Loose Electrical Connections

A tightly made connection can become loose over time due to the tiny expansion and contraction that occurs as the cable warms up during use and cools down when not Energised, so Electrical connections can become loose for a variety of reasons.

May be the connectors or terminals are faulty so even though the screw is done up tight it’s not actually clamping the cable enough.  Intermittently we find connections that have never been tightened up at all.  Perchance the last installation was not proper and connecting parts have worn out and don’t make good contact anymore.

This can happen even in new homes and installations.  It’s a symbol that the installation was not properly done and we need to make sure either it’s firmly connected or not.

Loose Wiring and Connections Are Risky

While it might go without saying that loose connections are a risk, the danger which was goes to unnoticed. These risks or hazards are always hidden and start to heat up an outlet by causing electricity to travel through an air gap or a smaller strand of wiring.
When wiring loosens the electrical connection to the outlet will depend on on fewer strands of wiring. The smaller strands of wiring will not be enough to efficiently transfer electricity and will heat up from the additional current running through it.

Oftentimes these cause arcs of electricity. This causes your outlet to get hot and increases the chance of a fire. Every electrical connection has the probable to get hot. With increased heat comes increased electrical resistance, which in turns causes things to get even warmer.

Loose wires or cables from phones, internet connections, laptops, computers and various office and lab equipment can create tripping hazards if stretched across walkways or paths where people walk. People can get their feet caught in the cords and they can trip. Not only can they get hurt, but equipment can be damaged also.

Precautions:

• Eliminate trip hazards from loose wires by removing wires that are not needed.
• Secure cords with zip ties to reduce slack and keep wires together.
• Relocate wires under or behind furniture or equipment so they are out of the way.
• Place device and overhead or retractable cords on desktop surfaces instead of on the floor.
• If cords must be stretched across the floor, cover, tape or otherwise secure them to the floor. This will prevent people from getting their feet caught under the cord and tripping.

Contact us, if you need cable management help in your area, or you need additional electrical outlets.