When Is It Time To Upgrade My Electrical Outlets?

Like many homeowners, you don’t really give much thought to your electrical outlets beyond what you plug into them.

However, did you know, a damaged outlet is not the only thing that needs to raise your eyebrow? Old, worn out, and outdated electrical outlets are dangers lying in wait.

Like with any other electrical connection and appliance, knowing when to repair and upgrade your electrical outlets is essential.

Use this checklist to decide when you should upgrade your outlets:

• Most of your outlets are not working
• Your house is full of extension cords; this means your outlets are not enough to support your home usage
• Your circuit breaker trips more often; it could mean your outlets are working a lot harder to accommodate your electrical needs
• The outlets are loose
• Your outlets get too hot more often
• You’re still using two-prong electrical outlets; most modern appliances use three-prong outlets

If you find yourself checking any of these signs, you need an upgrade as soon as yesterday.

For safety reasons and to stay up to date, here are some electrical outlets you can consider installing.

• Recessed outlets
  These are no ordinary outlets; they are usually installed deep into the wall. This ensures your plugs are not left dangling from the surface of the socket, hence saving space and reducing plug-related accidents.

• GFCI outlets
  Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets help monitor the flow of electricity within a circuit. They quickly shut off the circuit in case of any electricity imbalance.
  You can install them in your garage, kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor areas.

• AFCI outlets
  These stand for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. They protect your outlets from problems of overheating and wiring issues.

• USB outlets
  As the name suggests, these have USB ports. They eliminate the need for adapters if you need to charge any appliance.

• Tamper – Resistant Outlets
  If you have kids, this is perfect for you.
  These outlets prevent your kids or simply anyone else from inserting foreign objects into your outlets, thus reducing the chances of electrocution and other electricity-related accidents.

Incorporate any of these outlets for an upgrade.

Ready to get started?

Hire True Power Electric for All Your Electrical Services

Whether you need assistance in outlet additions and repairs, a panel upgrade, or any other electrical services, we’re here to help.

If you’re interested, give us a call.

We’re serving residential and commercial properties in Evanston, IL, and the surrounding areas.