DonHester's blog

I am worn out

Submitted by DonHester on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 15:09.

Well Okay I am not worn out but maybe just a little tired.

One of the things we take for granted in our home is the electrical system and receptacles, or what most people call outlets.

These devices do not last forever and need replacement from time to time. How long they last depends on several factors, how

often they get used, how good the device was installed (grade/quality of receptacle installed) and just how long they have been there.

One problem with aging receptacles is that it can no longer hold a plug snugly. Receptacles have metal contact points for the hot, neutral, and ground connections that, over time, begin to wear and loosen their gripping power that holds plug blades in tightly.

This builds the resistance and causes heat. The heat will cause problems in the wiring and the receptacle itself.

Here is an example of a receptacle that has worn out. When I first tested it would barely hold my 3 bulb tester. I decided to use my circuit tester to show the voltage drop at this receptacle due to the resistance from improper contact.

Normal voltage drop should really be below 5% and here we can see it is at 37%.

You should periodically check your receptacles in the home for any conditions that may warrant replacement or repair such as, worn, loose or broken receptacles.

An ounce of prevention, well you know the saying.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein

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DonHester's blog

I am worn out