An outlet is one of the most important components in the electrical system. Not only because it’s the one we’re most familiar with but also because of its significant function in the system. That’s why we must know some things about it, including its repair.
Outlets are installed in properties by electricians. It is advised to hire electrical professionals to handle any electrical work in our space. Electrical outlet installation services are available, which can help plan and layout where to put electrical outlets and how many a property or a room needs.
Hiring a professional to install outlets will ensure the safety of the property. Licensed electricians will know which types and sizes of electrical outlets best suit your space. They can also provide repairs and maintenance for existing outlets that are, for example, cut too big. Just like the expert electricians at Electricians Team Reseda, they have the expertise to deal with any outlet problems.
If you wish to learn more about outlets and their installation and repair, we have your back! We have gathered commonly asked questions about electrical outlets that you might need answers to.
What Are the Common Types of Outlets?
There are five common types of outlets that you can see in a home or a property. These electrical outlets have different characteristics and use. Some are old and outdated, some are proven safe, and some serve two purposes. Here are the five common types of outlets:
- 2-Prong Outlets. The 2-prong outlets are commonly seen in older homes. The 125-volt, 15-amp, 2-wired electrical outlets are only for ungrounded circuits. This type of outlet is increasingly becoming obsolete in the market mainly due to code and safety requirements.
- 3 Prong, 15 amp, 125 Volt Outlets.One can easily recognize these outlets because they are often found in houses. The outlet has two long slots on top. At the bottom is an upside-down slot shaped like a U. The U-shaped slot is for grounding. It helps prevent electrical shocks in the case of loose wiring.
- Switch/Outlet Combos. The switch-outlet combo is the one made for multitasking. The combination outlet has two features. It is great for homes with kids. It also allows for receptacle transformations, such as adding switches and outlets to the box. Using this type of outlet will no longer require adding wiring.
- GFCI Outlets. GFCI outlets have to be one of the safest electrical outlets to use. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This type of outlet is best used in areas near the water, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, the kitchen, basements, crawlspaces, and outdoors.
GFCI outlets prevent the leaking of electrical current, monitor electrical flow,
and cut off power in case of a current leak or surge.
- 20 Amp, 125 Volt Outlets. The 20 amp, 125-volt outlets are used with high-current appliances or devices. It is according to the specifications of the electrical code. They are useful for big kitchen appliances.
- 20 Amp, 250 Volt Outlets. The 20 amp, 250-volt outlet design is not typical of a standard outlet. These outlets are unique in shape. They are made especially for air compressors or shop equipment.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
The acronym GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI outlet is a protective device particularly designed to cut off power by breaking the circuit in the case of an inconsistency between the outgoing and incoming current.
The following are the benefits of using GFCIs:
- protect electrical wiring from the risk of fires due to overheating
- lower the risk of electrical injuries and burns because of an electrical shock
- detect ground faults and interrupt the current’s flow
These are just a few advantages one can get from using GFCI outlets. However, one should not use it to replace a fuse because they do not offer its protective function to short circuits.
GFCI outlets are most useful, especially in areas close to water. It would be ideal to install these outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, pool houses, etc.
What Happens If You Incorrectly Install an Outlet?
Outlets that are wired backward result in reverse polarity. What is reverse polarity?
Reverse polarity happens when a receptacle, like an outlet, is wired backward or incorrectly. It occurs when the neutral wire is connected to the “hot wire” or “red wire,” and the “red wire” is connected to the neutral side. You will know this by using an outlet tester.
You should know that still, you might have completed a circuit. However, it can be dangerous. It is something that causes concern and needs immediate action.
How to fix an incorrectly installed outlet?
- Cut off the power to the outlet (much safer to turn off power to the room).
- Remove the outlet’s cover and detach it from the wall.
- Disconnect the wiring from the outlet (black, red, and white wires).
- Switch and connect wires to the correct sides.
- Secure the wires by making sure they are not loose.
- Attach the outlet back to the wall, including its cover.
- Turn back the power to test the outlet.
Another incorrect installation of outlets is when they are cut too big. How do you deal with this?
There’s a thing called outlet resizing that only electrical experts can do. To get rid of an oversized outlet, an electrician will use the necessary tools to resize it. These are the tools needed:
- taping knife
- dust mask
- utility knife
For resizing, they may use joint compounds.
- lightweight joint compound
- paper joint tape
- medium-grit sanding sponge
- setting-type joint compound
How Often Should You Change an Outlet?
Ordinary outlets can last 50 years or more. However, it can drastically be cut short due to frequent usage, high humidity, damage, contamination, and short circuit. As for GFCI outlets, they can last 15-25 years, depending on the same factors.
So, it’s not really a question of how often you should change outlets. You should be able to identify signs that they are not in good working order and therefore need to be replaced. Here are five common indicators you should change an outlet:
- Plugs fall out when you insert them into the outlet.
- The outlet is abnormally hot to the touch.
- Appliances spark or have a burning smell when plugged into the outlet.
- The outlet is not grounded and outdated.
- The outlet cover is cracked or damaged.
How Do You Maintain Electrical Outlets?
Some might not have realized it, but there’s a certain importance to maintaining outlets in a property. Outlet maintenance ensures that occupants in a home, an office, or a building are safe and protected from electrical accidents.
Here are ways to maintain your electrical outlets.
- Invest in reliable electrical outlets. Above anything else, you want to invest in reliable electrical outlets. They may come at good prices, but they will be worth the investment. Reliable outlets will also save you money on maintenance costs.
- Regularly test the outlets. Your existing outlets may serve you well, but you must regularly check them for defects. You don’t want to be surprised because your outlets suddenly broke down.
- Check the electrical plates. Part of testing your electrical outlets is checking their electrical plates. Electrical outlet plates can also indicate damage that can pose an electrical hazard.
- Replace outdated and old wiring. Due to frequent use, outdated and old outlet wiring may pose a danger. The outlets may have accumulated tears that can cause electrical accidents. Rewire outlets especially when they are older models.
- Don’t do DIY repairs. It’s not bad to think about doing DIY repairs in your home. In fact, it is one way to save you money. However, electricity is a different story. Because of the risk, you don’t want to do your own electrical repairs.
The best solution for any electrical problems is to hire a professional electrician.
Electrical experts are skilled in electrical work and can provide you with the best
electrical system. One trusted electrical contractor is Electricians Team Reseda. We have licensed electricians to give you the service you need.
Make an informed decision for any of your electrical improvements and renovations. We have more valuable contents for you to provide you with the needed help. For any of your electrical problems, feel free to contact Electricians Team Reseda.
