Outdated electrical outlets can put your house at risk. Therefore, knowing when and how often to update outlets is essential to the safety of your home. In this post, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to a residential electrician about upgrading electrical outlets.
Residential Electrician Tips: Upgrading Outlets
What Problems Come with Aging Outlets?
Outlets and the wires behind them can become worn in as little as five years after installation. So, wires can settle over time, which changes how they make contact. Moreover, these changes can result in sparking, arcing, and fires.
While this is a minor risk, we recommend inspecting your wiring every few years to ensure your home’s safety. Replace electrical outlets that are ungrounded or can’t handle your electrical needs. Besides, you’ll know the outlets can’t meet your electrical demands if you notice flickering lights or inconsistent power.
When Do I Need to Update My Outlets?
You’ll need to contact your local residential electrician in Myrtle Beach if your outlets are sparking or getting hot. Moreover, cracks in your outlet covers can allow debris to get into your electrical system. Additionally, two-pronged outlets aren’t grounded or safe. So, any of the aforementioned outlets require immediate replacement because they put your home at risk of fire. Therefore, you’ll need to upgrade them for your household’s protection. Furthermore, get in touch with professionals if you’re noticing any of these issues at home.
What Are My Options?
LED night lights provide longer-lasting light with more plugs and have a lifespan of up to twenty years. In addition, more homes are upgrading to USB outlets where you can directly plug in your electronic devices. Additionally, recessed outlets, which are installed deeper into the wall to prevent plugs from extending beyond the wall’s surface, are another option.
Moreover, tamper-resistant receptacles are excellent for homes with kids. So, these outlets have barriers that prevent children from inserting objects in them. Additionally, a residential electrician can add arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) to main service panel for protection from sudden overheating. Furthermore, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) monitor electricity flow and shut off power to any interrupted circuits.
Residential Electrician Tips To Improve Home Safety
Upgrading outlets is not just about convenience but also about enhancing home safety. For example, AFCIs can help avoid electrical fires. They interrupt the circuit once they detect a fault. Additionally, GFCIs are crucial in areas where electricity and water are nearby like bathrooms and kitchens. If there’s a ground fault, they turn off the power, which significantly reduces the risk of electric shock.
Tamper-resistant outlets provide an additional layer of safety for families with young children, preventing accidental insertions that could lead to shocks or burns. Furthermore, upgrading to modern outlets with the help of a residential electrician can ensure that your home’s electrical system can handle current electronic demands, thereby reducing the risk of overloading and overheating.
What Should I Consider When Choosing New Outlets?
When choosing new outlets, consider the specific needs of each room in your home. For instance, USB outlets might be more suitable for bedrooms and living areas where charging devices is frequent. Likewise, GFCI outlets are essential for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas to protect against water-related electrical hazards.
Recessed outlets are ideal for areas where you need furniture to sit flush against the wall without damaging cords or plugs. Furthermore, think about the future: investing in outlets with built-in night lights or additional USB ports can add convenience and functionality to your home. You can call a residential electrician to help you install them.
How Often Should Outlets Be Inspected?
Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining electrical safety. Therefore, it is recommended to have your outlets and overall electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician every few years. Additionally, any signs of wear, damage, or functionality issues should prompt an immediate inspection and potential replacement. In older homes, more frequent inspections may be necessary due to the potential for outdated wiring systems that may not meet current safety standards.
Upgrading your electrical outlets is a proactive step toward ensuring the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. Moreover, by addressing common issues with aging outlets and understanding the various options available, you can make informed decisions that protect your household and enhance your living environment. For immediate electrical concerns, you should hire an emergency electrician in Myrtle Beach.
So, if you need the assistance of a residential electrician in upgrading your outlets or want to schedule an inspection, contact MB Electrician Pros today. We offer professional electrical services to keep your home safe and efficient.
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MB Electrician Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-353-6345
electriciansmyrtlebeach.com
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