This one needs a licensed pro
Likely cause: a worn outlet
Plugs that wobble or fall out mean the outlet's contacts are worn. Stop using it and have a licensed electrician replace it.
Why this happens
The U.S. Fire Administration says to replace wall outlets if plugs do not fit snugly. Replacing an outlet means opening the box, which is electrician's work.
What to do right now
- Stop using that outlet. Use a different outlet on another circuit for now.
- Check whether the plug prongs are bent or damaged; a damaged plug is the device's problem.
- If the outlet ever felt warm, smelled or sparked, turn its breaker OFF at the hinged panel door.
- Call a licensed electrician to replace the outlet.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- Which outlet is loose and how many plugs fall out of it.
- Whether it has ever sparked, smelled or felt warm.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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