Here at Emergency Electrician Beverly Grove, we define electrical outlets (sometimes called wall plugs, plugs, outlets, and sockets) as fixtures that connect electrical devices to the power system. The outlet receives alternating electricity from the power grid. While it may not be evident from the outside, the two sides of an electric socket resemble a ‘loop of wire,’ and connecting an electronic appliance to that outlet travels that loop, allowing electricity to flow through the item and allowing it to work.
The size and design of sockets vary widely between countries. These distinctions have no bearing on the basic architecture of a circuit for drawing power from the grid. Some key components for most sockets stay consistent across these many designs, making it a bit easier for our electrical outlet installation service to finish their job.
Let’s have a look at some of the many sorts of sockets available.
What are the Common Types of Outlets?
Should you notice that not all electrical plugs in your household look similar, it’s because there are lots of different kinds of electrical sockets. Each type has unique characteristics and features. Something that goes well in the bedroom doesn’t always function well in the bathroom, and the same thing can be said if we interchange the area.
Choosing and installing the right electrical wall plug for the space where you plan to put it in can effectively protect you from electrical hazards and turn your house to a more energy-efficient one. Take a look at the 5 types of outlets commonly found in homes:
- Smart Outlets
- USB Outlets
- AFCI Outlets
- Switched Outlets
- GFCI Outlets
Now that we know more about some of the different types of electrical outlets, let’s be a bit more specific and learn more about GFCI outlets.
What is a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are ideal for locations near water. Crawlspaces, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are examples of indoor areas. GFCI electrical sockets can also be installed for outdoor purposes.
These plugs continuously monitor the current flow and trip (or turn off electricity) when they detect a leap or spike in the current. When the interrupter circuit senses a harmful power surge, it quickly activates. A power surge may suggest direct exposure to liquids and the subsequent electric shock threat for electrical sockets near water, such as if you drop a powered hair dryer into a bathtub while it’s full of water. Search for the “TEST” and “RESET” keys in various colors on the front to recognize them readily.
The GFCI is built into the electric socket and continually monitors the current passing through a circuit to detect irregularities in real-time. It contains three openings: two for hot and neutral wires and one in the center for ground wires. It will promptly turn off the electricity supply if it senses any alteration in the electrical current in the line. So, whenever you’re utilizing a hair dryer that falls into a sink full of water, the GFCI plug will detect the interruption and shut the power to maintain electrical safety, preventing electrocution.
GFCI sockets are designed for protection, but you know what isn’t? If you have a poorly placed outlet, a few things might happen to your property.
What Happens if You Install an Outlet Incorrectly?
You may make your house safer and perhaps avert a fire or a hazardous electrical shock by recognizing electrical wiring concerns before issues arise. Even the least complicated light switch or electrical wall plug can have several problems, most of which are caused by bad installation.
To be clear, an improperly wired wall outlet doesn’t invariably result in a fire. It all relies on how the socket was wrongly wired, and other solutions do not pose a fire danger. If installed, your circuit breaker will fail to protect you, so it poses a fire danger. The breaker protects both extremely high current drains and power surges. The wire could steadily heat up within a wall cavity, or ragged ends sparking will not always result in a voltage large enough to trigger the breaker.
It might appear to the breaker as though a stove element or heater was plugged into the outlet. Those may also ignite fires, and the breaker fails to trip when you attempt to cook stuff.
With all this talk about improperly installing outlets, one question comes to mind: how frequently should one change their outlets?
How Often Should You Change an Outlet?
After roughly 15 or 20 years, power outlets often exhibit wear and tear indications. Based on how frequently you utilize your plugs and the gadgets or appliances they generally power, they may require maintenance sooner. Ignoring malfunctioning electrical plugs may put you in danger of fire, electrocution, or burns. Here are some things to check to determine whether it’s time to hire an electrical expert and change your outlets.
- The sockets are ungrounded
- You have loosened slots and damaged faceplates
- There are sparks while plugging in appliances
Paying close attention to these warning signals that your plugs need to be replaced might help you prevent unexpected electrical difficulties. But how can you avoid these problems from occurring in the first place?
How Do You Maintain Electrical Outlets?
A defective plug can result in at least 25,000 electrical house fires, totaling up to $1 billion in losses. Defective sockets are dangerous and costly to fix since your switches and outlets may be expensive to replace. Here are six methods for keeping your wall plugs secure.
- Examine the electrical panels.
- Invest in dependable electrical products.
- Replace any outdated wiring.
- Do not attempt to fix your cabling.
- Test your plugs on a regular basis.
- Keep an eye on all of your outlets.
No household owner likes to deal with a malfunctioning electrical grid, particularly if it makes them spend money, worry about their safety, and lose their sense of convenience. Suppose you require an outlet installation service in Beverly Grove. In that case, it is always better to consult a professional electrician such as Emergency Electrician Beverly Grove.
Choosing a respectable electrical service business is difficult, yet Emergency Electrician Beverly Grove continues to give excellent services. Hire our professional electricians today to make use of our exceptional services!