Does your home need electrical outlet upgrades? Do you know? If not, it may be wise to ask a professional. However, it may also be enough just for you to see what types of upgrades are possible. When you know what options you have, you can make the best decision regarding if these are needed for your home.
LED Night Light Outlets
An LED night light outlet isn’t really new; however, it is a popular option for many homes – especially those with small children or seniors. This is a plug-and-play replacement for the traditional, plug-in night-lights and the use of a standard outlet. This type of outlet can be installed in just a few seconds and it doesn’t require any type of batteries or wires. In fact, during the day, these devices look like a standard outlet cover, and at night, they provide ambient lighting. Also, these can save you money, as they offer a 20-year life expectancy.
USB Outlets
There are a wide array of devices that require a USB block to charge. If you only have the cord, this can be quite frustrating. However, now you can have an electric outlet installed that features a USB port – built-in. These are alongside the two traditional electrical plug-in spaces that outlets come with.
Keep in mind, with this outlet upgrade, you are going to have to get into the wiring. As a result, you want to make sure you hire a licensed electrician to handle this for you.
The installation of USB outlets is growing because they help to reduce the total number of extension cords needed, while providing you with instant access to a port for all your USB charged devices.
Recessed Outlets
Modern, recessed outlet hardware is essentially a faceplate that is embedded into your wall. Recessed outlets help to prevent any connectors or plugs from protruding past the surface of your wall. This is a more aesthetically pleasing option and offers increased safety against electrocution.
It’s recommended that you install recessed outlets behind your flat-mounted TV screens, behind your furniture, in the kitchen and bathrooms and anywhere else where putting an electrical outlet may create some type of danger.
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
An AFCI device can prevent an electrical fire that can occur because of possibly dangerous arc-faults present in your electrical circuit. The arc-fault is considered an unintentional arcing condition that can take place in any electrical circuit. It can create quite a bit of heat, and over time, may ignite the insulation or wood framing. Damage cord or wires that plug into the outlet may cause the arcing behind the wall.
As you can see, when it comes to electrical outlet upgrades, there are more than a few options to consider. It’s a good idea to speak with an electric service provider to figure out which option best suits your needs. They can also ensure the upgraded outlet is installed properly and without issues.
