How can I tell if an electrical outlet needs repair?

Warning signs include outlets that no longer grip plugs securely, visible damage to the faceplate, unusual warmth, or discoloration around the outlet. If you notice sparking when plugging in devices, breakers that trip when the outlet is used, or detect burning smells, these indicate potentially serious problems requiring immediate professional attention.

How long does it take to repair an electrical outlet?

A straightforward outlet replacement takes a qualified electrician about 30 minutes or less. However, if the outlet has significant damage or the electrician needs to diagnose underlying electrical issues, the repair might extend to a couple of hours. The timeline depends on the complexity of the problem, accessibility of the outlet, and whether additional electrical work is needed.

Can I repair an electrical outlet myself?

While simple outlet replacement is technically possible for homeowners with basic electrical knowledge, safety concerns make professional installation advisable. If attempting DIY repairs, you must properly shut off power at the breaker box and verify the circuit is dead using a voltage tester. Complex issues involving circuit problems or specialized outlets should always be handled by licensed professionals to ensure safety and code compliance.

How often should electrical outlets be replaced?

There's no set replacement schedule for electrical outlets in good condition. Instead, replace outlets when you notice signs of damage, loose connections, or functionality problems. Outlets in older homes may need updating to meet current safety codes, especially if they lack proper grounding or are located in areas now requiring GFCI protection, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Why do GFCI outlets cost more to repair?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets contain specialized safety technology that monitors electrical current and quickly cuts power when imbalances are detected. These complex internal components make them more expensive than standard outlets. Additionally, they must be installed in specific locations to meet electrical code requirements, often requiring specialized installation techniques that increase labor costs.

What should I ask an electrician before hiring them for outlet repair?

Request verification of proper licensing and insurance coverage. Ask about their experience with similar repairs and their process for diagnosing electrical problems. Request a written estimate detailing parts, labor, and any potential additional costs. Inquire about warranties on their work and the expected completion timeframe. Also, ask if they'll inspect the circuit associated with the problematic outlet to identify any related issues.

Top-Rated Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Installs or Repairs Experts in Duluth, MN

Brimson Electric, LLC

Brimson Electric, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

24 local quotes requested

BRIMSON ELECTRIC LLC is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have several years of hands on experience to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

"Nice guy! Easy to work with"

Marcus H on June 2023

BRIMSON ELECTRIC LLC is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have several years of hands on experience to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

"Nice guy! Easy to work with"

Marcus H on June 2023

Belknap Electric, Inc.

1513 Belknap Street

No reviews

Belknap Electric, Inc.

1513 Belknap Street

No reviews

92 years of experience

At Belknap Electric Inc, all of our workers are licensed and certified for your protection. We're also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Our employees are required to attend 2 years of vocational training, a 5-year apprenticeship, and must be enrolled in continuing education provided through the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association. We service all of Duluth, Superior, and the surrounding areas, from Grand Marais to the Twin Cities and Brainerd, MN to Ashland, WI.

AGATE ELECTRIC

925 20TH AVE

2.00(

1

)

AGATE ELECTRIC

925 20TH AVE

2.00(

1

)

Energy Plus & Conservation Technologies

4811 Miller Trunk Hwy

4.50(

8

)

Energy Plus & Conservation Technologies

4811 Miller Trunk Hwy

4.50(

8

)

Customers say: Quality work

47 years of experience

See website for additional services.

"Excellent demo of old fireplace and installation of new one."

Roger G on February 2018

See website for additional services.

"Excellent demo of old fireplace and installation of new one."

Roger G on February 2018

Refresh Computers

820 E St Rd 434

5.00(

6

)

Refresh Computers

820 E St Rd 434

5.00(

6

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

Refresh Computers has been servicing and selling computers and related equipment out of our Central Florida Super-Store since 2001. Both our computer business and our telephone business have the same motto -'Get the customer what they need or want at the least possible cost'. This has been a very successful way to run a business and we are proud to be here to help you. Our telephone Company, Refresh Telecom offers business-class cloud based telephone service nationwide using some of the best business features.

Builders Commonwealth

517 Garfield Av

3.67(

6

)

Builders Commonwealth

517 Garfield Av

3.67(

6

)

Customers say: Quality work

Builder's Commonwealth, Inc., a worker owned and operated design-build co-operative, is genuinely committed to providing the highest level of satisfaction in client care, with architectural and construction services in the Northland. Every member of Builder's Commonwealth is actively committed to maintaining a stable and respectful work environment, with sound business ethics, that assures the highest product quality and customer satisfaction. Contact us today.

Alexander Technical Resources

1263 Glenwood Ave SE

4.66(

2,013

)

Alexander Technical Resources

1263 Glenwood Ave SE

4.66(

2,013

)

Customers say: Super punctual

25 years of experience

Free Phone Consultation. Not sure if we can help? Give us a call, it's on us! We are more than happy to talk with you and discuss your computer problems. Fast service. In some cases we can help you right now! If not, we will schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. If you receive our answering service, please leave us a message. We will call you back as soon as possible. Domestic Based Support. Our company is based right here in the United States and all of our technicians speak clear, fluent English. Safe Interaction. By using our online support center, no one has to come out to your home to fix your computer. That means no strangers in your home and you don’t even have to get dressed, if you don’t want to. Extremely Affordable & Convenient. Unhooking your computer, dragging it out to the car, then driving to the store and dragging in there and waiting for weeks to get it back and then pay hundreds of dollars for such fantastic service. That’s the typical experience for most users. Most Issues are software based. In our experience. 85% of user’s problems are either software or operating system problems due to bugs, worms, virus’, Trojans, malware, grayware or spyware related. As long as your computer turns on and has an internet connection, we can probably solve your issue. If we find that your issue is a hardware issue, we will recommend a trusted, local support company to help you further, if possible.

"Online repair. He has helped me in the past and I cannot say enough nice things about him. The next day I had a tiny issue and he responded immediately. Thorough. Thank you!"

Jan C on February 2019

Free Phone Consultation. Not sure if we can help? Give us a call, it's on us! We are more than happy to talk with you and discuss your computer problems. Fast service. In some cases we can help you right now! If not, we will schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. If you receive our answering service, please leave us a message. We will call you back as soon as possible. Domestic Based Support. Our company is based right here in the United States and all of our technicians speak clear, fluent English. Safe Interaction. By using our online support center, no one has to come out to your home to fix your computer. That means no strangers in your home and you don’t even have to get dressed, if you don’t want to. Extremely Affordable & Convenient. Unhooking your computer, dragging it out to the car, then driving to the store and dragging in there and waiting for weeks to get it back and then pay hundreds of dollars for such fantastic service. That’s the typical experience for most users. Most Issues are software based. In our experience. 85% of user’s problems are either software or operating system problems due to bugs, worms, virus’, Trojans, malware, grayware or spyware related. As long as your computer turns on and has an internet connection, we can probably solve your issue. If we find that your issue is a hardware issue, we will recommend a trusted, local support company to help you further, if possible.

"Online repair. He has helped me in the past and I cannot say enough nice things about him. The next day I had a tiny issue and he responded immediately. Thorough. Thank you!"

Jan C on February 2019

A1 Property Management Mn

P.O. Box 188

No reviews

A1 Property Management Mn

P.O. Box 188

No reviews

We are a Disabled Veteran Owned company located in Duluth, MN. We offer a vast array of commercial and residential services. Please feel free to call or text with any questions or bid requests. Thank you for looking and have a great day !

J. Benson Construction

3230 Gorham Ave

3.73(

15

)

J. Benson Construction

3230 Gorham Ave

3.73(

15

)

Customers say: Quality work

60 years of experience

J. Benson Construction is a full service, fully licensed, insured, and bonded general contractor. We serve the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and greater Minnesota from three offices in Minneapolis, Rochester and Duluth. We are a preferred vendor for Contractor Connection, Code Blue, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, First Choice Repair, Innovation Property, Lionsbridge and West Bend Mutual Insurance, among others. Please see our website for additional service areas. Additional contact name - Brad Payne & Wayne Benson.

"Horrible The experience was awful with this people. I didn't know this company at all, my insurance company send me a list of 5 general contractors to take care of my house, so I pick J Benson because they were close to my house and I want it to keep the contractor local and close. So I went with them. They send an estimator like one day after the damage of the house, I signed the paperwork and two days later they send a different person because the first guy had previews commitments, so that was the first red flag. The second estimator took a lot more pics of the house and did he's first estimate, he submitted to the adjuster and it passed just fine. But then it took them almost one whole month before any one started to work in my house, not a single nail was removed or anything. Then I found out that numerous contractors were going in and out of my house with out me knowing it. Finally the work started and the job "foreman" got involved, this guy was even worst, he only called and picked up the phone when he need it something for me other ways good luck trying to get a hold of him. This guy should be FIRED and never allowed to work on the field again. One day I called him and he's answer was "what do you need, I am kind of busy right now" Awesome. Then I asked for an estimate to build a brand new bathroom in the basement. The estimator give me he's quote and we agreed on the price, so they started the project about one month after the paperwork was signed. About 80% of the work was done when I found out that the estimator "FORGOT" to add the toilet and the tub on the estimate!!!!!! How can any one do that????? So I had to came up with that $$$ And then there was the communication with office personnel. Since day one right after I signed the paperwork I offer to give them money, the estimator said "some one from the office will contact you" NO one ever did, weeks went by with out a single person contacting me about money. Finally some one did and every time we communicated there was a mistake with the numbers, every time there was an "I am sorry I forgot" Unreal this people. A couple of weeks before the project was done and I was super upset with every one involved at this point I requested a supervisor. He reached out to me and we meet at my house. He right away start asking me for money, I pretty much lost my cool there and I went off about all of the issues I was having with he's people. He's answer " I am sorry I wasn't aware of the issues" This shows how unprofessional this company is I can't believe how this people are in business not only in the twin cities but in southern Minnesota."

Cesar M on July 2020

J. Benson Construction is a full service, fully licensed, insured, and bonded general contractor. We serve the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and greater Minnesota from three offices in Minneapolis, Rochester and Duluth. We are a preferred vendor for Contractor Connection, Code Blue, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, First Choice Repair, Innovation Property, Lionsbridge and West Bend Mutual Insurance, among others. Please see our website for additional service areas. Additional contact name - Brad Payne & Wayne Benson.

"Horrible The experience was awful with this people. I didn't know this company at all, my insurance company send me a list of 5 general contractors to take care of my house, so I pick J Benson because they were close to my house and I want it to keep the contractor local and close. So I went with them. They send an estimator like one day after the damage of the house, I signed the paperwork and two days later they send a different person because the first guy had previews commitments, so that was the first red flag. The second estimator took a lot more pics of the house and did he's first estimate, he submitted to the adjuster and it passed just fine. But then it took them almost one whole month before any one started to work in my house, not a single nail was removed or anything. Then I found out that numerous contractors were going in and out of my house with out me knowing it. Finally the work started and the job "foreman" got involved, this guy was even worst, he only called and picked up the phone when he need it something for me other ways good luck trying to get a hold of him. This guy should be FIRED and never allowed to work on the field again. One day I called him and he's answer was "what do you need, I am kind of busy right now" Awesome. Then I asked for an estimate to build a brand new bathroom in the basement. The estimator give me he's quote and we agreed on the price, so they started the project about one month after the paperwork was signed. About 80% of the work was done when I found out that the estimator "FORGOT" to add the toilet and the tub on the estimate!!!!!! How can any one do that????? So I had to came up with that $$$ And then there was the communication with office personnel. Since day one right after I signed the paperwork I offer to give them money, the estimator said "some one from the office will contact you" NO one ever did, weeks went by with out a single person contacting me about money. Finally some one did and every time we communicated there was a mistake with the numbers, every time there was an "I am sorry I forgot" Unreal this people. A couple of weeks before the project was done and I was super upset with every one involved at this point I requested a supervisor. He reached out to me and we meet at my house. He right away start asking me for money, I pretty much lost my cool there and I went off about all of the issues I was having with he's people. He's answer " I am sorry I wasn't aware of the issues" This shows how unprofessional this company is I can't believe how this people are in business not only in the twin cities but in southern Minnesota."

Cesar M on July 2020

Integrated Protection Systems

14200 Lincoln St NE

No reviews

Integrated Protection Systems

14200 Lincoln St NE

No reviews

23 years of experience

Our mission is to provide our clients with solutions to their video surveillance and security needs by delivering an unparalleled level of service and integration. We understand our customers' individual needs and can advise them on solutions that will make them more efficient and more secure. We will give our customer all of the information they need to make an educated decision on their electronic needs. We will be up front about our proposal with no hidden fees. Our success will be based on repeat business and long term partnerships.