How can I make plugs fit better into OLD electrical outlets?

Question

I am living in a home which has electrical outlets that are very old. They are so old that most plugs will pull right out of the outlet with very little force.

I am concerned about arcing occurring if a plug is accidentally pulled partially out of the socket (say, by a cat walking by it or someone moving the device the plug is connected to).

The wiring in the home is very old and I am not planning to remove any electrical outlets. I think the insulation (cloth?) would break apart if I did that.

So, how can I make my plugs fit into these sockets better?

So far the best thing I have found is to use ground eliminators (which I need to use anyway) and use the s***w holding the plate on to hold the ground tab in place. The ground eliminator is still able to be pulled out partially but not nearly as easily. I've also found that some ground eliminators fit in rather snug to begin with, but not all of them.

Answer 1

Adaptors work best. But I agree with Geodude, to be safe change everything. If you own the place, then you can make the decision, otherwise, approach yr landlord and inform him of the risk of fire.

Answer 2

I would suggest changing the outlets but you have ruled that out so the next best thing is to bend the prongs on the plugs so they fit tighter.  Using the adapters that you can s***w in is a good idea also.  Good luck.  If this is your house you might consider hiring an electrician to upgrade the wiring.

Answer 3

If the main panel has been upgraded from fusees to breakers. I would install arc fault breakers.

Answer 4

take a needle nose plier and bend the ends of the  plugs you want to use,

Answer 5

You have completely answered your question. You have the best answer already. Please take some time, buy some new plugs, electrical tape, spray on insulation, turn off the main power, and replace the plugs. It is dangerous if you don't, fire follows arcs.

Answer 6

it would be safer to just replace you old receptacles(sockets) with new ones.  If you don't feel confident enough to do it, get someone who has the expeience.  make sure to turn off the power before starting

Answer 7

You can't. You have to replace the old outlets with new ones. It seriously takes like 4 minutes per outlet and each new outlet may cost $1.25 to replace. Turn the electricity off at the breaker box (I turn off the main just to be sure), then test the wires with an altimiter to be sure it is not live. There are three wires, 1 white, 1 black and one ground wire. If you start bending the plug prongs or smashing them to fit you could cause a fire. If the outlets are pulling out of the wall, look to see if it has a metal box inside the wall holding it in there, if not, buy the metal boxes for safety's sake.

While the age of the wiring is likely a fire hazard in itself, you can still replace the outlets to make plugging things in much safer. Having a professional so this for you would be a great idea but know that they are obligated by law to bring your home up to code which can become very costly very quickly. Smashing plug prongs in order to fit a too small outlet increases the chance of a fire by about 75%. By forcing a modern appliance into an outlet, you can cause the appliance to overheat the outlet which can cause a fire which will follow the electrical lines making escape virtually impossible. That is of course, if you were not electrocuted when forcing the appliance into the outlet to begin with. Some insurances will not cover you in the event of a fire caused by something you did as they could argue arson (intentional safety breach of contract). No to mention the fact that you may lose loved ones in the ensuing fire. Electricity is considered a silent killer as one electrical mishap could trigger a cycle of events today, tomorrow or ten years from now. Fire is indiscriminate and cares not for who or what it consumes.

Answer 8

If ur plugs are that  old...u should consider replacing it.