When to Replace Electrical Outlet: 6 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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Do you have problems with outlets and charging your devices? Call Gabe’s Electrical Services at 203-994-4154 to get help from a member of our licensed electrician team!
In general, many people believe that charging or functional issues with their electric-powered devices stem from the device or charging cable. However, the problem could come from the electrical outlet. How can you tell the difference?
Gabe’s Electrical Services ensures you always have access to a professional electrician in Newtown, CT. Over the years, we’ve identified when you need to replace the electrical outlet based on how the problems present themselves. Here, we have six signs you should look out for to see if you need to call our team.

1. Flickering Power
The outlet could be the culprit if your electric device, like a lamp, turns on and off. An outlet may flicker if its hot wire—the wire that carries electricity to it—doesn’t connect to the area properly.
You can try testing to see if the problem lies with the device or the outlet with a voltage tester. If the tester measure stays consistent, the device or charging cord may be the problem. For lamps and other light sources, also test to see if you have the bulbs screwed in all the way.
2. No Power to the Outlet
Wiring issues can cause the outlet to lose power completely. However, there can be other causes, like a tripped circuit breaker on the electrical service panel. You should check the room’s outlets to be sure first.
If you have a single faulty outlet, then it may have some faulty wiring that can no longer keep up with energy demands. If none of the outlets in the room work, that could indicate a service panel issue instead. However, if you don’t have a tripped breaker along with a room full of bad outlets, you may require detailed electrical management.
3: Cosmetic Issues, Like Cracks and Chips
If you don’t like looking at cracks and chips in your wall, you now have an extra reason to replace your electrical outlet. The outlet has a cover plate to conceal the parts and reduce the chance of electrical accidents. However, a cracked, chipped, or broken cover plate does not provide that protection as efficiently.
Moreover, dust and dirt can settle into the outlet, potentially becoming kindling for any errant sparks, especially on standby electric generators. If you’ve had the damaged cover plate or mechanism for a long while, dust buildup could be substantial enough to require an outlet replacement.
4. Burns, Melts, and Heat
cover plate on your outlets shouldn’t ever get hot. Heat could indicate sparks or inappropriate electrical discharge. Even if you don’t touch the outlet to test if it’s hot, you shouldn’t notice signs of heat:
- Melting cover plates
- Smoky smells coming from the outlet
- Burn marks around the hot or neutral outlet slots
Outlets with these problems usually present a severe fire hazard, as the sparks could light up wall materials. We recommend turning the breaker off to that room, if possible, and calling for electrical services.
5. Loose Plugs
Have you ever tried to plug something in, only for it and the charging cable to slip back out? While this issue can be annoying, it can indicate another outlet problem with negative consequences.
Loose outlets have often sustained a lot of wear and tear, so they do not protect against sparks or electrical arcs as well as before. While often not immediately dangerous, a loose outlet port means you should replace the electrical outlet.
6. You Don’t Have Grounded Outlets
You may have seen several types of outlet ports from various countries. In Connecticut, most outlets should have three ports—one each for the hot, grounding, and neutral wires. The neutral wire returns unused electricity to the breaker, while the ground wire ensures excessive electricity redirects to the ground.
Previously, breakers and plugs only had slots and prongs for the hot and neutral wires. However, they are now less safe than three-slotted outlets. If your outlets only have two slots, we suggest calling an electrician for fast and efficient replacements.
Call Gabe’s Electrical Services for Outlet Care
To avoid electrical hazards, you should always call on a licensed and insured electrician for any necessary outlet repair service. At Gabe’s Electrical Services, we provide top-quality maintenance, installations, and repairs with friendly customer care and cost-saving membership plans.
To replace an electrical outlet safely in Newton, CT, call 203-994-4154 or visit our contact page today!