Know Your Arc Faults Part 2

    Continuing on with our list of dangerous arc faults, the next potential involves the duplex receptacle. 

Better known as the outlet, this device started off as a way to safely and conveniently expand lighting, however that soon changed once appliances were introduced. 

In time, homes went from one outlet per room to one outlet on every wall in each room. Today, outlets can supply power to a whole spectrum of appliances and devices, making the outlet one of the most important and heavily utilized devices in the home.

Electrical outlets have become such an integral part of our daily routines that when just one of these precious devices fails, most surprisingly choose to do nothing about it. 

The reason for this unexpected behavior is really very simple, if one of these heavily utilized outlets were on the decline they could still be made to work. 

Now, as I'm sure you're probably already aware, this is not the ideal solution because it can and will lead to a dangerous arc fault. 

One of the first signs of a failing device is a drooping plug. A drooping plug is when a plug end that was seated all the way in an outlet but has managed to slide part way out, while still maintaining contact. 

Problems typically associated with a drooping plug are: arcing, soot build up above or around the outlet, dust build up on the prongs especially if its gone unnoticed; and finally, an electrical fire.

Another indication of a failing device is a loose outlet socket. When you plug into a device it feels as if there is little to no resistance against the prongs, and once you release the plug it instantly droops or falls out.

The third and final indicator of a failed outlet is a cracked or missing face where the prongs of a plug enter the outlet. 

A number of issues can cause an outlet to fail, the most common is that the outlet is just old and worn. Expansion and contraction from heat created through years of use can have that effect.

Another well known cause is plug ends being improperly removed, either by furniture or by instant jerking of the cord. This can be due to the cord being in direct path of foot traffic. 

Since there is no way to repair a faulty outlet the only real solution is to replace it. Haggling with creative methods only increase the chances of having a dangerous arc fault so its imperative that the outlets be replaced.  

Dangerous arc faults involving outlets are one of the easiest to avoid but in order to do so we must deal with them as soon as possible. 

If you suspect one of your homes outlets might be at risk of being faulty have it looked at by an experienced professional. 

I hope you've enjoyed the second part of this article, if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments section. 

Next up, Know Your Arc Faults Part Three.