Electrical Outlet Installation in Medfield, MA
Each day many use electricity to be able to do things in their home. Families use electricity every day in the home, from running the fridge to watching TV and switching on the lights. But electricity without the appropriate outlets is pretty much useless.
An outlet that is broken or not operating properly can be quite frustrating and even dangerous. The repair or upgrade that a family needs for their outlets can be easily taken care of by their local professional electrician.
What’s new with electrical outlet installation?
Regardless of whether you live in an old or a new home, there are most likely a couple of upgrades you can have with your outlets. Over time, outlets have made some progress compared to the old standard two-pronged models. Continue reading to learn more about your options for upgrading your home’s electrical outlets.
Switched Outlets
Usually, this sort of outlet has one port with a switch connected to the other port instead. This switch can allow or block the flow of electricity coming from the outlet. Rather than unplugging the gadget, you can turn the outlet on or off.
GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter GFCI outlets stop the flow of electricity upon the detection of a short circuit or ground fault. This type of outlet will keep you from being electrocuted if the water is introduced to it, which is the primary reason they’re required in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas near water. These look like normal generic outlets with two buttons to help the reset it if it becomes tripped. If you have an older home and it doesn’t have these outlets within 6 ft. of your water sources, you can have a professional install them so that your family is safe from shock or injury.
AFCI Outlets
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI outlets only became standard in 1999, so older homes may not have them. Presently, AFCI outlets are introduced at a breaker box to help prevent electrical power from bouncing from one wire to the next, which can cause fires. You can hire a professional electrician to add GFCI outlets to your older home, installing them at the electrical panel or the beginning of each circuit.
20A Outlets
Some appliances like electric ranges and clothes dryers typically require more power than is supplied by the average outlet. You can find 20A outlets in places like the laundry room or kitchen because they provide more power for appliances that need more energy. The only visible difference between a regular outlet and a 20A outlet is a small slit that runs perpendicular to the prong opening on the left side.
In case your breakers are frequently tripping or your appliance requires more power than outlets can supply, an electrician can upgrade your outlets to 20A to make your appliances work properly.
USB Outlets
Modern devices usually use USB cords for powering themselves but the conventional outlets are not suitable for them without an adapter, which is pretty inconvenient. Fortunately, some types of outlets have USB ports on themselves so you don’t have to worry about not having an adapter when you need to power your device. Most often, a USB outlet has two regular ports and two USB ports or offers four USB ports but no regular ports. Depending on your household’s needs, a professional can install whichever type of electrical outlet you require.
Smart Outlets
Anything plugged into a smart outlet can be controlled with your phone, tablet, or smart speaker instead of having to use a switch. This feature of a smart outlet makes it easy to control it remotely.
When you are not at home, lights can turn on and off automatically which can deter any theft and make it look like someone is at home. Homeowners can create a timetable for outlets to boost their energy efficiency and create a cutback on their energy bills. Even though smart outlets are pricey, their capabilities and benefits are endless.
If the outlets are out of order or they have burn marks on them they should be inspected by an electrician. Messing with electricity can be hazardous and even fatal for those that are not certain how that works, especially if the problem is already there. You should find a good electrician that will deal with your electric work to avoid unnecessary danger.