Charles46 Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Gentlemen: This was the view I got of multiple outlets, probably 40% of the outlets, within the home on today's inspection. Now sure what would have caused the black streaking on the outlets and covers. As you can see in the photo, it was only blackened on one of the outlets not both. All outlets function and all tested as being wired correctly. The house was built in 2005. I am thinking the house was hit by lightening at one point in time but that is solely a guess. Download Attachment: Outlet1.gif 208 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Recharging transformers and/or plug-in air fresheners that warm oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted May 16, 2013 Report Share Posted May 16, 2013 Anything warm that plugs into the receptacle will do that. It's just surface dirt. It has nothing to do with the electrical system per se. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles46 Posted May 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2013 Thanks for the replies and analysis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedy Petey Posted May 16, 2013 Report Share Posted May 16, 2013 This is a very common occurrence. It is especially prevalent in homes with electric baseboard heat for some reason. Tobacco and candle use are the two biggest contributors. It can happen even without them though. https://www.google.com/search?q=black+s ... 80&bih=918 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAHI of KC Posted May 23, 2013 Report Share Posted May 23, 2013 I agree with Bill. This is caused by something warming up in that area. Although it's cosmetic, I wouldn't want to see that as a homebuyer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danrogers Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Thermal Ghosting - Very common to see in areas were there are temperature differentials and a source of particulate matter. In this case I would suspect plug in air fresheners. The warm scented air is interacting with the cooler outlet and condensing it's soot onto the wall plate surface. Perfectly hamless but I don't recommend oil filled air fresheners because they can be a source of fire with it's own fuel source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.