Electrical Repair for Broken Outlets | Anderson Electric
admin • July 29, 2019
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Outlets in a home are something we tend to take for granted. We don’t often think of outlets wearing out with time, but this is exactly what happens. No electrical device can last forever, and you probably put a large power demand on many of your home’s outlets. (For example, how long has that one light been plugged into the same outlet? Years?) Outlets can break, and when they do they have the potential to create hazards. When you have broken outlets, call Anderson for electrical repair in West Orange, NJ as soon as you can.
How Can I Tell I Have Broken Outlets?
The obvious answer would seem to be: “when the outlet doesn’t provide electrical power.” But there are other warnings signs you can watch for that are not as obvious, and catching them early helps with safety.
- Plugs fall out: Some plugs have a spring mechanism in them to help hold plugs in place. If you notice an outlet allowing plugs to keep slipping out, this mechanism has probably worn down. If it’s worn down, then there are probably other issues in the outlet that need to be investigated.
- AFCI/GFCI outlet that needs to be reset often: We’ve discussed AFCI and GFCI outlets before—they help prevent high voltage shocks from outlets. If the breaker in one of these outlets trips, pressing the “reset” button on the outlet face will restore power to the outlet. If you find you’re having to reset the outlet on a regular basis, something is wrong with the breaker in the outlet that needs to be checked on.
- Warm outlet: If you place your hand on the surface of the outlet and it feels abnormally warm, you need to call for an electrician right away. This can indicate bad wiring and an electrical fire behind the outlet.
- Scorch marks on the outlet: These scorch marks look like spots of discoloration on the plastic of the outlet, and are another sign of electrical fires and overheating in the outlet.
- Cracks: When you see cracks across the outlet of the surface, stop using the outlet immediately. Cracks indicate heat levels that have caused the outlet’s plastic to expand. Even a small crack is a warning that it’s time to call for an expert technician to fix the problem.
- Acrid odors: When you notice an acrid, burning smell from an outlet, there are probably loose wires in it.
- Sparking: When the outlet sparks noticeably as a plug is put into it, it’s another sign of a loose wire.
In all these situations, we advise you to go to the electrical panel for the house and flip the breaker for the suspect outlet. This cuts off electricity to the outlet so it won’t have a chance to create hazards. Then get on the phone with our electrician to schedule repair work. Never attempt to fix the outlet on your own by unscrewing the cover and poking around with tools! Even with the power cut off, you may accidentally create a fire hazard with an amateur repair attempt.
Anderson Electric Corp. is your local electrician for over 25 years. Schedule service to repair or replace outlets.
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. âš¡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
Summer storms in New Jersey can knock out your power fast. Learn why now is the right time to install a backup generator with help from Anderson Electric.
Planning outdoor fun this summer in NJ? Learn how to safely use outdoor outlets, lighting, and appliances with expert tips from Anderson Electric.
Protect your New Jersey home from lightning strikes and power surges with a whole-home surge protector. Learn the benefits and how installation works.
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Get your home’s electrical system ready for summer in Montclair, NJ. Learn expert tips from Anderson Electric to avoid outages, overloads, and safety risks.
