Why Your Electrical Outlets Are Loose and How to Fix Them
Have you ever plugged a lamp, laptop, or phone charger into a wall outlet only to have it fall out? Whether it happens to you at home or while trying to charge your device at the airport, not being able to access the right outlet is inconvenient and frustrating.
There are a few common “tricks” to getting the plug to stay on, such as bending the pins, which are clearly not a long-term solution to the problem. Are they even safe? And why does this happen at all? I asked George Tucker, a live event and home automation expert with over 30 years of experience in the AV industry and former founding member of the AVNation podcast network, about this and how to properly fix a dead electrical outlet.
What causes a loose electrical outlet?
Behind the plastic surface of a standard electrical outlet are U-shaped pins (receptacles) into which the pins of the plug are inserted, creating an electrical connection, Tucker explains. Or at least that’s how things should work.
According to Tucker, outlets fail over time for a variety of reasons, but most often it is due to misuse and rough handling. “Whenever someone inserts a plug at an angle or pulls it from the cord—instead of squeezing the molded cap—the metal sockets bend or spread apart.”
Another reason this happens, Tucker explains, is that IoT (Internet of Things) devices often include heavy base stations that plug directly into wall outlets. “The weight of these devices, if not supported properly, leads to the same problems.”
Additionally, he notes that not all forks are created equal. Although there are size standards (for example, fork length), manufacturers do not always adhere to them. “Some are just a little wider or longer—again, the socket becomes deformed and becomes free for other plugs.”
Do the usual quick fixes for loose socket problems really work?
If you’ve ever looked for ways to make a plug stay in a loose socket, you’ve probably come across the following three suggestions. Here’s Tucker’s take on each of the three methods:
Bend the pins on the plug
Some people suggest bending the prongs of the plug, specifically widening the ends, so that it stays inside the socket. While this may temporarily improve the fit of the plug in the socket, Tucker says it’s not recommended, “particularly because repeated bending places stress on the metal, increasing the likelihood of breakage.” Ultimately, the risk of damage is not worth it, especially in the long run.
Place tape on the plug contacts
Another common suggestion is to place a piece of tape over the prongs of the plug before inserting it into the free space to try to keep it in place. According to Tucker, this “should never be done—period.”
Using a tight fork
Finally, there is a small piece of plastic called a plug that can be inserted into a loose socket to prevent the plug from falling out. Tucker says they technically work, but are not a long-term solution to the problem. “This is especially true if the outlet in question is used to operate a wandering device, such as a vacuum cleaner,” he explains. “These spacers tend to pull out with the plug and can potentially cause a short circuit – tripping the breaker – or worse, cause potential sparks that cause a fire.”
How to fix a broken electrical outlet
“To permanently fix a loose outlet, you need to replace it with a new one,” says Tucker. “Installing a new device is the only way to ensure that you have a properly wired outlet that is reliable and meets all safety regulations,” he explains. Fortunately, most homeowners can do this themselves if their home or apartment was built or renovated with electrical equipment in the last 25 to 30 years, Tucker notes. “Just be sure to disconnect power to the area from the distribution panel before doing any work. Getting shocked sucks!”