What To Do If Your Plug Is Stuck In The Outlet
Plugs rarely get stuck in the outlets; if they do, you need to scrutinize a technical problem keenly. Plugs getting stuck in the outlet may be so frustrating for many reasons. Firstly, you can’t use the appliance attached to the plug comfortably, and secondly, you’ll have to struggle with pulling the plug out of the outlet, and on many occasions, the plug hardly comes out of the socket. But worry not; this article will save your frustrating day by uncovering an easy and quick guide to removing your plug from the outlet. So let’s get started, shall we?
A Step-By-Step Guide on What To Do If Your Plug Is Stuck In The Outlet.
Step 1-Power Off
To turn the power off, open the door of the breaker box. You will notice rows of individual circuit breakers that look like toggle switches. The main breaker is the double-width switch on the top. Flip off the main breaker, and the power will go off automatically. It is necessary to double-check if the power is off because working with live circuits is dangerous.
Step 2-Removing the Stuck Plug
Since the plug is stuck in the outlet, you ought to remove the outlet cover. Use the screwdriver and pull out the screws holding the outlet in position. At a straight angle, pull the outlet away from the wall and the stuck plug out of the outlet. If the plug is completely stuck inside the outlet, consider buying a new one and replacing it.
Step 3-Replacing the Plug
An entirely fun part of the replacement process is replacing the plug. For just a few dollars, you can visit the hardware, get yourself a similar plug, and do the replacement yourself. Here is how to replace the plug: Cut the wire, align it about 0.64cm below the plug’s base, and cut straight through the wire to detach the old plug. Using the wire stripper, strip off about 1.9cm of the code jacket; this will expose 2 or 3 wires underneath, depending on the code type. If you don’t have a stripper, you can use a razor blade or utility knife. Separate the cables in such a way that they aren’t touching. Using a wire stripper shave off 1.3cm of insulation on each wire. The wires usually have different colors, so you must put them in the correct places. Bend the copper portion of each wire to make a hook. By doing this, it will be easier to attach them to a new plug
Step 4-Installing A New Plug
Unscrew the housing of the replacement plug by turning each one in an anti-clockwise direction. Remember to keep track of all the screws removed. For plugs with removable bases, slide the plug base onto the code. Loosen the terminal screws of the plug. The screws have colors that correlate to the wires. Tuck each wire into its corresponding terminal. Lock the cables in place by tightening the screw. A snug fit is enough to hold the wires in place. Reassemble the plug housing by putting everything back into place. Test the new plug if it’s working.
What To Do If the Power Outlet Is Damaged
Unscrew the electrical outlet and pull it straight to expose the wiring. If the wires are not frayed, unscrew the wires too and remove the damaged outlet. Remove the cables in the following order: Loosen the screw of the black wire, also known as a “hot wire,” by turning it anti-clockwise. Repeat the same process with the white (neutral) and green (ground) wire. Attach the new outlet by connecting the wires to their correspondent terminals. For black wires, insert in the hole with a brass screw. White, insert in the hole with a silver screw, and for green, in the hole with a green screw. Wrap the wires with electrical tape to prevent them from sparking, then install the new outlet. Tuck the wires gently into the outlet box and screw the outlet into position. Turn the power on and test the outlet.
Reasons Why Plugs Get Stuck in The Outlet
It is usual for a plug to go in the outlet and come out quickly. But when it becomes so difficult to get the plug out of the outlet, and you find yourself struggling hard to pull it out, then this could be the reason why;
- The wall socket is not flushed against the wall
- The plugs are too far apart
- The faceplate is burnt- this happens when the socket is overloaded, causing the faceplate to burn and lose shape. Hence the plug gets stuck in the outlet.
Signs To Watch Out for A Faulty Outlet
- The Outlet is not powering your electronic
- A dark discoloration and melting on the faceplate, and according to Hunker, that indicates short-circuiting and sparks
- Smokey smell, burning, or sparks near your outlet. With this, consider contacting an electrician immediately
- Flickering power is a significant red flag sign indicating that you are operating on a faulty outlet
- Your outlets are not grounded. They only have two holes. It is an outdated design and needs to be replaced almost immediately.
Final Word
As we have uncovered above, plugs get stuck in the outlets for various reasons. Before removing and replacing the plug or the outlet, remember to switch off the power to avoid the consequences of working with live circuits. Also, consider contacting an electrician if you cannot manage to replace the plug or the outlet on your own. Lastly, consider buying quality plugs and outlets from well-known brands. Choosing a smart plug will not only transform your home but will allow you to control whatever is plugged in. Quality plugs and outlets will spare you the energy to push faulty plugs from faulty outlets and the cost of replacing them almost every time and also keep your house safe from catching fire.