Electrical outlets are one of the most important aspects of your home’s electrical system. After all, how else would you be able to use your most essential lights and appliances? It can provide electrical power immediately for any purpose, and all you need to do is plug in the appliance. However, many homeowners will take their electrical system for granted, especially in regards to their outlets. When you’re using them practically every day for all sorts of purposes, you probably don’t think about what would happen if they suddenly stopped working. It’s only when the outlet is smoking or completely falling apart does anyone think to take action in replacing them and by then, the damage to an electrical system is already done. The consequences of allowing your old, faulty outlets continue to run may not only be costly, but also deadly. A faulty outlet will heighten your risk of home electrical fires and electrical shock. Their flow of electric power may also become inconsistent, meaning your appliances will be damaged in the process. Life in your home shouldn’t be filled with worries over your outlets, so it’s important to learn the signs telling you the time is now to replace outlets. It’s not just for the sake of your electricity, but also for the well-being of your entire family!
How Can Excel Electric Help You?
The most effective way to ensure a steady flow of electrical power in your home is by calling Excel Electric for service. We will have one of our licensed electricians show up to your home to inspect your outlets to determine whether or not your outlets will need to be replaced. Even if there are only a few small problems with your outlets, it is nonetheless worth an inspection, as it may be indicative of a much larger issue. From there, we can supply your home with modern outlets designed to last you for years, meaning you can expect longer-lasting power for all appliances. Once you have received our service, you can expect to live comfortably and safely in your home, especially when new outlets will keep you away from hazards like house fires and electrical shocks. Since your appliances will also be less likely to experience issues or damage, you can also spend less money on electrical repair and appliance replacement. A call to Excel Electric isn’t just a way to better electricity; it’s a guarantee that you will live in your home with better peace of mind.
When Should You Replace Your Electrical Outlets?
The next time you begin to suspect your outlets need to be replaced, please consider any of the following warning signs:
- Builder’s Grade Outlets: Builder’s grade outlets are a popular choice to install in homes because of their relatively low cost. They will also be installed in a newly constructed home by a contractor if the homeowner does not specify a higher grade outlet to install. Unfortunately, these outlets are not built to endure the electrical demands of a modern home and will have a shorter lifespan of 5 to 10 years. You should instead upgrade these outlets with commercial grade outlets, which are designed to last you for a lifespan up to 10 times longer.
- Two-Prong Outlets: In addition to builder’s grade outlets, you should also replace two-prong outlets in your home due to the fact that they are outdated and unsafe. In fact, they have been deemed unsafe for over fifty years. In 1965, the National Electric Code (NEC) required all homes to be equipped with three-prong outlets for safer and more effective electrical power. If you live in a home still equipped with two-prong outlets, you need to replace them immediately.
- Significant Physical Damage: Be alert if you have an older outlet showing some considerable wear and tear. While most homeowners will chalk this up to a sign of aging, it may be a serious problem if the damage is preventing the outlet from working to the best of its abilities. It is especially concerning if the plastic covering on the outlet is beginning to break away, which can make the outlet incredibly sensitive to the touch.
- No Tamper-Resistant Outlets: The NEC has also required homes to be equipped with tamper-resistant outlets, which are manufactured with a shutter that will prevent any foreign objects from becoming stuck into the outlet. This will keep any electrical outlets covered and keep your family from harm, especially if you have any naturally curious young children in your household.
- Ungrounded Receptacles: Ungrounded receptacles are essentially two-pronged outlets that have no way to channel electrical current through the ground. They should be replaced immediately. In addition to replacing the two-pronged receptacles, it is necessary to have an electrician provide an inspection of your home’s electrical service panel’s grounding source.
Keep Your Home Safe And Replace Your Old Electrical Outlets Today
Contact Excel Electric today if you want to know more on what signs you should notice so your home is equipped with new electrical outlets!