Possible Electrical Problem

[Bill]

Not if it met the code when the house was built and they don't trip the breaker if on simultaneously. I'm not an electrician, but I'd replace the receptacle with a more expensive (better) one and put a new trim place on and move on.

You're lucky she smelt it.

[2B4Him]

Not if it met the code when the house was built and they don't trip the breaker if on simultaneously. I'm not an electrician, but I'd replace the receptacle with a more expensive (better) one and put a new trim place on and move on.

You're lucky she smelt it.

This I can handle. We built the house 14 years ago and haven't had any problems with this situation until now. So I was thinking it was probably OK, just wanted some more knowledgeable opinions.

[avidhunter75]

You don't see a problem with the microwave, refrigerator, and this plug being on the same circuit?

Yes, that is way too much load with those three. That particular problem is the result of the circuit feeding through the receptacle, and the connections on the receptacle getting loose. The connections on the receptacle will actually loosen by theirselves due to overloading. Every time you put too much load on that receptacle the connections will heat up, then cool down, thus expanding and contracting, which will loosen the connection further until you get the result in your picture. Although its more common with aluminum wiring, copper will do it too.

[Bill]

Once again, I'm not licensed just a home handyman who took a course in residential wiring so I defer to somebody who is licensed.

I advised what I'd do if it was my or my Mom's home.

Here's the little ditty I made up to remember polarization at the receptacle "Black to Brass, don't zap your arse".

If you have 3,appliances on a duplex receptacle with an sdspter, I think it's fugly. Myself I'd knock out the box, put in a double box for existing construction and a second good receptacle.

Materials cost is less than $20 and an hour project. But that's me- when I see computer cords dangling on a desk or stereo connections looking like a rats nest it bugs me too.

[Bill]

Avid hunter, if the 3 appliances are too much load, why isn't the breaker tripping? I understand sizing a branch circuit to 80% of planned load to allow for the future appliances and power on surges.

I'm trying to learn more. I shoulda been an electrician.

[avidhunter75]

Avid hunter, if the 3 appliances are too much load, why isn't the breaker tripping? I understand sizing a branch circuit to 80% of planned load to allow for the future appliances and power on surges.

I'm trying to learn more. I shoulda been an electrician.

The load is heating up the connection at the receptacle and essentially not getting all the way back to the breaker. It could also depend on what brand breaker he has, some brands are notorious for not tripping like they should.

The 80% rule isn't intended to allow for additional future load, it's actually intended to try and keep what happened here from happening. Overheating from overloading. I'd be willing to bet that this receptacle is only rated for 15 amps even though its probably on a 20 amp circuit and 12 gauge wire.

[bboswell]

If you have 3,appliances on a duplex receptacle with an sdspter, I think it's fugly. .

He said same circuit which does not mean same receptacle.

If wiring is rated for 20 amps and a 20 amp breaker has never tripped with all 3 appliances running together the I don't understand why some say it is overloaded.

Just looks like a loose connection allowed it to heat up to me.

I would replace the receptacle and put in a new breaker to be safe and roll with it.

[2B4Him]

He said same circuit which does not mean same receptacle. .

This is correct. The receptacle (outlet) is used by my wife for her coffee maker. The wiring continues on to the microwave and refrigerator, both of which are on separate receptacles (outlets). But all three receptacles are on the same circuit breaker.

[T-RENT]

Avid hunter, if the 3 appliances are too much load, why isn't the breaker tripping? I understand sizing a branch circuit to 80% of planned load to allow for the future appliances and power on surges.

I'm trying to learn more. I shoulda been an electrician.

The breaker isn't tripping because its not continuous load. The fridge is the only continuous load on it.