Washer & Dryer - A loose outlet above my 3-Prong Outlet

[Scott0613]

Yesterday when I pulled out my washer and dryer (located in a closet) to clean out my dryer hose I noticed an outlet (no clue why it's there) was loose and when I went to move it, it sparked. It's located above my three-prong outlet for the machine. Is it safe just to leave it the way it is if I don't use it? It didn't affect the electricity for my W/D

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Reach4]

In E4.jpg, it looks like the hot screw touched the box. I hope the breaker tripped.

When pulling out outlets to work on them, you really should turn off the breaker first.

Tell us about "loose". Is that part solved?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[wwhitney]

Is it safe just to leave it the way it is if I don't use it?

I will say no, if it is loose and wiggling it can cause a spark (likely in the manner Reach4 suggested), that is not safe. You should have a qualified person (e.g. an electrician) secure it properly so it won't spark when jostling or vibrated.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Scott0613]

Thanks

 

[Rossn]

I'm with Wayne. Looks like the insulation may even be damaged where it arced. If you know the breaker to kill to de-energize it, that might be a good idea.

I'm not an electrician, but to my untrained eyes, looks like there may be a few things that are not compliant with current NEC (electrical box recessed, use of stranded wire - I'm not sure if that's legit) and it may require AFCI to replace the receptacle, which in my personal opinion, I'd consider compromised.

If it was me, I would not touch it bare footed or handed.

 

[Scott0613]

Thank you everyone for your help.