How to Fix a Smoking Electrical Outlet

Even though they help provide the house with plenty of electricity, electrical outlets can occasionally pose a safety risk. Therefore, if you notice smoke or fire coming from your house's electrical outlet, you must act quickly and intelligently to prevent damage or an accident from occurring. Here are some important things to do if you see smoke or fire coming from an electrical outlet in your home.

Common Causes of a Smoking Electrical Outlet

• Wiring Problems – An electrical arc, smoke, and fire are all possible outcomes of faulty ground wiring, loose wires, and damaged connections. Even a small wall fire frequently causes smoke to escape through the electrical outlets. The issue is typically deeper within the wall if smoke is emanating from an outlet that is not being used. A qualified electrician must address it right away.
• Dust and Debris – Dust and dirt make it possible for the electricity to arc across the two wires, resulting in heat that has the potential to start a fire. The best way to stay away from this potential risk is to clean outlets on a regular basis. Any liquid cleaner should never be used on an electrical outlet. Remove the plate cover and vacuum the surface and box of the outlet while the circuit is off.
• Overloads – An outlet's excessive heat and smoke are frequently brought on by overloads. Power strips are convenient, but they also make it easy to use more power than an outlet can hold. Small circuits and few outlets are common in older homes. Instead of overusing power strips, call a licensed electrician from HomeOps Electric to consider safer alternatives.

How to Safely Manage a Smoking Electrical Outlet

• Evacuate the Vicinity – The first thing you should do is get your loved ones outside as soon as possible, as even the smallest amount of smoke or flame can quickly grow into a large fire. A huge fire that takes place behind the scenes can be caused by such a small flame. Because of this risk, you must ensure that your family and pets are safe.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher – If there are any indications of a fire in an electrical smoking outlet, it is best to remain calm and not panic. If you want to control the fire on your own until a fire truck arrives, you might be tempted to use water to put out the flames. However, the first rule of electric fire safety is to avoid using water because pouring water on or near an electrical source can cause a life-threatening electrical shock and worsen the fire. A Class C fire extinguisher, on the other hand, is preferable because it effectively extinguishes fires.
• Unplug Appliances from Outlets – Simply unplug all electrical appliances that are plugged into the outlets if you want to complete this step safely. When appliances stay plugged inside the power source when there's smoke or fire, they have a possible chance of warming and searing. When they are left plugged in, these can also help start a fire.

When smoke starts to emerge and causes harm to your outlets, you’ll need an electrical outlet replacement. Make sure to get in touch with HomeOps Electric as soon as possible to address this issue and get an electrical outlet replacement in Saint James, NY. We can help you resolve the issue and prevent further fires from happening.