Damage to an electrical socket?

June 30, 2023 1:39 AM

I just tripped on a power cord, pulling the plug halfway out of the electrical socket. When I removed the plug to check for damage, I noticed the prongs were a bit bent of shape (they were on a slight diagonal instead of straight). I pushed them back into position and the device is working fine, but could there be damage to the electrical socket that could be dangerous long term?
posted by mydonkeybenjamin to Technology (3 answers total)

Best answer: When mains power plug pins get bent, the bending forces have usually been applied by the socket's access holes rather than the contacts inside the socket. If you do indeed manage to damage the contacts, that usually shows up as looseness of fit. If fitting an undamaged plug into the affected socket feels the same as usual, you're probably fine.

The other sign of socket contacts that no longer clamp the plug pins as tightly as they should is heat generated at the contact point for heavy loads. You can test for that without specialized equipment by plugging some heavy power consumer like a heater or electric kettle into the socket, running it for a minute or two, then pulling out the plug and checking the pins for warmth. If a socket that you suspect might be damaged makes the pins warmer than a known good socket does, replacing it would be a good idea.
posted by flabdablet at 2:17 AM on June 30, 2023 [5 favorites]

Best answer: Also from personal experience, it is dead simple to replace a socket. Just make sure the power breaker is off.
posted by Bottlecap at 5:32 AM on June 30, 2023

Happens all the time, not to worry, the socket will be fine. If the plug feels loose, when plugged in, have the socket replaced (or DIY); but probably not necessary.
posted by Rash at 8:32 AM on June 30, 2023