Get matched with top electricians in Jackson Township, PA

To determine if an electrical outlet is blown, look for visible signs of damage such as a burning or smoky smell, burn marks, or a melted or discolored plastic cover. If you notice a burning smell, contact an electrician immediately. Other signs include a plug that keeps falling out or the outlet not working when you test it with different devices. For further troubleshooting, you can use a voltage tester or multimeter to check for power; a reading of zero indicates a problem. Also, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the circuit was tripped and reset it if necessary. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the outlet may need to be replaced.

A full home inspection can cost nearly $350 on average, but inspecting the breaker box specifically is likely to be lower, between $100 and $200. Don’t confuse this service with a basic breaker trip check, which doesn’t take long and is usually billed at $40 to $50 per hour.

If the electrician discovers a serious problem and needs to replace a breaker, it can cost between $100 and $200 in additional expenses. Although rare, replacing the electrical panel typically costs between $500 and $2,000.

An outlet can start a fire if it has blown a fuse, or is sparking, overheating, or smells burnt. Prevent electrical fires by unplugging the device connected to the outlet and hiring an electrician to determine and fix the outlet’s issue. If the outlet stays hot or isn't working, you should fix it.

It might seem tempting to use 14-gauge wires for your outlets, as they can run a little cheaper. But, when it comes to electrical work, it’s best not to cut costs less you overload your circuit. A 12-gauge wire will ensure that you’re protecting the outlet (and your circuit breaker) from any potential overloads that might incur, as it can handle a little more amplitude than a 14-gauge wire.