One of the main causes of electrical fires and electrocutions at home are faulty electrical outlets. Here are five areas to check to ensure that your outlets are in safe operating condition.

1. Old, Ungrounded Outlets
In many  older homes in the Cleveland area it’s not uncommon to still find two-prong ungrounded outlets, or outlets that are connected to old knob and tube wiring. Old outlets should be replaced with grounded outlets to reduce the risk of fire and electrocution.

2. Worn Out Outlets
Over time outlets can become worn out from use, especially if cords are not unplugged properly (always unplug from the grip at the end of the plug, never yank on the cord). When inserting a plug into an receptacle it should feel snug, not overly tight or loose.

3. Improperly Installed or Damaged Outlets
Improperly wired receptacles can be dangerous and are a common cause of home electrical fires. Wiring should always be performed by a licensed electrician. If an outlet cover is cracked or feels warm to the touch, have the receptacle inspected by an licensed electrician.

4. Outlets That Are Not Childproof
If there are young children in the home, don’t rely on plastic outlet covers, they can easily be removed by a curious toddler. Have tamper resistant receptacles (TRR) installed. Tamper resistant outlets will deactivate the outlet when a foreign object is inserted.

5. Outlets in Wet Locations That Do Not Have GFCIs
Outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoors should be equipped with a ground fault interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shock if exposed to water. Test the GFI by pressing the “test” button located on the outlet, it should deactivate the outlet immediately.

By inspecting your outlets for any of the conditions above you can protect your home and family from the risk of accidental electrocution or fire. If you need help, Clover Electric is here to answer all your electrical questions.