Low voltage possesses minor to major problems. For one thing, a low power outage causes your home appliances and other electronic devices to consume more electricity yet not provide full power capacity. As a result, it also causes your monthly electricity bill to spike.
In addition, it can also lead to serious damage to your fixtures that run through electricity. It may result in the fixture short-circuiting and causing fire.
So how do you fix an outlet with low voltage?
To address the issue, you have to turn off the main switch of the circuit breaker. And then, remove the screws of the faceplate, and you have to determine the hot, ground, and neutral wires. Scrape off the corroded wires until it becomes shiny. Hold the wires in place and tighten the screws again.
This should fix the problem and repair the poor electrical connection.
But if you are looking for further answers to your concern, the article prepared for today will provide you with the solution you seek to fix the low voltage completely.
What Would Cause Low Voltage On an Outlet?
Identifying the reason behind the low voltage from your outlet is crucial in preventing damage to your home appliances and electronic devices. It also lessens the potential of the plugs to short-circuit, which is the primary cause of accidentally igniting a fire in homes.
The following are the common causes of low voltage that you have to note.
Wear and Tear
One of the main reasons the power outlet supplies low voltage happens is a depreciated insulation or switch malfunction. Wear and tear is common, especially if you have used the power outlet for a long time.
As time progresses from the time of the installation, the electric currents corrode the metal plating of the wire. The corroded part of the wire is non-conductive, which blocks the electrical current that leads to the low voltage.
High Power Consumption by the Appliances and Other Electronic Devices
Another reason a low voltage occurs is that your appliances may consume too much power that, overloads the electrical outlet. Therefore, you must check the average power consumption of a fixture you are prospecting to buy as much as possible.
Loose or Damaged Wire
A damaged wire or loose wire is also another angle that you have to check. If the wires are loose, they won’t be able to transmit the electricity that powers your fixtures.
How Can I Fix An Outlet With Low Voltage?
The solution to low voltage relies on the cause of the problem. Therefore, the following are the best solution depending on the cause of low voltage.
Scrape Off the Corrosion
If the problem is due to corrosion, you must switch off the breaker first. And then, remove the faceplate of the plug and determine the hot, ground, and neutral wires.
Scrape the corroded portion of the wires until you restore their luster. Afterward, hold the wires and put back the screws and faceplate.
Replace the Wires or Re-Position the Wires
The solution is straightforward if the cause of low voltage is only loose wires. All you have to do is to re-position the wires and tighten the screws.
If you observe damaged wires, you have to replace the wires with fresh ones to fix the problem. But you can contact your local electrician if you are unsure how to replace the wires.
Whatever the cause for low voltage, you must address the issue immediately once you notice low voltage signs. And one of the best telltale signs we can identify a low voltage is if the appliances and other electronic devices don’t function properly if you use the power outlet.
What Happens If Voltage Is Too Low?
If the voltage is too low, you will not notice that your appliances and electronic devices are no longer performing in tip-top condition. Remember that a low voltage increases the amperage despite the deficient power supply. Therefore, they are consuming high electricity that spikes your electrical bills.
In addition, the electricity supply damages your fixtures because it forces them to run without the appropriate power consumption. It will eventually cause them to malfunction if you cannot act diligently.
Another possible effect of low voltage is it may lead to a fire. The high amperage overloads the power outlets and causes the breakers to short-circuit. And when this happens, it creates a spark that leads to fire if they make contact with light materials.
Can a Breaker Cause Low Voltage?
Take note that the power outlet is connected to the breaker. Therefore, a low voltage is also possible if the breaker malfunctions or depreciates.
The following are factors on telling if the problem is a bad breaker and not a malfunctioning power outlet.
- The breaker emits a burning odor
- The circuit breaker is very hot
- The lights in your home are tripping, or the outlets don’t generate enough power.
- The circuit breaker unusually trips
- Some of the lightbulbs in your home suddenly blow up
