Fix electric outlets
by
Lynda Howard
Place where you plug in to electric outlets is wobbly.
1 answer
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If the outlet itself is wobbly the fix is easy. Remove the face plate using the small screw in the middle. Then there are two screws that hold the outlet into the box. Tighten them enough to prevent the outlet from moving. If the box is set deep into the drywall surface. Just turn the screws in one or two times and replace the outlet cover. When that is fastened into place this should secure the outlet from moving. The other issue can be the box has come loose within the wall. So if the entire box that holds the outlet into place it can be fixed, but its a bit harder. First off remove the outlet cover. If the box that is installed is what is called an new work box it is secured by two methods. One is a small screw in each corner of the box or on each side in the middle. Turning this screw will cause the toggle that is wedging the box tight into the wall should secure the box better, thus preventing the movement, If the box does not have this form of fastening and its still an old work box there may be a metal bracket on each side that comes out on the side of the box and bends over and into the box. After that the outlet is installed and the box no longer moves. If this is the case, you should request a electrical contractor to come in and fix the loose box for you. Lastly if its a old work box, meaning it was installed when the house or room was built, you should be able to remove the cover, turn off the power to the outlet then remove the outlet keeping the wires on it. Then using a longer 2 inch drywall screw fasten it into the side of the box where there should be a few holes. If there is no holes on the side of the box, use a small drill to create one or two. Once the screws are fastened through the box and onto the wall framing that supports the box replace the outlet and cover then restore the power to the outlet. You should be fine then.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 22, 2014
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