We all know the use of a power socket or outlet. The main and the most common purpose of electrical sockets is so that electrical equipment could be connected to it and to the electrical grid. There are many types of outlets. Some are different in different countries. Some are switched or unstitched and some can be 2 gangs or 3 gang sockets etc. here we will not talk about the different types but about the fact that these sockets burn sometimes and the reasons as to why this happens. When this happens you will very clearly see a blackened spot on the socket that melted into it due to the heat.
This is a great concern especially if some electrical appliances were connected to it, it can possibly cause harm to them as well. When this happens you are sure not to leave unattended because it can lead to even higher dangers and even have reported starting house fires. We will mention a few of the common reasons why this might happen.
Defective Wiring
One of the most common reasons why a burn-in socket like 3 gang sockets out may occur is because the wires might be damaged or not properly installed. Proper installation of wires is very important to make sure that electricity can flow throw with the help of an unbroken channel. Not properly installed or old and worn-out wirings can cause arcing. Arcing is when the electricity flows freely because of worn-out wires.
Overloaded Circuit
Sometimes the burnout may also occur because the socket was overloaded with electrical appliances more than it was made to bear. When the circuit is overloaded it will heat up and very possibly burn out anything in contact with it especially the plastic power socket like 3 gang socket. This problem most commonly occurs in old houses. If you detect something burning in the house you should not leave it unattended. The best thing you can do is call an electrician to fix the problem.
Light Fixtures
This also traces back to the overloaded circuit reasons. Sometimes people install lights that have really high wattage. It is often more than the power outlets and fixtures that it receives power from. Lights aren’t one-size-fits-all, so make certain to follow wattage rules for all light apparatuses around your home. A 100-watt light in a light installation that requires a 60-watt bulb can make the entire thing burst into flames. That is the reason never go over the most extreme wattage recorded on your lighting Fixtures.
Old Appliances
Old appliances can also be a cause of these burnouts of sockets like 3 gang sockets. Appliances that are old and have loose wires may start up fires. Sometimes fixing these wires is not enough so it is better to replace them with new ones to be careful. When you have older appliances there is an increased risk that they might not be according to the standards of required wattage rate, safety regulations, and material quality.
