Installing New Wiring in Your Home

3 Signs It's Time to Change Your Electrical Outlets

23 September 2021 by June Alvarez

Are you waiting for your building's electrical outlets to die completely before you consider upgrading or replacing them? If so, it may be a good idea to reconsider your stance. There are actually many warning signs that indicate when outlets need to be changed. Ignoring them and leaving a malfunctioning, damaged or outdated outlet running could have serious effects on your business, from increasing your risk of electrical fire to shorting out your appliances or devices. 

Here are three key warning signs to look out for that let you know it's time to call in a professional commercial electrician.

1. Your outlets are discoloured

Discolouration of electrical outlets is more than just a cosmetic problem. In fact, outlets typically become discoloured because of prolonged excess heat, and overheated outlets are one of the most common causes of fires on commercial properties. Spotting discoloured outlets early ensures you can get them replaced before anything serious goes wrong. Note that overheating can also be caused by a variety of hidden issues, such as loose or damaged wiring. When you call in your electrician to replace the outlets, they'll be able to take a closer look and rectify any internal electrical problems too.

2. Your outlets are flickering

If the power in your outlets seems to flicker in and out with no real explanation, it's definitely time to get them replaced or upgraded. In a best-case scenario, a flickering outlet can greatly impede your business practices. Losing power even for a second can prevent a whole host of electrical appliances and devices from working as they should, from laptops in an office to cookers in a restaurant. 

In the worst cases, flickering outlets can lead to electrical fires and serious hazards, so it's best to replace them as soon as possible. 

3. If they are loose or visibly damaged at all 

Over time, electrical outlets do start to loosen themselves from walls. When this happens, they can also become loosened from their wiring. 

Similar problems can occur when electrical outlets get damaged. You may think a crack caused by a rogue falling chair or a chip from an employee's heel are superficial problems you don't need to worry about. However, any jolt to your outlets has the potential to damage them internally too.

Even when this damage looks minor on the outside, it can be more severe behind the outlet itself. As such, it's ultimately best to stop using damaged or loose outlets immediately and call in a commercial electrician at your earliest convenience. 

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