UNSAFE electrical repair.

[keithbvadu2]

UNSAFE electrical repair. Does your power cord feel loose or lean out of the outlet? The fingers inside the outlet are supposed to have a firm grip on the prongs of the power cord. That firm grip provides good current flow. If it is a weak grip, it is a poor current flow and can overheat, which can melt the plastic and actually start a fire. This little plastic gizmo makes the plug grip to the plastic cover of the outlet but not to the actual electrical fingers. It is still a poor connection.

REPLACE the outlet!

Don't 'fix' it on the cheap with this plastic piece of crap.

[duncang]

1. One thing I do

Last edited Fri Nov 15, 2024, 05:05 AM - Edit history (1)

Is get the heavy duty receptacles. Some receptacles will be called something like hyper duty but cost around a dollar. They are a hazard.

Edit: I’m talking about buying the straight blade type 20 amp plugs. Not the ones that have a t shaped slot on the hot side. Those are for ac units and appliances.


I’m lucky the city I live in requires 12 gauge wire and 20 amp breakers throughout the house. I’ve bought the 20 amp receptacles for replacing the couple I replaced. Even if you only have 15 amp breakers you can use the 20 amp receptacles. The last house I lived in had 15 amp breakers but I replaced receptacles with the 20’s.

[taxi]

2. Are you sure that's a good idea?

Connecting a device that draws 20 amps to wiring meant to carry 15 seems risky.

[duncang]

3. The 20 amp straight blade plugs

Are just a heavier duty design. I am going to edit my original post because there are some 20 amp receptacles that allow you to plug in a 20 plug. It has a t shaped slot. The ones with the straight blade plugs only allow normal plugs. You don’t see the t blade type except for ac units or appliances.

[Marthe48]

4. I just watched a reels on repairing a LED bulb

using a piece of razor blade. The only step in the video I would try would be to pop the cover off the top of the bulb. I am not creating a makeshift tool with tweezers and electrical tape to test the series of LED lights in the bottom of the bulb while IT IS PLUGGED IN! And I'm not deconstructing a disposable razor to salvage the blade and cut a piece off of it to close the circuit so bulb works a few more minutes. Don't try this at home! lol

BTW, thanks for explaining why my toaster plug keeps coming loose. I need an electrician

[Hotler]

5. Don't forget to refrence DU's DIY-Home Improvement forum.

Food for thought or a refresher.

be well, be safe

[keithbvadu2]

6. Absolutely! Thanks.