Loose contact in the power strip: When you need to act – and how

A loose connection in a power strip is no joke. But what should you do now? Here's a clear answer.

Pretty much all electronic devices rely on a power outlet sooner or later. But what do you do if the power strip has a loose connection and connected smartphones, laptops, and tablets aren't charging properly? Caution is advised here. This article explains why.

A loose connection in a socket can cause repeated and unpredictable interruptions in the power supply. Connected devices are therefore only sporadically supplied with power. However, some devices are not designed to withstand such power interruptions and can be damaged as a result.

This is problematic, for example, with desktop PCs that don't have an integrated battery and can therefore suddenly fail if there's a loose connection in the power strip. Depending on the system's state at the time of failure, this can result in corrupted file systems and data loss.

The cause of loose connections in a power strip is often wear and tear from frequent plugging and unplugging. Although the contacts in the individual sockets are mechanically stressed at the factory to ensure a clean connection with the plug, this stress can diminish over time. Loose connections, therefore, occur primarily in older power strips.

The outlet isn't always the culprit. If only a specific device isn't charging properly, there might be a problem in that area. It helps to test whether other devices connected to the suspected outlet are working properly.

A loose connection in a power strip is generally considered a defect. Affected strips, like other defective electronic components, should be replaced. This is especially true if crackling or popping noises occur during use, or if a burning smell is noticeable.

A loose connection may also indicate damage to the power lines within the power strip. Since this poses a fire hazard, the strip should not be used under any circumstances.

Repairs, if at all, should only be carried out by qualified specialists. However, due to the low prices of new power strips, this is generally not economically viable. Buying a new one is usually the cheaper option.