Repair & troubleshooting
Outlet and switch repair and installation
Replace any outlet that is loose, cracked, scorched or warm, and any switch that crackles or feels hot. Adding outlets, USB outlets, dimmers or smart switches is routine work for an electrician, as long as the box has a neutral and the circuit can carry the load.
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- Licensed, independent electricians
- 47 states + DC
About outlet & switch repair
Outlets wear out. After years of plugging and unplugging, the contacts lose grip, and a loose plug makes a poor connection that heats up. Older homes also tend to have two-prong outlets with no ground, which the electrical code does not allow you to simply swap for three-prong outlets without a ground or GFCI protection.
Smart switches and many dimmers need a neutral wire in the box, which older switch boxes often do not have. An electrician checks the box before you buy hardware that will not fit the wiring.
- Outlet & Switch Repair at a glance
- Repair & troubleshooting
- Who does the work
- An independent licensed electrician
- Urgent calls
- Usually scheduled
- Typical first step
- Check the circuit and box
Signs you need this
- Plugs fall out or feel loose
- Cracked, discolored or scorched faceplates
- Switches that spark, crackle or buzz
- Two-prong outlets in an older home
- Not enough outlets, with extension cords in daily use
What the electrician does
- 1
Check the circuit and box
Wire type, grounding, box size and neutral availability are confirmed.
- 2
Replace or add the device
Devices are installed with proper terminations, not back-stab connections.
- 3
Add protection where required
Kitchens, baths, garages, outdoors and laundry areas get GFCI protection as code requires.
What affects the cost
Electricians set their own prices. These are the factors that move a quote up or down, so you can compare like for like.
- Number of devices
- Whether new wiring must be run for added outlets
- GFCI, AFCI, USB or smart device cost
- Wall type and access
- Grounding upgrades for two-prong outlets
What you can do safely, and when to stop
Safe to do
- ✓ Use outlet covers and stop using any outlet that is warm
- ✓ Test GFCIs monthly with the Test button
Stop and call
- ✕ Do not replace two-prong outlets with three-prong without a ground or GFCI
- ✕ Do not install a smart switch in a box with no neutral
Key terms
- Tamper-resistant (TR) outlet
- An outlet with built-in shutters that block objects from being inserted into one slot.
- Neutral wire
- The conductor that carries current back to the panel; many smart switches need one in the switch box.
- Duplex receptacle
- The standard two-outlet wall receptacle found in most US homes.
Outlet & Switch Repair FAQ
Can I replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet?
Only if there is a ground available, or if the outlet is GFCI-protected and labeled 'No equipment ground'. An electrician can confirm which option fits your wiring.
Why does my outlet feel warm?
A warm outlet usually has a loose or corroded connection, or it is overloaded. Stop using it and have it checked.
Why is my outlet warm?
A warm outlet usually means a loose connection or a device drawing more current than the outlet or circuit is rated for. Unplug what is connected, stop using it, and have it checked.
Can an outlet be added where there isn't one?
Usually. An electrician can extend a nearby circuit or run a new one, install a new box, and add GFCI or AFCI protection where the location requires it. Adding outlets often needs a permit.
Why do plugs fall out of my outlets?
The spring contacts inside the outlet wear out over time. A worn outlet can make poor contact and heat up, so it should be replaced.
What is a tamper-resistant outlet?
An outlet with internal shutters that open only when both prongs are inserted at the same time. The NEC requires them in most locations in new and renovated homes to protect children.
Can I add USB outlets or smart switches?
Yes, as long as the box has room and, for many smart switches, a neutral wire. An electrician can check whether your existing boxes support them.
How long does it take to replace an outlet or switch?
A straightforward swap usually takes well under an hour per device. Old or damaged wiring in the box can add time.
Why does my light switch spark when I flip it?
A tiny blue flash can be normal. A large spark, a popping sound, heat or a burning smell points to a failing switch or a loose connection and needs attention.
Where electricians offer this
Available through our network in 47 states and DC. Metro guides:
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Dead outlets, flickering lights and tripping breakers usually come from a loose connection, a failed device, an overloaded circuit or a tripped GFCI somewhere upstream.
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GFCI devices protect people from shock near water: kitchens, baths, laundry, garages, basements and outdoors.
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Learn more →Need help with outlet & switch repair?
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.