How To Identify Loose Connections
Posted on 28th February 2024 at 13:00
Loose connections can be deadly and cause electric shocks or fires.
Plugs, cords, and outlets like powerboards need to be carefully wired and maintained regularly to ensure they don’t cause electric shocks or fires. Over time, the use of plugs and sockets can wear down the connection between the pins of the plug and the contacts of the socket (commonly known as power points). This can result in a loose connection that can cause electrical arching which may result in a fire.
Here at MeKo Electrical, we complete a number of different compliance tasks, providing expert and qualified PAT testing, alongside a number of electrical and fire alarm servicing to ensure these loose connections do not become serious problems in the future.
We ensure safety and protection of your home or business premises with every visit, with our reliable electricians having a plethora of knowledge and understanding surrounding all appliances. We are equipped to attend industrial, commercial and domestic jobs, as we are more than happy to complete work for a variety of different business sectors.
Make sure to keep an eye on the plugs and sockets in your home as they age, particularly in old homes where the wiring was not designed for the number of electrical appliances in use today.
What to Look For:
Frayed cords
Discoloured wall sockets
Discoloured appliances
Loose plugs
Changes in shape to plugs, sockets or appliances (e.g. signs of melting)
Smoke
What to Listen For:
Buzzing, arching or other unusual sounds
What to Smell For:
Smoke
Burning plastic
If you spot any of these you should contact a competent electrical worker to check it for you and ask for a thermal image to be carried out at the same time. If in doubt, chuck it out. Thermal imaging surveys not only protect your most valuable items from potential hazards, but this also helps to prevent fire hazards, electrical damage and risks to personnel, by quickly identifying these ‘hot spots’. ‘Hot spots’ are the name given to areas that are the source of any issues found.
By identifying potential issues before they happen, you are able to fix the problem before it is escalated to a stage where it could hinder the way your business operates. At the end of the day, prevention is always preferential to cure.
Next Time You're Cleaning, Check That:
All sockets, switches and powerboards are working properly with no damaged or broken parts
All plugs and cords are in good working condition
All electric plugs fit snugly into the socket – check the connection isn’t too loose
All powerboards are placed up high, out of the way
You haven’t got high current appliances such as heaters or kettles plugged into powerboxes
Limit the number of appliances plugged into one socket
Have only one heater per socket
When electrical items are in use or being charged there is a risk that they can overheat.
What You Can Do:
Never cover appliances when they are being charged or used – especially smart phones
If the appliance has an internal fan system (i.e. laptops) make sure there is good ventilation so they can cool themselves down
We are extremely proud to be a friendly, family firm of electricians based in the Southwest of England that can see to your electrical problems or demands. We provide a solution to all of your electrical needs. We have carried out electrical contracts as far afield as Cornwall, London and the Outer Hebrides, all in response to requests from our local clients.
Be sure to contact us today for more information or if you are suffering from loose connections with your electrical sockets and items.
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