Electrical Outlet Repair and Replacement

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Outlets

Most of us don’t think about the electrical outlets in our homes, yet we rely on them every day. But, like many parts of your home, outlets do wear out and need replacing. Upgrading your outlets is a cost-effective way to improve your home, make your electrical system safer and more efficient, and add features to make your life more convenient.

Here are the most common signs that it’s time to replace your old electrical outlets.

• You don’t have any or enough three-pronged outlets
• Your outlets spark when plugging in a device
• You smell smoke or something burning when using an outlet
• Your outlets are brown or discolored
• The wall or outlet is warm or hot when in use
• The sockets are too loose, and plugs won’t stay in

Ignoring these problems can have severe consequences like someone getting shocked or starting an electrical fire.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home’s electrical outlets, call one of our certified technicians for an inspection as soon as possible.

What Are GFCI Outlets & Do I Need Them?

If you live in a home that’s over 60 years old that’s never been rewired or upgraded; you’re not taking advantage of the protection you get from installing GFCI outlets.

So, what is a GFCI outlet? Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are outlets designed to prevent electrical shock in parts of the house where electricity can contact water, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and outside.

How do they work?

GFCI outlets protect you from electrocution by comparing the amount of current going into and returning from appliances like a hairdryer or radio along the circuit conductors. When the amount going in differs from the return by five milliamperes, the outlet shuts the circuit down to prevent you from getting shocked or electrocuted.

So, you can see why they’re essential in places like bathrooms and kitchens, where people commonly use electric appliances near sinks and tubs.

And, it’s not a question of should you install them; it’s the law. According to the National Electric Code, you must install GFCI outlets in all kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, and outdoor locations where water is close to electricity.

Take a minute to look around your home to see if you have GFCI outlets in places where they make sense and if not, call us to discuss your installation options.

Advantages of Installing USB Outlets

USB charging is a way of life, and for years, many families have struggled with having enough outlets for appliances and lights and all of their USB charging needs. However, times have changed, and there are options to make everyone happy, such as installing USB outlets.

If you’ve never considered upgrading your outlets to USB, here are some advantages to doing so.

Eliminate Adaptors

Most USB devices require you to plug them into an adaptor and then plug that into the wall, which takes up space. With many people having limited outlet space, you must unplug something to charge your device. Upgrading to USB outlets eliminates needing bulky power adaptors and frees up outlets for things like lamps and other appliances.

Added Charging Stations

Even small families have a multitude of devices that constantly need charging. So, instead of using one outlet as your charging station, you can have multiple stations throughout the house by upgrading to USB outlets. Imagine how much more convenient it would be to have charging stations in your kitchen, living room, and bedroom where you’re always close to your phone or gadget.

Faster Charging

Plugging your device directly into a USB outlet can lower your charging time and allow you to charge more devices at once. If you don’t have USB outlets, you probably charge your phone with the USB port on your computer, but this results in slow charging times, and if your battery is in the red, you know how frustrating that can be. Most USB chargers contain smart chips that detect the amperage of your device to give it the correct amount of electricity without overheating or damaging it.