Electric outlet

Good Morning!
This is my first experience with this message board-so glad I found it! My question: The plug on my coffepot blew out. It left smoke marks on the receptacle. Do I have to replace the receptacle or can I continue to use it with a new coffee pot? Don't want to replace the plug-old pot. Thank you so much for you help.

 

Welcome Jeany!

This is going to require a careful inspection of the receptacle and the wiring. Turn off the circuit breaker and gently pull the receptacle out of the wall without disconnecting any wires. See if the smoke marks wipe off, or if they caused scorching of the receptacle itself. Look carefully at the insulation on the wiring to make sure it is not brittle or shows signs of having melted. If you have any doubt, replace the receptacle -- they're inexpensive. In any event, if the receptacle is wired with the backstab connections, this is an excellent time to move each wire to the adjacent screw. The overload may have weakened the already questionable backstab connections. If the receptacle is not already GFCI protected, this is a good time to add that also.

 

Thank you so much for your quick response. I must remind you that you are speaking to a true notive in this department. What is a backstab connection and where do I look to find out if the receptacle is FGCI protected? Also, I know where the Circuit breakers are located but how do I know whick one to use? Is there something on line with a diagram? Sorry but as Madonna sang " Like a virgin" in the electrical department! Jeany

 

I suggest that you visit your local public library. Type "home wiring" into the word search of the card catalog. Pick out a book with a lot of color pictures. This will give you an introduction to how electricity works in your house.

Do you have a guess as to why your coffeepot went haywire? It might help us decide whether you should be concerned about the receptacle.

 

Hi,
I know exactly why the coffe pot went wacko. The plug was faulty. I want tot know if that has effected the fairly new wiring behind the plate that had a bit of smoke on it. Does that Help? Jeany

 

Jean - it's hard for us to determine if you need to replace the receptacle. What do you mean when you say "the plug blew out?" Was the coffee pot operating normally, and then you saw sparks?? Or what? I think if you describe the incident in more detail we may be able to assist you further.

 

Thank each of you for assisting me with my outlet problem. Key here was that I was afraid I might get shocked if I tried using the plug ( just to test). I was asked this question: When the electric tripped and you re-set it did it trip again? No, it didn't--then the receptable is working. I plugged in the toaster for a test and all is well. Nice to know there is a DoitYourself community. Jeany

 

Most likely, the receptacle is fine. However, an inspection of the receptacle by a electrically-knowledgeable individual would be a good idea.