5 Electrical Outlet Upgrades Every Homeowner Should Know About

If your home is in need of electrical outlet upgrades, Right Electrical Services, LLC has you covered with 5 of the most common electrical outlet upgrades every homeowner should know about.

While you may wonder why electrical outlet upgrades are necessary, there are various reasons to stay on top of the condition of the outlets in your home. If your electrical outlets are damaged, warped, old, or malfunctioning, for example, it is likely time to replace them. This is because old outlets wear over time and this will not only diminish their effectiveness but will also put you and your family in danger.

Although we use our electrical outlets every day, most of us tend not to understand them very well. Unfortunately, this can be a big deal if something goes wrong. If you don’t understand how electrical outlets work, it can be harder to identify when they aren’t working properly.  In this article, we’ll not only tell you the 5 electrical outlet upgrades that you should know about but we will also explain how electrical outlets work. Let’s get started!

How Do Electrical Outlets Work?

Put simply, electrical outlets connect to your electrical supply via something called a “branch circuit“. Most home circuits have either two or three sockets used for inserting electrical cords. The two higher sockets are called “hot” and “neutral” sockets, while the lower socket is called the “ground” socket.

The “hot” socket is responsible for connecting to a black “hot” wire, carrying the voltage from the panel to the outlet. The “neutral” socket connects to a white “neutral” wire, carrying the leftover voltage to the panel and completing the circuit. Finally, the “ground” socket connects to a grounding wire and this protects against a short circuit.

When Should You Think About Electrical Outlet Upgrades?

How often do you think about the electrical outlets in your home? If you’re like most North Carolina homeowners, the chances are that you rarely think about them at all. That being said, if your home was built a few decades ago, even as recently as the 1990s, there is a good chance you have outdated electrical outlets that are putting your home and family at risk. Knowing when to think about electrical outlet upgrades isn’t always easy but Right Electrical Services, LLC wants to make sure that you and your family are safe. So when should electrical outlet upgrades be on your mind?

Let’s get one thing out of the way right at the start: old outlets are much more than just an eyesore in your home. Even if you can’t necessarily see a problem with your electrical outlets, they could be putting your home at risk. For this reason, understanding the problem and the safety concerns it poses, as well as knowing when to upgrade electrical outlets, can play an important role in keeping your family safe. Here are a few problems posed by old electrical outlets that you should be wary of so that you know when to think about electrical outlet upgrades in your home:

• Outlet and wire degradation: Believe it or not, electrical outlets and the wires behind them can age in as little as five years, making them vulnerable to harm. With time, wires can settle and this can change the way in which they make contact. If the changes are just right, this can result in sparking, arcing, and electrical fires. Although the risk is small, you should make it a priority to check the wiring in your home every few years to be certain that everything is safe.
• Outlets that can’t keep up with demand: With technology constantly changing and changing rapidly, it isn’t an uncommon problem for the electrical outlets in your home to be unable to keep up with the demand for your electrical appliances. If you are noticing problems such as flickering lights or inconsistent power, it is likely that your electrical outlets and wiring can’t keep up with the energy demands. This is a good sign that it’s time to think about upgrading the electrical outlets in your home.
• Outdated electrical outlets: Finally, if your outlets are incapable of providing the electricity you need for your individual electrical needs, or if they are ungrounded (having only two holes instead of three), your home is at risk of an electrical fire. These are common indicators of a need to think about electrical outlet upgrades.

Which Electrical Outlet Upgrades Should You Know About?

Now that you know how electrical outlets work and when to think about upgrading electrical outlets in your home, you may be wondering what direction to take when it comes to upgrading. If you find that your home is in need of some electrical outlet upgrades, Right Electrical Services, LLC is here with a list of some of the most common electrical outlet upgrades that you should consider!

USB Outlets

USB outlets are quickly becoming the standard for modern homes today. Rather than dealing with bulky adapters and chargers, USB outlets allow homeowners to plug electronics directly into the outlet itself. USB outlets allow for a lot of convenience for a lot less than you might think. Best of all, while charging your mobile devices, you’ll also have access to outlets for other uses and electrical appliances!

LED Night Lights

Put simply, LED night lights give you light for longer with more available plugs. Due to the fact that LED outlets leave you with more available outlets, they can also save you a lot of money and come with a 20-year life expectancy. That’s a win-win scenario!

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters)

If you’re looking for an electrical outlet upgrade that maximizes safety, then an AFCI could be the right choice for you! When something unexpected happens which causes the wiring in your home to overheat, an AFCI is necessary as it will detect the occurrence and shut down the outlet before any damage can occur. Additionally, you’ll be happy to know that an AFCI can be easily incorporated into your home’s main service panel. Those who prioritize safety simply can’t go without an AFCI!

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters)

Another electrical outlet upgrade that can maximize safety in your home is a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. This type of outlet upgrade helps protect you and your family from electrical hazards by constantly monitoring the flow of electricity within a circuit. If an interruption in this flow is detected by the GFCI, it will quickly shut the power to that circuit off. When it comes to electrical outlet upgrades, GFCIs are a must because they are inexpensive and easily installed!

Recessed Outlets

Finally, the last electrical outlet upgrade that every homeowner should know about are recessed outlets. Unlike standard electrical outlets, recessed outlets are set deeper into the wall where they are installed. This results in plugs that don’t extend beyond the surface. While standard electrical outlets leave plugs dangling from the receptacle, recessed outlets are a much better choice for lamps and anything with a normal plug!

Electrical Outlet Upgrades Installed by Right Electrical Services, LLC

Now that you know 5 of the best electrical outlet upgrades that every homeowner should know about, it’s time to make your home safer! Call our licensed Raleigh electricians at (919) 359-1017 or request an appointment online.

Our team of electricians is on standby to help you with the electrical outlet upgrades that you need, taking care of everything from helping you choose the right upgrades for your home to quick and easy electrical installation! Contact us today!

Renee Rose

Renee is a freelance copywriter and blogger known for her expertise surrounding topics like marketing, freelancing, mental health, and more. She has written for hundreds of small business websites and is the Marketing Director here at Right Electrical Services, LLC. Renee believes that when a business prioritizes entertaining, engaging, and informational content for their readers, they can expect a loyal following that trusts their company.