Common socket malfunctions: how to fix the socket yourself

A failed socket is one of the most unpleasant situations for the owner, as it requires almost immediate intervention.To fix all socket malfunctions, you can call an electrician or use your own hands. The second option is more economical, but without electrical knowledge it is more dangerous. Do you agree?

We will tell you how to replace or repair an electrical outlet with your own hands. We describe the work process in detail. Taking into account our recommendations, even a person ignorant of the intricacies of electrical installation can cope with this matter.

For a clearer understanding of the information, we have included useful diagrams, photo collections and video instructions.

The main signs of a faulty socket

Every person in his life has encountered situations when, when turning on a household appliance, strange things began to happen.

These include a strange crackling sound, slight smoke or a bright flash, after which the light in the room completely disappears. A melted body and an unpleasant burning smell also serve as a signal of a malfunction.

In such cases, along with the socket, the fuses of the device may be damaged, the wiring may be damaged, and even the microcircuits of household appliances may burn out. In most cases, you can protect yourself from the consequences of a short circuit thanks to automatic protection in the electrical panel.

But you shouldn’t hope and rely on it 100%, because... By analogy with other devices, a machine tends to wear out and burn out.

If problems are detected in the operation of the outlet, you must immediately remove the load by disconnecting the household appliance from the power supply and begin troubleshooting and solving problems.

Regardless of the reasons for the malfunction, you should immediately take measures to eliminate the source of damage and replace the socket

To make sure that the socket is really damaged, the first thing you need to do is connect an electrical appliance to it, the correct operation of which there is no doubt.

If a normally functioning lamp, for example, does not operate normally when connected to this point, measures must be taken to eliminate the breakdown.

A melted socket must be replaced. In case of melting due to insufficient technical capabilities, change the device with the required characteristics

Initial inspection of the outlet

There are several options to determine the type of fault in the connector. The very first is a visual inspection of the front of the outlet for external defects.

Since the front side of the socket is made of plastic, there is a possibility of cracks during use. More serious damage may include traces of soot or melted connector holes.

There are three main reasons for socket melting:

• The load current is higher than the capabilities of the device or wiring.When a power flow flows through a channel that is narrow for it, its density naturally increases. As a result, the load increases, then overheating occurs. In such cases, the socket must be replacement with a new device with suitable characteristics.
• The insulation of the conductors in the area connected to the socket mechanism is broken. The reason lies in non-compliance with the installation technology of the device, cuts and damage to the insulation due to clumsy actions. You need to replace a melted socket with a device with equivalent characteristics, not forgetting to remove damaged sections of wires.
• Problems with contacts. They could simply oxidize or weaken. The problem is solved by stripping or tightening.

In addition to visual problems with the output, there are a couple of ways to determine if there is a problem with the connected device. Let's look at them below.

A common cause of socket burnout is mechanical damage to the contacts. Most often this is a consequence of inept installation

Loose contact system

In the body of any socket you can find two copper plates. They have semicircular bends for the socket plug. The operating principle of these plates is completely simple. When connecting a household appliance to a power socket, the plates tightly clamp the edges of the plug.

Accordingly, after many cycles of disconnecting and reattaching the plug to the connector, the plates may bend away from each other. This will cause the fork to hold on less and less each time.

A loose screw does not allow the contact sockets to hold the plug of the electrical appliance well, so the brass petals must be moved

As one of the options for correctly diagnosing problems, you can take a plug from any household appliance and insert it only halfway into the socket. If the cord does not fall out, then the probability that the contact remains intact is very high.

The second way is to connect audio speakers or a lamp to an outlet, after which you need to move the plug. If interference occurs in this case, it is necessary to replace the socket as soon as possible, since the copper contact plates inside have simply become bent.

The light from the lamp began to blink or disappeared completely when the plug was moved - this is a sure sign that the socket needs to be replaced

Detection of this kind of malfunction will allow you to correct the breakdown in a timely manner, spending significantly less time and money, and also avoid accidental fire.

A fairly common case of damage and subsequent malfunction of the electrical connector is incorrect handling of the plug of household electrical appliances. If you handle the equipment carelessly, you can pull the device's wire incorrectly and trouble will occur when the socket and plug simply fall out of the wall.

Differences between the two electrical standards

The joint operation of sockets and plugs of two standards under a load of a couple of tens of watts is a completely acceptable practice. But, when the power consumption increases, even to the requirements recommended by the manufacturer, differences in designs and parts can lead to failure of the electrical connectors or plugs.

The thicker electrodes on the European standard plug push the brass blades in the Soviet-style socket apart much more.The springs stretch, and this, in turn, gradually causes increased heating of the contacts.

Moreover, the standard socket does not have recesses in the body like the Euro connector. The plug is not fully inserted into such an outlet, which can lead to unpredictable contact with the electrodes or a short circuit.

No more tension

An equally common scenario is that an outlet fails. When you connect any household appliance, nothing happens, it does not work because there is no voltage. This is confirmed by checking with instruments equipped with an indicator. Most likely, the problem is a break in the supply wire.

One of the reasons for the lack of voltage in the socket could simply be the switch in OFF mode, through which the phase is supplied to the socket (+)

Preparing to repair the outlet yourself

After carrying out a visual inspection and finding out the exact causes of the malfunction, you can begin preparing for repairs. First of all, let’s get ready for work, stop panicking, worrying and being nervous. Determination and calm are the main weapons needed for successful repairs.

Next, be sure to turn it off on the meter circuit breakers and switches, moving them from the ON state to the OFF mode. We unscrew the plugs and automatic fuses.

This must be done carefully so as not to accidentally touch the live fragments with your hand. This way you can completely de-energize the room. It is also important to check for voltage in the outlet that needs repair. This is done using an indicator screwdriver.

Socket repair tool kit

In order to leave only good impressions after the repair, you need to have a set of available tools for all occasions.

Repair, replacement and refurbishment of sockets It is much easier to implement if you have tools such as:

• indicator screwdriver for determining the phase and the presence of voltage in the electrical network;
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers;
• pliers or pliers;
• vinyl tape for insulation;
• sharp knife;
• soldering iron (in some cases).

One of the important points is that the handles of pliers, screwdrivers and other tools used must have an insulating coating or be rubberized. This will prevent accidental electric shock.

Do-it-yourself socket repair

After checking the voltage, it's time to start repairs. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bolt located in the center of the connector. This allows you to remove the socket cover and gain access to the filling. Checking the status of the contacts. If the copper has a greenish tint, this is a sign of oxidation; if it is gray or black, this is an indicator of poor contact.

The veins can be distinguished by color. The most popular method is: zero - blue cable, phase - red/white, ground cable - green-yellow

How to properly repair such an outlet? For example, when the contacts are dark in color, they need cleaning. A needle file is usually used for this, but you can use sandpaper. There are situations when the metal in certain places has become much thinner, and through holes appear on the contacts themselves. In this case, the socket must be replaced.

We tighten loose contacts

After removing the socket from the wall, it is necessary to tighten all fasteners, screws and contacts with an appropriate screwdriver.If the wire or terminals have an uncharacteristic color or carbon deposits, you can use a sharp knife and clean them to make them shiny.

Heavily charred wires must be replaced with a new piece or simply cut off (with sufficient length). Any wire connections and the twists must be insulated with vinyl tape. A socket whose contacts are damaged cannot be repaired and requires complete replacement.

Typically, the plug enters the power socket under a certain pressure. This is ensured by contacts that are well matched to one another. If not, then we are working on solving this problem.

After this, you need to check how securely the wires are connected directly to the outlet. If necessary, tighten them, but not too much. They should not twitch or fall out. Each exposed wire that is connected to an outlet must be well wrapped with electrical tape.

The spacer “tendrils” of the socket, stuck into the installed plastic socket box, will be able to firmly hold the socket from popping out for a long time

What to do when the entire socket moves from side to side? The solution to this problem is quite simple. It is necessary to tighten the installation bolts located on the left and right. If they are tightened well and correctly, the socket will sit in its place.

Connecting a new outlet

First of all, the power wire is connected to the contacts. To do this efficiently, you need remove insulation 5–10 mm from the core through which the current will flow. The exposed part of the wiring must be inserted into the terminal and pressed tightly with a screw.

There is no need to be too zealous when tightening the screw, otherwise this will lead to the wire being squeezed, and in the worst case, breaking.

There are two ways to connect the wires: quickly or securely. A reliable connection means that the ends of the stripped wires will be bent into a ring of small diameter (4–5 mm). Only after this should they be inserted into the terminals and tightened. Quick connect allows for simple connection without twisting.

A reliable method of connecting contacts requires much more time, but is compensated by a number of advantages, for example:

• contact is stronger;
• the degree of heating of the contact is much less, since the area of ​​contact of the wire with the current-conducting contact is much higher.

Connection sockets with grounding differs slightly from installation without it. A wire, usually green, is connected to the ground terminal. Before connecting, you should make sure that this core is indeed a ground wire.

A wire with several cores can also be tinned before connection. You can use a soldering iron for this.

The next step is to install the device in a socket box. The working part is installed after all wires are fully connected. Installation takes place at the same level as the wall, without distortions or protrusions. All wires must be neatly twisted and hidden in the socket box.

The socket is secured in the correct position using special clamps. They can be adjusted thanks to screws. If you twist them, the claws will fix the socket from the inside.

If your socket does not have claws, then this is a new type of device that fixed in the socket, provided for this purpose by pressing screws. The last step is screwing on the lid.

The cover can be screwed on after successful completion of the socket installation; the working part must be tightly screwed into the socket box

Restoring a socket that fell out of the wall

A malfunction of this kind is not the most pleasant reward for careless use of household appliances.

To get out of this situation, you can use the two most common options: short-term or long-term:

• The first method involves twisting the petals much more than usual. This will allow the product to remain in its place for some time and serve faithfully.
• A long-lasting method requires significantly more time, as well as the availability of tools and new devices.

The main reason for a socket falling out of the wall is precisely non-working petals. The solution in this case will be to modernize the seat.

Additional tools for socket repair

To return the socket to its place you will need:

• mounting box 68x45 mm;
• gypsum;
• construction knife;
• polymer primer;
• putty knife;
• tools that have already been written about.

Before starting work, you need to turn off the power to the room and warn other people who, with a high degree of probability, can turn on the power supply to the machine again. If this is not possible, be sure to post a sign: “Repairs are underway.”

Let's start restoration work

When dismantling the socket and the old wiring box, be sure to mark each wire with a marker. Remove all plugs and screws. This will ensure free access of wires into the box.

The bottom should also be removed from it, since the dimensions of the box often do not coincide with the parameters of the holes in the wall. A box without a bottom can be easily trimmed, but it cannot be deformed by compression.

The socket must be installed so that it sits firmly and motionlessly in the wall. To do this, the hole is primed. After that, gypsum is diluted in water and the hole is treated with this mixture, and the cracks are sealed with a spatula.

The mounting box is inserted there. After 15 minutes, when the plaster firmly grips it, you can begin the process of installing the inside of the new outlet and begin connecting the wiring. The final step will be installing the front panel.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Installing a new outlet and dismantling the old one:

Video #2. How to properly replace a burnt out socket:

Video #3. A step-by-step guide to replacing an outlet from a professional electrician:

Video #4. How to quickly and efficiently change the socket with your own hands:

If problems with power points find you unprepared, and the process of repairing an outlet will occur for the first time, it is important to remember to remain completely calm. It is necessary to de-energize the room and, if necessary, extinguish the fire.

Carry out repair and installation work with full concentration and caution. If you are not satisfied with the results of the work or feel a lack of confidence in the success of the work done, immediately contact a professional electrician with experience. Don't skimp on safety!

Would you like to share your personal experience from repairing an outlet yourself? Did you have any questions while reading the information provided? Please write comments.