How to Fix Loose Outlets: A Comprehensive Guide
Causes of Loose Outlets
Loose outlets can be caused by several factors, including:
- Loose outlet screws
- Missing or damaged outlet shims
- Recessed electrical box
- Loose electrical box in the wall
- Damaged outlet
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to fix a loose outlet, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:
- Turn off the power to the outlet at the electrical service panel or breaker box.
- Verify that the power is off at the outlet using a non-contact voltage tester.
Tools and Materials
To fix a loose outlet, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Electrical outlet plastic shims, kit
- Electrical box extender, 1/4- or 1/2-inch as needed
- Metal wall plate spacer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Tighten the Wall Plate Screw
- Locate the center screw on the wall plate that covers the outlet.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to tighten it.
- Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the wall plate.
2. Tighten the Outlet Screws
- Remove the wall plate by unscrewing the center screw.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten both the upper and lower outlet screws.
- Replace the wall plate and screw it back into place.
3. Add Shims to the Outlet Screws
- If the electrical box is recessed more than 1/4-inch behind the wall, you will need to add shims to the outlet screws.
- Break off enough plastic shims to fill the gap between the outlet and the wall.
- Loosen the top and bottom outlet screws slightly.
- Add shims to the top and bottom of the outlet, behind the yoke.
- Tighten the outlet screws.
- Replace the wall plate.
4. Add an Electrical Box Extender
- If the electrical box is deeply recessed within the wall (more than 1/4-inch), you will need to add an extender to the box.
- Remove the outlet from the box by unscrewing the top and bottom screws.
- Slip the extender over the outlet and press it against the box.
- Screw the outlet back into place, directly into the extender.
- Replace the wall plate.
5. Tighten the Electrical Box in the Wall
- If the electrical box is an old work or remodel box, the swing clamps that hold the box to the wall may be loose.
- Remove the wall plate.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, tighten the two screws located diagonally from each other on the electrical box.
- Do not over-tighten to avoid breaking the swing clamps.
- Replace the wall plate.
6. Add a Metal Wall Plate Spacer
- If a stud-mounted electrical box is loose in the wall, you can use a metal wall plate spacer to secure it.
- Remove the wall plate.
- Loosen the top and bottom outlet screws slightly.
- Slip the spacer behind the outlet screws.
- Tighten the outlet screws down onto the spacer.
- Replace the wall plate.
7. Replace the Electric Outlet
- If the outlet is damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace it.
- Turn off the power to the outlet.
- Remove the wall plate.
- Unscrew the top and bottom outlet screws.
- Pull out the outlet by the yoke.
- Take note of the wires and their positions.
- Unscrew the terminal screws to remove the wires.
- Replace the wires on the new outlet, duplicating the previous positions.
- Fold back the wires and replace the outlet.
- Add the outlet screws to secure the outlet to the box.
- Replace the wall plate.
When to Call a Professional
Most loose outlets can be fixed by following the steps outlined above. However, if you have tried all the repairs and the outlet is still loose, you should call a licensed electrician for assistance.