Older homes may have receptacles (plugs) which are damaged or which, otherwise, may have deteriorated over the years. In one case of a damaged receptacle( plug), a woman suffered severe burns to her hand as she was plugging in a floor lamp. Part of the plastic faceplate of the outlet had broken away, allowing the prongs of the plug to bridge from the electrical contacts to the grounded strap, resulting in intense electrical arcing. Outlets also deteriorate from repeated use, from plugging-in and unplugging appliances as is often done in kitchens and bathrooms. As a result, when plugs fit loosely into receptacles, especially the two-prong ungrounded type, they may slip partially or completely out of the receptacle with only slight movement of the attached cord. Receptacles in this condition may overheat and pose a serious fire hazard; if covered by a curtain or drape, the fire hazard is even greater. Consumers should have a qualified person replace deteriorated and damaged receptacles (Plugs) and, at the same time, upgrade their home electrical system to present safety standards.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:16:18 +0000
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