The average homeowner tends not to give much thought to their electrical outlets unless there’s a problem. They may realize that they need to add safety covers if there are children in the home, but that’s usually the extent of the consideration that goes into these vital home components. You depend on your electrical outlets, or ‘receptacles,’ to power everything from your hair dryer to your alarm clock at night to your phone charger. To avoid hazards that a risky outlet installation can cause, depend on certified contractors like Electricians Team Reseda to help you out.
Regardless of what you use your outlets for, you need to be mindful of what kind of condition they’re in, especially if you’ve noticed any of the following warning signs indicating it’s time for a replacement.
- System Too Old- According to the National Electric Code (NEC), all homes built after 1965 must have grounded, 3-prong outlets. Suppose you are living in a home built before the mid-1960s. In that case, you may still have 2-prong outlets that are not grounded. These can be very dangerous because they can cause electrical fires, shock or electrocution, and damage appliances with unexpected power surges.
Solution: An electrician can safely install new GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets in your home.
- The outlet’s faceplate is cracked, broken, or missing- Inserting a plug into a damaged receptacle can be extremely dangerous. The electric arc generated by the insertion of the plug could shock or electrocute you. It may also cause the appliance to short out.
Solution: An electrician will replace your damaged outlet. If they discover that your home has been fitted with older receptacles, they may suggest replacing all outlets at once to keep your family and appliances safe.
- The plug falls out of the outlet or feels loose- Over time, the springs inside your outlet will wear out, and plugs won’t fit inside securely. The weight of the plug may pull it out of the receptacle. Not only is it annoying to constantly have to plug in your lights, toaster, coffee maker, etc., but loose outlets could be fire and shock hazards as they may lead to electrical arcs and sparks shooting into your wall.
Solution: An electrician will determine what damage has been done to the inside wall where the outlet is located. They may suggest repairs to damaged wiring or drywall panels. Additionally, they will need to install a replacement outlet.
- The Outlet Doesn’t Work Anymore- If you have an appliance plugged in that isn’t working normally, the outlet may be “dead.” To test the outlet and make sure that it’s not the appliance experiencing problems, plug the appliance into a different outlet in the room. If the appliance works, as usual, the problem may lie in the outlet. Also, check your fuse or circuit box to be sure you don’t have a blown a fuse or tripped circuit.
Solution: An electrician will use an outlet tester to ensure there isn’t any electricity present. If it’s determined that the outlet is dead, they will then need to replace the receptacle.
- The Outlet Feels Warm To Touch Or Has Burn Marks- If you notice this problem in your home, you first need to flip the circuit breaker to the “off” position for this particular outlet. Failure to do so could result in a fire or electrical shock. Be sure to call an electrician as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the problem.
Solution: An electrician can determine the cause of the damaged outlet. Often, this problem results from deteriorating wire terminals inside the outlet. When you plug an appliance into such an outlet, it can lead to electrical arcs, sparks, or overheating.
You mustn’t ignore problems with your home’s outlets. Failure to act at the first signs of an issue could seriously damage your home and appliances or harm your family’s safety and well-being. If the problem goes out of hand, opt for an exceptional outlet installation.
What are a gfci and afci outlet?
GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers are safety measures your electrician should install in your home. While they both play a major role in keeping your home safe, they guard against different dangers. GFCI devices protect you from ground faults, while AFCI devices protect against arc faults. Together, these devices keep your home safe from electrical problems.
Where should I have gfci’s in my house?
Because the main cause of ground faults is when moisture or water gets into the outlet, you need GFCI devices in areas prone to moisture. Here’s a list.
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Unfinished basements
- Outdoor outlets
- Barns
- Shops
- Pool houses
- Laundry rooms
Essentially, any area with electricity and even the remotest possibility of getting wet should have GFCI protection. These handy devices could mean the difference between life and death for you and your loved ones if there should happen to be a ground fault.
Which grade of electrical outlets should I install in my home?
There are several different grades of electrical outlets that serve very different purposes. Understanding each difference helps the homeowner and business owner make the right selection for their property. There are three main grades of electrical outlets: homeowner grade, commercial grade, and hospital grade. The cost and efficiency of each are the key determinants of which option is best for you.
Homeowner-grade outlets are the cheapest of the three options for day-to-day uses, from running a microwave to turning on a lamp. They provide reliable coverage, especially when they are not turned on 24/7.
Commercial-grade outlets provide much the same benefits as homeowner-grade outlets. They provide reliable service for heavy-duty appliances, such as stoves, grills, and computers. Commercial-grade outlets keep your equipment running consistently for long periods for server rooms.
One key difference between commercial-grade outlets and homeowner-grade outlets is how long they last. Their lifespan is easily 100 years or more, depending on how much use they get during that time. But commercial-grade outlets are specifically made to support appliances that cannot be unplugged, like computers, freezers, and fridges.
What is a rotating electrical outlet used for?
Electrical outlets provide power from the main lines and supply power to different appliances. Electrical outlets are sometimes called wall sockets, power points, and power outlets. Electrical outlets plug in and supply power to appliances like light bulbs, fans, lamps, and other electrical devices. Electrical outlets are found in most houses and buildings. They connect wall-mounted lamps, fans, and other electrical devices. Electrical outlets come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. They can be circular shaped, square-shaped among many others.
The number of electrical outlet types has increased over the years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for electricity. These days people have more electronic devices, including computers, televisions, mobile phones, etc., with them than ever before. The easy availability of this technology has led to an increase in the number of people using it, and thus more electrical outlet types are required.
Are there outlets manufactured especially to stand up to outdoor use?
Yes, there are! An outdoor electrical outlet is the same as an indoor outlet within your home. Typically, an outdoor receptacle is a 120v, three-prong grounded outlet that most of your appliances plug into. You find them on walls, decks, and by the pool. Outdoor outlets are used more frequently in the warmer and milder weather. These areas lend themselves to more time spent outside, which makes them a must-have.
The simple definition is that you can use them for anything electrical that you typically use outdoors. Outdoor outlets are most commonly used for lights, especially holiday lights, Christmas and Halloween being the most common. When used in an outdoor kitchen, they can be used to plug in a mini fridge, microwave, blender, and a lot more. One of the most popular uses is electrical lawn devices such as electric mowers, weed trimmers, and blowers.
Knowing the information you have just read, you should have everything you need to make the best decision for your needs. To best understand your options, call Electricians Team Reseda.
