HOW TO INSTALL THE RIGHT TYPE OF OUTLET

The number one consideration for homeowners when installing new outlets should be safety. There is a unique selection of electrical outlets that homeowners can choose from. Electrical outlet safety features vary depending on the kind of outlet.

This blog post discusses the top 3 outlets with safety features. Each outlet has different features, pros and cons, and benefits for homeowners to consider. Working with a professional electrician can help homeowners find the perfect outlets for their homes and safely install them.

AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters. These outlets have unique safety features and are now required in every modern home. An arc fault is when an electrical circuit is damaged or malfunctioning enough to cause heat to transfer to surrounding objects. This is how electrical house fires happen.

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to protect homeowners from an accidental house fire caused by a malfunctioning electrical component. Without this safety feature, a single damaged wire in the electrical system could lead to a fire. Washers and dryers used to be one of the top causes of house fires, which is why they are all now required to have an AFCI outlet for safety.

AFCI outlets are even more effective than surge protectors. House fires have decreased by 20% since installing AFCI outlets became standard. The outlets prevent fires by analyzing the arcs of energy coming through the system and measuring if they are hazardous or normal. AFCI outlets do more than just detect power surges and short circuits; they analyze each unique event to determine if it is a potential threat.

GFCI outlets are another common type of outlet found in modern homes. These outlets help to protect the home from a variety of electrical hazards. GFCI outlets also keep electronics like phones and laptops safe from electrical malfunctions.

GFCI outlets are easily located in a home based on their unique appearance. They will always have a three-prong receptacle and a reset and test button. An electrical shock from an outlet to a human being can be painful and even deadly. GFCI outlets are designed to prevent accidental electrocutions by directing rogue electricity currents into the earth.

These outlets have sensors that detect any discrepancies in the electricity path, which helps prevent electrical fires in addition to accidental electrocution. These are great outlets to install in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other rooms with a water source. Older houses may need to replace old outlets with GFCI outlets to bring the home up to modern electrical codes.

Any home that has young children should invest in childproof outlets. Toddlers and young children can be curious about what could happen if they stick a finger or toy into the electrical outlet. Children can accidentally electrocute themselves while playing with electrical outlets. 

Childproof outlets help to give parents peace of mind that their child is safe from accidentally shocking themselves on the home’s electrical outlets. Childproof outlets are also called tamper-proof outlets because their main safety feature is impenetrable to young kids tampering.

Tamper-proof outlets look normal from the outside, but some shutters block the circuit on the inside. The shutters will only open when an appropriate plug is correctly inserted. This helps to keep kids from poking objects into the electrical circuit when unattended. Parents should install childproof outlets in all areas the child can reach.

Dan Wood Company is a top-rated Portage, MI home services company. This local company is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of its community. Its expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing, heating, and cooling repairs. Call Dan Wood Company today to schedule an appointment for outlet installation in Portage, MI!