When Should You Replace or Repair an Electrical Outlet or Light Switch?
Electrical outlets and light switches are connected to electrical circuits that run through wiring. If these fixtures don’t work properly, it could be an indication of a bigger underlying problem. Some signs you should have your outlets or light switches looked at by a Raleigh, NC, professional electrician include:
- Burning smells: A burning smell likely indicates that something is overheating, which could quickly become a fire hazard if not immediately dealt with.
- Strange sounds: Crackling, buzzing, and popping may mean there are arcing or loose connections behind the outlet or switch cover. This is especially true if accompanied by sparks. If not taken care of, these problems could become a significant fire hazard.
- Visible damage: Cracks and chips could mean hidden damage behind the cover. The damage may also expose live wires, creating a dangerous scenario.
- Discoloration, heat, or singed-looking covers: If your outlet feels warm, or you notice marks that look like the cover has been burnt, it’s a sign of an electrical overload or another serious problem.
- Loose outlets: When you plug something in, the plug should sit firmly in the outlet. If it’s loose or falls out, this is a sign of a loose connection that could overheat or arc, causing an electrical fire.
- Frequently tripping circuit breakers: If using a specific switch or outlet causes the circuit breaker to trip, there may be a short circuit, or it’s drawing too much power. An electrician will be able to diagnose the issue in person.
You should take any of these signs seriously. If you need outlet repair or a new switch installation in Raleigh, NC, call Thermo Direct today to schedule an appointment with one of our electricians.
You should also consider replacing outdated or unsafe outlets. This includes:
- Two-prong outlets: Two-prong outlets not only limit what you can plug in, but they also lack the proper grounding required for your safety.
- Non-GFCI outlets in wet areas: Ground-fault circuit interrupters are essential in areas with moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, garages, and outdoor outlets. If you have a regular outlet in these areas, you risk a serious electric shock.
Outlet Installation & Repair Services in Raleigh, NC
Electrical outlets are the place where you connect your appliances and electronics to the electrical grid. At Thermo Direct, we offer outlet installations in Raleigh, NC, to make your life more convenient. We can also update your current outlets to handle modern appliances.
We also provide electrical outlet repair to Raleigh homeowners, with fast response times. Having an experienced electrician inspect your damaged or malfunctioning outlet is always a safer option.
GFCI Outlet Installation & Repair in Raleigh, NC
A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is an outlet with important safety mechanisms built in to protect you and your family from dangerous electrical shocks. Their job is to detect unintended electrical paths. If they detect any irregular current activity, they cut off the power at the outlet in a fraction of a second.
In North Carolina, GFCI outlets must be installed where moisture is a potential hazard or where the outlet is within 6 feet of a sink or water source. This includes:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Crawl spaces
- Unfinished basements
- Garages
- Outdoor outlets
At Thermo Direct, our licensed electricians provide professional GFCI outlet installation in Raleigh and the surrounding Wake County communities.
Signs you need GFCI repair or replacement include:
- No power: If resetting the breaker and the GFCI outlet still don’t have power, the GFCI outlet may need to be replaced.
- The RESET button won’t stay in: If the RESET button keeps popping out after testing the outlet, an expert may need to fix it.
- Frequent tripping: GFCI outlets that keep tripping without an obvious cause may have worn internal components, indicating it’s time to replace them.
If you believe your GFCI outlet is failing, call Thermo Direct and schedule an appointment with one of our electricians. We’ll ensure your safety switches are in working order again ASAP.
