When should I replace electric receptacle outlets?

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When should I replace electric receptacle outlets?

Thursday, June 21, 2018

There is no standard age for receptacle replacement, although they can be expect to last about 50 years. Here are six signs that mean it’s time to change one out:

Will no longer hold the prongs of a cord securely - Metal strips in the receptacle hold the prongs of an appliance cord under tension and securely in place. After repeatedly inserting and removing the cord, the receptacle loses its “grab” and will not make a good connection. If the cord is effortless to remove or it slides a little downward after insertion, as in the photo below, it’s time to replace the receptacle. Locations where this is mostly likely to occur first are kitchen counter receptacles and the receptacle you use regularly to plug in the vacuum cleaner.
Corroded - Corrosion usually makes itself known by difficulty inserting a cord, along with bits of rust grit dropping out when you remove it. Severe corrosion will make impossible to plug in the cord at all.
Damaged - If any part of the face of the receptacle is broken off or bent, replace it.
Paint contamination - Painting right over the receptacle is a no-no, and will cause a poor electrical connection.
Two-slot receptacle - The 1962 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) was when the requirement began for all 120V receptacles to be 3-slot grounded, with the round, third hole used for a ground connection. This means that all 2-slot receptacles are over 50 years old, which is ancient for a household mechanical device. They do not have to automatically be replaced due to age, but should be examined carefully for signs of deterioration. Any 2-slot receptacles with a “cheater plug” installed, like in the photo below, so that an appliance requiring a ground connection can be plugged into it should be replaced with a grounded 3-slot receptacle or GFCI-receptacle with a marking sticker that states “NO EQUIPMENT GROUND”.
Evidence of a short - Any dark black marking at the receptacle and cover plate indicate that there was a short circuit and it should be replaced.

The building code now requires that receptacles be tamper-resistant and, even if there is no building inspector looking over your shoulder, it’s still a good idea for the safety of young children in the house. Also, receptacles in wet areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior should be upgraded to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for shock protection when replacing old receptacles in those areas.

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To learn more about electrical wiring, devices, and receptacles, see these other blog posts:

• What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

• What is the requirement for a service receptacle outlet for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HACR) equipment?

• Why is an opening in the wall around the side of an electrical receptacle outlet a safety defect?

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required?

• What is allowable voltage range at a wall receptacle outlet in a house?

• When should I replace electric receptacle outlets?

• Does an electric receptacle outlet in a storage shed require GFCI protection?

• What are "self-contained" electrical receptacle outlets and switches?

• What is the difference between an electrical receptacle, an outlet, and a plug?