricians
- • Mar Vista electricians
- • Santa Monica electricians
- • West Los Angeles electricians
Leave our Los Angeles electricians a review or learn more about our services at our following business locations:
- • West Hollywood electricians
- • Tarzana electricians
- • Woodland Hills electricians
- • Los Angeles electricians
For help protecting your home from sudden electrical surges in New Mexico, we recommend Albuquerque Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. On top of being reliable plumbing and HVAC specialists, they are also excellent Albuquerque electricians trusted throughout the area.
And, if you’re in Colorado, feel free to check out our friends over at Lion Home Service the next time you need a Fort Collins electrician!
