My son tripped over a fan cord that was attached to the wall socket. The socket came out of the wall about 1/2 inch (plate and all). I tried to push it back in but it seems stuck. There are some type of metal clamps on each side of the socket. It just won't budge. I tried pulling it out a little more to see if something was stuck, but I can't move it. Is it safe to force the socket back into the wall? We currently live in Germany so not sure if sockets here are different (I know it's 220V). I know nothing about electricity or anything like that! HOw can I get the socket back into the wall?
2007-08-07 03:06:02 · 8 answers · asked by blueyonder 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First turn the breaker off, which is the first rule to any electrical repairs.
The metal clamps on each side are there to pinch the drywall against the flange on the top and bottom of the box. There should be a tightening screw on each side of the box.
Loosen these screws and push the box into the wall then re-tighen the screws. Switch the breaker back on Then your done.
If there isn't enough drywall (or wall material ) to clamp onto you'll need to get the wall repaired, and if your going to get the wall repaired have an electritian move the outlet to the nearest stud.
2007-08-07 03:22:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
FIRST. TURN OFF THE POWER to that outlet. If it is like US current, there will be two breakers, maybe clamped together, but in any event do not touch the outlet with power on.
You may need to use a test light to determine that it is off, if you know how.
Do not force the outlet into the wall. If you do not know how to remove the outlet completely and reuse the clamps to attach the outlet box correctly, DO NOT attempt DIY.
220V can be deadly.
2007-08-07 03:21:50 · answer #2 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The cover plate must be removed and the screws holding the receptacle to the box (behind the cover plate) will need to be screwed back in. Don't force it back in as the threads will strip and the receptacle will be loose. It would be safer to turn off power to the receptacle before doing this.
2007-08-07 07:30:00 · answer #3 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn the circuit breaker off before you mess with it anymore. Its most likely the wires that are keeping you from pushing it back in. They probably need to be arranged so that everything will fit back in the way that it was originally. Try pushing the wires in before the outlet!
2007-08-07 03:10:09 · answer #4 · answered by kimberly M 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are probably fine to push it back in, but when there is a risk of a fire, I would go ahead and call an electrician. It's much better to be safe than sorry.
2007-08-07 03:13:56 · answer #5 · answered by Tim S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first u get some gloves on so u dont eletricute ur self then try pushing it into the wall if tht doesnt work try pluging somthing in to see if it will work then try shakein it around to see if u can losen it up and try pushing it in again if that dosent work call a macanic
2007-08-07 03:11:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Call landlord if you rent. Call electrician if you own.
2007-08-07 03:08:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!!!!!! call an electrician out?its better to be safe than sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;O)
2007-08-07 03:09:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋