Right about now you're probably asking yourself, “What is that old goat talking about?” Let's take a look in the kitchen, that's where he hangs out most of the time, close to the food.
The kitchen plugs, as most people call them are the busiest outlets in the house, often in use for years after they have become a fire hazard. Hang in there with me while I try to explain.
Before WW2 I apprenticed with an electrical contractor, a fine gentleman that taught me well, knowledge for my lifetime.
After the war when building material became plentiful, my dad and I worked at building new homes, renovating older ones and generally dealing with a backlog of wartime neglect.
While many things in disrepair posed little or no danger, such was not always the case with the electrical wiring throughout the dwelling. Aging ceiling fixtures tight against the ceiling, a 100-watt lamp inside a white opaque "fishbowl" would get so hot that the insulation on the wires would crumble when the fixture was disturbed. These flytraps are in millions of older homes, mostly kitchens, waiting to burn your house down; cremate you while you slept.
I've replaced many of those, mostly for older people unaware of the fire hazard. I'd replace it with a fixture that wasn't apt to heat the ceiling; a kitchen unit suspended from the base by a short pipe, or a link of chain was usually my choice. I'd replace any "cooked" wiring, and then suggest the lady might call her insurance man. Hint that he should send her a box of chocolates for Christmas.
Wall outlets: anywhere in the kitchen, above the drain board or on a worktable must be changed if they become "sloppy"---when the plug doesn't fit tightly, or it gets hot. Toasters, blenders, MV ovens, rotisseries, all such appliances draw a lot of current. If the plug fits loosely into the receptacle, this is makes a poor connection. This causes heat, often enough to "cook" the wiring to the outlet.
Kitchen outlets are always, or should be, "split". This means the two halves are on different circuits. There are three wires, a black, red and a white, plus a ground wire. If you're replacing one of those, don't forget to break out the connecting link on the brass colored side only, or it won't work. You'll trip the breakers trying to turn them on. I don't like to post advice on electrical problems, but I many inexperienced people can't afford to hire an electrician, so they'll consider doing their own. These little tips might help.
Just for a smile: I went to change a wall receptacle for an old friend; she had the coffee pot on, with the plug held in by a shoelace!
