The Electrical Experts Raleigh Trusts
If you’ve lived and worked in Raleigh and the Triangle for any amount of time, (and especially if you’re in older neighborhoods like Five Points in Raleigh, Watts-Hillandale in Durham, and Historic Hillsborough), you know that outlet and switch problems are pretty common here. A dead or flickering outlet is easy to ignore too, but you never should; it could mean loose wiring, a failing connection, or an overloaded circuit. That means it’s a serious safety hazard.
Blaze Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing are Raleigh’s licensed electricians for outlet and switch repair: fast and easy, with clean repairs and code-compliant work.
Outlet & Switch Repair Services We Offer
The Blaze team doesn’t just replace a dead outlet here and there, although we will if you need it. We offer in-depth evaluation of your wiring, outlets, and find the root cause of your problems.
Dead or Non-Functioning Outlets
Dead and non-functioning outlets are pretty easy to spot; it’s an outlet that doesn’t turn on, even when the breaker’s on. It could be a tripped GFCI outlet somewhere else on the circuit, or a loose wire connection. Either way, the Blaze team will trace the connection, find the problem, and fix it for you.
GFCI Outlet Installation and Repair
NC code requires GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and any outdoor areas. We install GFCI outlets where you need them and repair or replace any failed GFCI units.
Outlet Replacement and Upgrade
The Blaze team replaces worn, cracked, or dead outlets for you. We can also upgrade existing outlets to tamper-resistant receptacles (they’re actually nonnegotiable in new homes and for homes with young children).
We can also install USB-A and USB-C combo outlets, and upgrade ungrounded two-prong outlets to grounded three-prong. Whatever it is you need, we’re your electrical specialists.
Flickering or Intermittent Switch Problems
Outlets actually give you warning signs that something’s amiss. If an outlet is warm, flickers, or makes noise when you flip it on, that’s a serious problem. It points to loose wiring and overloaded circuits. We’ll find out what’s wrong and formulate a plan to move forward and make sure your home’s safe.
Dimmer Switch Installation and Repair
The Blaze team installs dimmer switches in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, as well as replacing dimmers that flicker, buzz, or fail to hold a set level. We’ll advise you on if your dimmers are compatible with LED bulbs, which is actually a big mismatch with newer Raleigh homes that have switched to more energy efficient lighting options. Plus, we can help with smart home integration, hooking up your lighting to Alexa, and Google Home.
Outdoor Outlet Installation and Repair
Any outdoor outlets need to be GFCI and have to have weatherproof covers, too. We see this a lot in Cary and Apex homes with large back decks, screened porches, or detached garages. We install it all, and make sure everything’s above board and up to code.
Aluminum Wiring Outlet Repair
A lot of older homes bring a lot of charm and character to the area. But if your home is from the 60s and 70s, you’re probably dealing with (very) outdated wiring, specifically aluminum branch circuit wiring. Why’s this a problem? It expands and contracts under consistent electrical load, eventually loosening wires and leads to arcing and heat.
We’ll update your system using specialized, fire-safe outlets and switches (CO/ALR-rated devices) or securely splice a safe copper tip onto your existing wires (pigtailing).
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Outlet and Switch Problems
Here are some reasons not to ignore any and all issues with your outlets.
- Loose wiring connections (and arcing in particular) are one of the leading causes of residential electrical fires in NC
- Even if a dead outlet seems minor, it could easily be a sign of a failing connection that’s arcing inside the wall
- Any warm outlets or switches are a precursor to to insulation damage and fire risks
- Older Raleigh neighborhoods have a higher concentration of homes that have wiring decades past due for a replacement
- NC electrical code has evolved; if your home hasn’t had outlet updates in 20+ years, they could be out of compliance.
Schedule Outlet & Switch Repair in Raleigh, NC!
Ready to make sure your house’s outlets are above board? The team at Blaze Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing has been repairing and replacing outlets all over Raleigh and the Triangle for years, and can help you with any and all electrical issues and needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my outlet work sometimes but not others?
It’s probably a loose wire connection at the outlet itself, the junction box or panel. Either way, this problem tends to get worse over time, not better, meaning you need to address it. The connection will only get looser over time (especially with the heating and cooling cycles). It’s well worth having a licensed electrician in Raleigh, NC, from Blaze over to find out what’s wrong and fix it.
Is it safe to use an outlet that feels warm?
No, not at all; a warm outlet means there’s possible arcing inside the wiring connection. That generates heat. Stop using the outlet and call an electrician ASAP. This is one of the biggest signs of a potential electrical fire. Don’t assume it’s fine because the outlet’s still working, since damage can happen to wiring without anything breaking. We see this a lot more in older Raleigh and Durham homes where the old wiring insulation had decades to fully degrade.
Can you add an outlet to a room that doesn’t have one where I need it?
Yes, absolutely. We can add new outlets anywhere in your home. We can extend an existing circuit or run a new circuit from the panel. We’ll assess the best approach and pull any permits that are needed.