Our electrical systems rely on good connections between the wires, the plug sockets, the electrical panel or consumer unit and at all points where there are joins in any of the wiring.
When rust occurs in an electrical system it seriously affects the ability of electrical current to flow unhindered around the wiring and electrical circuit. This corrosion is a blight on an otherwise happily functioning system.
If your SOCKETS ARE RUSTY this is a serious problem as this will prevent the safe operation of the electrical system.
Back to top1) How does water get into plug sockets?
Water can enter our properties from almost anywhere, in fact, one of the most common causes of water entering electrical plug sockets is through condensation. Where warm air meets cold surfaces, little droplets of water will form on the cold surface. This is condensation. This can then drip down into electrical outlets and create havoc with the wiring system.
Another source of damp in plug sockets is from the walls in the form of penetrating damp or rising damp. In properties with limited damp proofing (common in older properties) there can be a great level of damp in the fabric of the building which can work its way into the electrical equipment.
Leaks from poor plumbing or failed roofing systems can also be a cause of damp in sockets. Where plumbing fails, water will usually find the most convenient way to escape to the lowest point it can. From the first floor of a building there are often gaps where wiring has been run, the water will find these gaps and use the electrical cables as a convenient route to lower ground.
Back to top2) What happens when water enters an electrical outlet?
Wet electrical outlets are a serious danger. When water enters an electrical outlet, it is likely to cause the plug socket to short out, the power supply to trip and the electrical connections to spark. There is also a real risk of electrical shock where there is a wet outlet.
A small amount of water may not cause these problems immediately or at all. What is more likely to happen with a continuous and small amount of water ingress is the metal back boxes will corrode along with the electrical socket itself making a poor connection to earth and within the mechanism of the wall socket itself.
This corrosion and poor connection, reduces the flow of electricity throughout the electrical circuit.
Back to top3) How does a homeowner tackle water in an electrical outlet?
The first step to tackling water in power sockets is to establish WHERE the water is coming from. There is little point repairing or replacing electrical equipment only for the same situation to occur again. Future corrosion needs to be prevented by tackling the water ingress issue at the source.
Property owners need to carry out maintenance on their homes to ensure that water does not penetrate the building. Failing gutters, downpipes, plumbing or waste water systems can all be sources of water ingress and should be checked an examined regularly to keep on top of maintenance.
Once you have established where the water ingress is coming from, have the issue fixed, let it dry out and then you are ready to tackle the electrical issues.
Back to top4) Can a rusty socket be saved?
Quite possible in some cases YES. However, it is often far more economical to replace a plug socket than it is to try repairing or cleaning it up. Steel wool and white vinegar may go some way to removing corrosion but it may simply ruin the wall socket even more.
Generally speaking, socket outlets are relatively inexpensive unless they are an electrical outlet with USB ports or special finishes such as chrome, stainless steel, or nickel sockets.
Professional electricians would not entertain the idea of repairing plug sockets or other electrical accessories as they know it is safer and more economical to the customer to change them for new items.
Back to top5) Which buildings are more likely to get problems?
Many commercial buildings can find that their SOCKETS ARE RUSTY especially where the buildings contain a commercial kitchen. The moisture generated in many restaurants kitchens can result in water building up on the walls and other surfaces and entering the electrical sockets.
Business owners will often spend a great deal of time and money having proper ventilation systems installed to remove moisture from their buildings as the down time associated with electrical failure can cost a lot of money in lost business.
Back to top6) Summary
Aside from personal safety, where water is allowed to enter into an electrical system and create a situation where sockets go rusty, the costs can be high for repair works. If you have discovered that there is water entering the electrical system anywhere it is VITAL that the problem is found and fixed as soon as possible to prevent damage to cabling, trip switches and other electrical equipment.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us here at Electrical Faults Fixed, Liverpool.
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