Sometimes the socket box, firmly and securely fixed in the socket, turns out to be too spacious. Then it is difficult or even impossible to fix the electrical outlet in it using the retractable legs available in its design. Even spreading them to the maximum permissible value by completely tightening the adjusting screws does not help.
This flaw most often causes an electrical outlet to fall out, which obviously does not decorate the interior of a house or apartment, but, what is even more dangerous, it can cause a short circuit and even electric shock to a person.
You can get rid of such an unwanted defect once and for all quite simply and quickly if you use the most common, affordable materials and tools. Any adult who knows how to turn off the voltage supplied to the outlet at the input electrical panel can handle this work.
Will need
For effective, interference-free work, we need to prepare in advance:
- a small piece of linoleum 3-4 mm thick;
- epoxy or any universal glue;
- scissors or a sharp carpet knife;
- electric drill or hand screwdriver.
Procedure for fixing a drop-out socket
All operations are quite simple and follow from each other:1. Using sharp scissors or a carpet knife, cut out two small identical pieces of rectangular linoleum, the size of which provides a reliable stop for the retractable legs of the electrical outlet.
2. Glue the cut pieces of linoleum inside the socket box in diametrically opposite directions on the line of the retractable legs, having previously cleaned, degreased and lubricated the surfaces to be joined with glue.
3. Just insert the socket into the socket box tightly, without a gap with the wall, and using an electric drill with an appropriate bit, open the retractable legs to the required amount by evenly screwing in the adjusting screws.
4. After making sure that the electrical outlet is fastened tightly and securely, install the front panel in place by tightening the central screw with an electric drill or hand screwdriver.
We check manually.
To control, insert and remove the plug several times.
Afterword
Some retractable socket arms have sharp edges at the ends, which, when pulled apart, can easily pierce fairly soft linoleum. To prevent this from happening, use a file or emery to round off the sharp edges.
