Personally Id shut the breaker off to that plug if reasonable to do so. Never know if a kid or an animal or something would be able to get to it.Corinthein wrote: ↑ Thanks for the quick replies. Until I can get around to doing it, is there any safety concerns I should be aware of? I covered up the receptacle with electrical tape.
Unfortunately the breaker shuts of the entire garage so i wouldn't be able to use the garage door opener. I've electrical taped over the receptacle and put the cover back on. Maybe i'll put some gorilla tape over top to be sure. Hopefully there is no safety issue with that
It's a minor additional cost, but for the $8 (Princess Auto) I'd buy a voltage tester just to make sure.jackrabbit000 wrote: ↑ Test the other plugins or lights in the garage to make sure that the power is off.
As long as you don't use it, it'll be fine.Corinthein wrote: ↑ Thanks for the quick replies. Until I can get around to doing it, is there any safety concerns I should be aware of? I covered up the receptacle with electrical tape.
Yup replaced/rewired some of my receptacles (some were reversed). Super easy to do. I would just do it asap like others have said . I did use a multimeter to test the electricity before working. I would get one just in case. I usually turned off the breaker for the socket I am working on and then test it with the multimeter/voltage test/etc... and then after knowing 100% sure it's off. Takes 5-10mins to replace.
I wouldn't be overly concerned. I've seen this happen before and replaced plenty of busted receptacles for customers. It's probably any combination of users being rough with them, especially in a garage, poor quality receptacles used, not installed correctly the first time, moisture, etc.Pete_Coach wrote: ↑ It is easy to replace as others have said. Circuit breaker off and someone holding a flashlight (or leaving the garage door open for light) and it is easily done.
My concern is why did this happen? I have never seen this in all the years I have owned a home.
I have used and installed receptacles for many many years and still do not understand how the receptacle blows apart like that. Being rough? It would show in the plug. Poor quality? It lasted over 8 years. Moisture? I think not. Improper installation? Not to the point is comes apart in pieces.ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ I wouldn't be overly concerned. I've seen this happen before and replaced plenty of busted receptacles for customers. It's probably any combination of users being rough with them, especially in a garage, poor quality receptacles used, not installed correctly the first time, moisture, etc.
It was in a garage, so it probably wasn't used that much, which is why it lasted eight years.Pete_Coach wrote: ↑ I have used and installed receptacles for many many years and still do not understand how the receptacle blows apart like that. Being rough? It would show in the plug. Poor quality? It lasted over 8 years. Moisture? I think not. Improper installation? Not to the point is comes apart in pieces.
That's great that you have installed receptacles for many years. Unless you botch the install you're not likely to see a failed receptacle. Have you worked as a service electrician responding to calls for years? I have. That's when you find the problems like this, not at install. You may not believe it's possible but the photos show that it is and as I've said I have encountered dozens of service calls for problems like this.Pete_Coach wrote: ↑ I have used and installed receptacles for many many years and still do not understand how the receptacle blows apart like that. Being rough? It would show in the plug. Poor quality? It lasted over 8 years. Moisture? I think not. Improper installation? Not to the point is comes apart in pieces.
OK, yours is bigger than mineChicoQuente wrote: ↑ That's great that you have installed receptacles for many years. Unless you botch the install you're not likely to see a failed receptacle. Have you worked as a service electrician responding to calls for years? I have. That's when you find the problems like this, not at install. You may not believe it's possible but the photos show that it is and as I've said I have encountered dozens of service calls for problems like this.
And I absolutely say a receptacle that fails in 8 years is poor quality. Do you believe a home owner would typically need all receptacles replaced every 8 years? I think not.
Thanks for the positive feedback and advice in this thread, after following it and some youtube vids the replacement is complete. This receptacle was used very rarely, mainly to charge up the kids summer toys and some outdoor equipment. Still surprising that it would fall apart like this.ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ That's great that you have installed receptacles for many years. Unless you botch the install you're not likely to see a failed receptacle. Have you worked as a service electrician responding to calls for years? I have. That's when you find the problems like this, not at install. You may not believe it's possible but the photos show that it is and as I've said I have encountered dozens of service calls for problems like this.
And I absolutely say a receptacle that fails in 8 years is poor quality. Do you believe a home owner would typically need all receptacles replaced every 8 years? I think not.
You're probably removing plugs by gripping the end at the receptacle....try yanking the cords and giving it a good snap if on a bad angle so it sticks.Pete_Coach wrote: ↑ My concern is why did this happen? I have never seen this in all the years I have owned a home.
