One issue that I run into from time to time in homes is loose plug to receptacle socket connections. What I mean is when I plug my receptacle tester into the receptacle socket it should fit tight and not move and have constant power to it. If the receptacle is worn and loose my tester won’t sit in it properly and it won’t have consistent power. The lights on the tester will then flicker.

What causes this loose connection? A loose connection between an electrical plug and electrical socket is caused by the socket of the receptacle wearing over time and loosening to a point where the plug no longer fits tight inside it. Here is a video of what a loose plug connection looks like:

So why is a loose connection bad (besides the obvious of reason of power not getting to the device plugged into the receptacle)? A loose connection is bad because it can cause an arc between the plug and the socket of the receptacle. The arc occurs because of the air gap between the two conductors. The electrical current actually jumps across the air between the two conductors (socket and plug) similar to how lightning arcs from the sky to the ground. This arc, or arcing, is a safety concern because it can cause overheating of wires which can lead to fires. In the U.S. there are more than 30,000 house fires a year caused by arc faults. These fires caused hundreds of deaths and injuries and over $750 million in property damage each year.

This is why it’s vital to have a proper and tight connection on anything electrical related, including receptacles. One piece of technology that has come about in recent years to help prevent these arcs is called an AFCI. AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. This device senses an arc fault happening and shuts off power to the receptacle that’s arcing. Because of it’s ability to prevent arcing, AFCI devices have been implemented in current code to be required to be installed in kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun-rooms, recreations rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas and similar rooms or areas.

Another plus to these AFCI devices, they’re relatively cheap! AFCI breakers and receptacles can cost as little as $20-$50. Not a bad investment if it means saving your home, and possibly your life.