The Dangers of Broken Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlet receptacles provide such constant, convenient use that it can be easy to forget that they carry an electrical current that is shielded only by a thin layer of rigid plastic that covers the inner metal parts of the receptacle. Over time, the plastic faces of a receptacle can dry out and crack, and it's likely that you've continued to use a damaged receptacle, never really considering the possible danger. Cracking is particularly likely on old outlets, which were manufactured from hard bakelite, an early form of plastic that is very brittle. Similar danger can exist even if it's just the cover plate that is cracked or otherwise damaged.

Common Damage Found on Outlet Receptacles

Here's a look at the hazards you can be exposed to if some of those plastic parts are cracked or missing.  

Cracked Receptacle Faces

Quite commonly, the plastic right around the outlet slots can crack, and pieces can even chip away. Eventually, this piece of plastic can fall out completely and expose the metal contact points inside the outlet. Cracked faces also can expose the user to loose terminals and loose slots for the cords that plug into them. All of these hazards present a shock risk and a potential fire hazard. If you see an outlet in this condition, don't use it until you replace the receptacle. 

Cracked or Missing Cover Plates

The outlet cover plate is an important safety device because it covers everything in the electrical box, including the electrical terminals (screws) on the sides of the outlet and the bare ends of the circuit wires. Touching these can give you a powerful shock. In a home with children, a missing outlet cover plate in an invitation to tragedy. Cover plates also help to stabilize the outlets. When a cover is cracked the outlet can shift around within the electrical box, leading to loose wires and premature wear on the outlet.

Damaged Outlet Body

Although you can't see it from the front, if the solid plastic body or backplate of the outlet is cracked, the wiring and inner contacts can be exposed within the electrical box and cause a short circuit. If the box is metal, the exposed hot wire can short out on the box and trip the circuit breaker, shutting the circuit off—but usually not until sparks have flown and there is a loud "pop." If you happen to be touching the box at the time, you'll get a shock or be burned due to the heat created when an electrical short occurs—or both. Loose wires in any type of box or anywhere in an electrical circuit presents a serious fire risk. 

Loose Receptacle Slots

Whether due to cracks in the receptacle face or simply wear and tear, receptacles that don't securely hold the prongs on electrical cord plugs are another common problem. What this means is that the electrical contacts within the receptacle have lost their tension and are failing to grip the plug prongs as they are supposed to. If the plug slips out partway, it can be quite dangerous, since the energized metal prongs are exposed. Prongs that fit loosely in the slots are also prone to sparking (known as arcing) and overheating, which can potentially cause a fire.

Damaged Receptacles Should Be Replaced

If you have a bad outlet receptacle, don't hesitate to replace it with a new one. Wiring an outlet isn't hard to do yourself, but make sure you understand the process before attempting it. You may also have a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) receptacle that needs replacing. GFCIs are an important part of your home's safety, and replacing one is almost as easy as replacing a standard receptacle, except that you must ensure the input wires (line) and the output wires (load) are back on their proper location.

In some instances, you may want to replace a receptacle even if it is good condition, such as when it no longer properly meets the requirements of building codes. For example, recent codes require GFCI receptacles in many locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor locations, and in basements. To comply with code, you may want to replace standard receptacles with GFCI receptacles where the code calls for it. Today's electrical codes also require tamper-resistant receptacles for any outlet positioned within 66 inches of the floor. This is a safety measure that prevents children from inserting objects into the slots of a receptacle. Responsible parents may well choose to replace standard receptacles with tamper-resistant receptacles.