Published on

Why Are There Loose Outlets in Your Apartment Building?

Loose outlets in an apartment complex aren’t only a nuisance for your tenants but also a potential liability for you or your business. Fire hazards, disgruntled tenants, and potential lawsuits are all possible threats posed by loose outlets.

As a landlord and property owner, you have an obligation to maintain a safe and operational electrical system. While tenants may contribute to damaged outlets, most causes stem from factors beyond their control. Discover the top six causes of loose outlets and how to repair them.

6 Causes of Loose Outlets in an Apartment

1. Normal Wear and Tear

A standard electrical outlet has an expected lifespan of 10-15 years. That said, the outlet typically gets looser with age. Over time, internal components, like spring clips, degrade or wear down.

Spring clips are small metal components inside the outlet that apply pressure to and grip the prongs of a plug. As the outlet ages and gets more use, the spring clips lose tension and their ability to hold plug prongs securely.

The degradation is usually a slow progression, something you don’t notice until plugs are just falling out. Still, you must replace loose outlets immediately. Ignoring the outlet opens your building to fire hazards and electrical risks or injuries.

2. Improper Installation

Loose outlets in an apartment building can stem from improper installations. Older properties are often home to several DIY fixes or repairs performed by well-intentioned individuals without the skills or know-how. Signs of poor installation may include:

• Crooked outlets
• Visible gaps
• Squishy outlets
• Incorrect amperage rating

Two common installation issues that can cause loose outlets are bent or loose mounting tabs and unsecured electrical boxes. All outlets have metal tabs at the top and bottom of the outlet; these tabs attach to the electrical box inside the wall with screws. Bent outlet tabs can prevent a snug installation, resulting in outlet movement.

Electrical boxes are either plastic or metal with designated attachment points. If the installer doesn’t screw or nail the box securely to the interior wall framing, the outlet may feel loose.

3. Tenant-Caused Damage

While not the most common culprit of loose outlets in an apartment building, tenants can damage unit outlets. The most common cause of outlet damage is yanking plugs out of the outlet. For example, a tenant may vacuum their apartment, and instead of walking back to the outlet to unplug the vacuum, they use a whipping or pulling motion to yank or loosen the plug from the wall. Repeat outlet abuse can loosen the clips and internal components, affecting reliability.

If you rent to families, you must consider the potential risks to outlets from younger children. Children are curious and inquisitive, which can be a dangerous combination. It is relatively common for children to stick objects into outlets, which can damage and loosen them. To protect children and building outlets, consider installing childproof outlets in family or multi-tenant units.

4. Loose Wiring Connections

Loose outlets in an apartment go beyond loose spring clips or spongy faces; they also include loose wiring connections. All outlets have screw terminals where grounding and power supplies connect. Over time, the wire connections can loosen from environmental changes, minor vibrations, and regular use, becoming safety hazards.

Loose wires are dangerous and can potentially lead to arcing and fires. Arcing is when an electrical spark shoots from one wire to another conductive surface, attempting to complete a circuit. An arc contains intense heat, over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, that can cause instantaneous damage to the outlet, wires, or building, possibly sparking a fire. Signs of loose wiring may include:

• Intermittent power to the outlet
• Heat coming from the face of the outlet
• Crackling or buzzing sounds from the outlet
• Faint burning odor
• Scorch marks
• Sparks

5. Outdated Electrical Systems

New York City is home to many prewar buildings. While beautiful, older residential structures do not naturally accommodate modern infrastructure. Depending on the age of your building, units may not have enough outlets or power for modern tenant demands.

When units don’t have enough outlets, tenants may rely on power strips, which can draw too much power when tenants depend on them. Overloading and overuse can cause loose outlets in an apartment, either by damaging the wiring or constant plugging and unplugging of power strips and devices.

Many older properties do not meet safety standards and city building codes. For example, building codes require ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in areas exposed to high humidity or water, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room; many prewar buildings do not have these vital outlets.

If you recently bought your building and need an electrical inspection, contact Bolt Electric and schedule an assessment. During the inspection, licensed electricians provide insight into system upgrades and diagnose existing issues.

6. Faulty Outlet Components

Loose outlets in an apartment may stem from faulty components. Manufacturing defects happen, though they are less likely than other issues. Problems can include weak spring clips, poorly made internal contacts, and loose screw terminals.

Because defects can happen, it is essential to assess warranty information. It is also necessary to buy from reputable sellers and manufacturers and work with licensed and experienced installers.

While shopping at bargain-priced stores is tempting, you risk purchasing counterfeit products. Cheaper products might save money initially, but they tend to cost more later, especially when from nonreputable sellers.

Still, faulty outlets, especially new outlets, are not the most likely cause of looseness. Normal wear and tear or improper installation are more likely causes. That said, the best way to identify the cause of a loose outlet is through a professional repair.

How To Repair Loose Outlets in an Apartment Complex

Contact Bolt Electric

Loose outlets in an apartment building require immediate attention because they pose a safety and fire risk. To assess the damage and identify the cause of your property’s loose outlets, call Bolt Electric at 212-734-5000 to schedule an inspection. If you want to avoid outlet and electrical issues in the future, ask about our annual service contracts, which include regular maintenance, inspections, and preferential scheduling during emergencies.