Knowing When You Should Replace Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets are one of the most important components of your home’s electrical system. However, if you want to keep the power flowing through your home for all of your appliances, you need to know when to replace electrical outlets. As a responsible homeowner, it is imperative that you safeguard every inch of your home to the best of your ability. If not harnessed correctly, electricity can be a foe instead of the illuminating friend we rely on, especially if your outlets are not working properly. You may not be able to use your most essential appliances effectively, including televisions, microwaves, cell phone chargers, and more. A refusal to replace your faulty outlets will not only lead to improperly working appliances; it will also create a major safety hazard. A malfunctioning outlet will put your home at a far greater risk of experiencing home electrical fires and electrocution, especially if there are any exposed wiring. Your home will also see lower property resale value because any potential buyer won’t think to give your home a second look if it is not 100% safe. If you want to avoid these headaches, you should brush up on your knowledge of what to notice when you think your outlets have seen better days. Once you know what signs to look for, you will be able to call a local electrician sooner and clearly communicate problems so you get the replacement you need.
How Can Wave Electric Co. Help You?
If you think it’s time to replace the old with the new, please call Wave Electric Co. today for all of your electrical service needs. When it comes to ensuring your home is equipped with the highest quality electricity, we will always go the extra mile. We have a team of dedicated electricians who are ready to assist with your electrical needs. The upside of replacing your electrical outlets is at first obvious—you will have a steady flow of power for all appliances! But a look closer reveals several long-term benefits that will make life in your home better. We will replace your outlets with ones built to last for years so you won’t have to worry about not having enough electrical power for a long time to come. Since new outlets will also reduce the risk of fires and electrocution, you will be able to relax, especially when your family’s well-being is kept in check.
5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Electrical Outlets
If you are unsure on what signs you should be noticing, please take note of these 5 warning signs when you are beginning to sense your outlets are due for replacement:
1. Ungrounded Receptacles: Ungrounded receptacles have no way of channeling electrical current to a ground source. If you are unsure if you have them in your home, please call an electrician at Wave Electric Co. for a home safety inspection. You can also conduct an inspection on your own time as well. These receptacles need to be replaced as soon as possible with grounded ones to ensure a safer, more effective electrical system.
2. Two-Prong Outlets: The National Electric Code (NEC) made it required in 1965 for all homes to be equipped with three-prong outlets. However, there are still many homes out there with two-prong outlets, which is both outdated and unsafe. Due to their inability to channel excess current into a ground source, they will have a much higher risk of causing a fire. If this applies to your home, you should replace them with three-prong outlets instead.
3. Builder’s Grade Outlets: Though they may boast a lower installation costs, builder’s grade outlets are also known for their poor quality and shorter lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Contractors will equip new homes with builder’s grade outlets if not specified to install a higher-grade outlet. If this applies to your home, you should upgrade to commercial grade outlets instead, which can last you ten times longer.
4. Significant Physical Damage: Are your outlets looking worse for wear? Then the time for replacement is now. Your outlets may be so damaged that they may not even allow cords to fit into the receptacle. You may also notice broken plastic covering exposing the outlet’s internal mechanisms. Before this damage prevents them from working entirely or puts your safety at risk, call to replace them immediately.
5. No Tamper Resistant Receptacles: Since 2008, the NEC has also required homes to be equipped with tamper resistant receptacles as a safety measure. If your home currently lacks them, it’s time to run out and get tamper resistant receptacles now. These receptacles are manufactured with a shutter that will prevent any objects from getting stuck in the outlet and creating a safety hazard.
Keep Your Home’s Electrical System As Healthy As Possible – Replace Any Faulty Electrical Outlets Today
Contact Wave Electric Co. today if you want to learn more on what you should notice so you can move quickly in replacing your electrical outlets!
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