It is fairly common for homeowners to notice an outlet blackened and melted by heat. This is not an issue that should be put on the back burner or left unchecked. When you experience any electrical problem, know they never correct themselves and ignoring the issue only makes it worse. More often than not, these unaddressed electrical dilemmas will result in electrocution as well as potential fires that cause property damage and bodily harm, even fatalities. In an effort to keep you and your home safe, we at Simon Electric would like to share why the outlet has been charred, blackened, or melted. A circuit overload or damaged or incorrect wiring installation causes excessive heat that causes a charred or melted outlet.

Bad Electrical Wiring in House

In order for the electricity to flow through, the wiring installation needs to reflect an unbroken channel. Arcing, or when the energy is given the opportunity to flow freely. This can occur when wires become old and worn and arcing then causes things to break loose. A large amount of electricity that shoots from the wire’s breaking point to the nearest conductor it can find, usually the other broken end of wiring is a prime example of arcing. With enough heat to melt or burn any surrounding flammable material, arcing is what generates the heat as it shoots through the air. In older homes, the installers likely did not deliver quality electrical wiring at the time of installation and potential arcing can be the result of it that causes the burnt outlet in the event the wiring, as well as damage that can happen after time.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker

There are many things that overburden an outlet, such as power strips, appliances, and other major power devices the electrical wiring demand is beyond what it was originally designed for. Especially true for a plastic outlet, the wiring will become hot and possibly ignite or melt anything that comes into contact with it. A common issue is the older homes that were not designed to power the modern appliances and electrical devices. The wiring used in older homes is a smaller gauge, which is inadequate to safely handle large flows of electricity. Calling a licensed electrician after promptly turning of the power is vital should you smell electrical heat and a burning odor as it can be caused by an overloaded circuit.

Emergency Electrical Repairs & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

All electrical work should be left to the professionals, as it is crucial for your safety. To repair damaged or overloaded wiring, a properly trained and experienced electrical contractor can ensure it is done safely. Replaced with a size that can meet the demands of your home or business, the damaged wiring or insufficiently gauged wire should be addressed. Having repairs or replacement in your South Florida home can be done easily and efficiently with the experts of Simon Electric. Our qualified experts are eager to provide quality services to ensure you and your home is safe and your electrical system is up to par. Contact us for all your electrical needs.