From the kitchen to the bedroom, electrical outlets, also known as a receptacle are in every room of your house. Increased reliance on technology means they’re subject to a lot of wear and tear. It’s possible for them to become outdated as well. Old or damaged electrical outlets can put you, your family, and your home at substantial risk.
Here’s when to replace or upgrade your electrical outlets.
Replace
Loose contacts: When you plug something in and it immediately falls out, it’s your old, tired outlet that needs to be replaced. Loose contacts are not only frustrating, but they also pose a significant fire risk. Hire a certified, licensed electrician to replace your outlets.
Cracked outlet plates: Cracked outlet plates may seem harmless, but they allow dust, dirt and dander to get into your electrical system. A fire could then result. They are also an eyesore. The same is true of covers with holes or gaps. It is advisable to change both the plate and outlet.
Two-pronged outlets: Two-prong outlets are connected to two-wire cables that are not grounded. Grounding protects you and your electrical devices in case of a fault. These receptacles are NOT up to code and should be immediately replaced with three-prong outlets to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Sparking or hot outlets: When excessive heat builds up in an outlet, it can melt the protective coating on the cables, resulting in the occurrence of serious problems. This is often the result of short circuiting, water exposure, or even age. Immediate inspection and subsequent replacement is the best course of action for sparking or hot outlets.
Upgrade
USBs: Outlets with integrated USB ports let your charge your smartphone, tablet, and accessories using only a cable. No more need for bulky power adapters! Most USB wall outlets still give you two standard outlets. These outlets are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and kitchens.
Wi-Fi Compatibility: These are more an add-on then replacement. Smart plugs connect to your home Wi-Fi network and allow you to control your appliances and electronics straight from your smartphone. Most can also be voice controlled using a smart speaker like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Having the experts at A&H Electric inspect and replace your electrical outlets will help keep you safe. We specialize in the service, repair, and installation of all electrical systems for both commercial and residential properties. Contact us today at (936) 756-0442 for more information or to schedule an appointment.