Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical Outlets
Most of us don’t think about the electrical outlets in our home, but 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.
Call us for expert wiring replacement if your home is over 60 years old.