A Guide to the 3 Types of Electrical Outlets
Outlets are the bridge between our home’s electrical system and our appliances. You may not think about outlets and their different functions often, but when you start remodeling or are working on new construction, you’ll have to.
So why not study which type of outlet is best for your home? Here’s what you need to know about the three different types of electrical outlets.
Homeowner Grade Outlets
This type of outlet is standard in all homes. Homeowner-grade outlets will do the job in terms of providing smaller appliances like your TV and lamps with consistent energy. They are also inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.
Homeowner-grade outlets don’t last long as their lifespan is only 5-10 years. It is recommended to have homeowner-grade outlets in areas where constant electricity is not needed 24/7.
Commercial Grade Outlets
Commercial-grade outlets are a step up from homeowner-grade. These kinds of outlets are mostly found in businesses that need consistent and constant electrical flow like restaurants and electronic stores. These types of outlets are more pricey than the standard homeowner grade but will last a lifetime longer.
Just because commercial grade outlets are intended for commercial lighting doesn’t mean installation is exclusive to them! These outlets are a great addition to places in your house that need constant energy such as a fridge, chest freezer, or a computer workstation.
Medical Grade Outlets
Medical-grade outlets are the most reliable outlet you can find. When life is hanging by a thread and the only way someone is still alive is with the help of life support, hospitals need to have an outlet that never fails them. Hospital outlets are, by default, the most durable outlets doctors and nurses rely on to keep their patients alive.
If you are considering medical-grade outlets for your home, consider the price. These outlets can cost up to 10 times the amount of regular homeowner-grade outlets.
If you or someone living in your home requires medical equipment like a breathing machine or a heart monitor to stay alive, then installing medical-grade outlets would be a great choice.
When Should You Replace an Outlet?
There are many reasons you should replace an outlet as a homeowner. Here are the most common reasons.
Plugs fall out of your outlets.
This means that the contacts in your outlet are worn out. When the contacts are worn out or loose, electrical arcing (also known as discharge) can release from your outlets at up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causing severe injury to you.
Your outlets are hot when touched.
When your outlets are hot, it means that the wires connected to them are in poor condition or disconnected. Like worn-out outlets, hot outlets are a serious fire and safety hazard.
Your outlets are making noises, sparking, smoking, or smelly
If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional electrician immediately. It likely means that your outlets are water damaged or they have short-circuited.
Your outlets are old.
Since 1971, in the United States, outlets have been required to have three prongs. Older outlets cannot handle the electrical outputs of new appliances and will likely damage them if you can even plug them in. New electrical outlets are outfitted with USB and USB-C ports and are more energy efficient.
Your outlet cover is damaged.
If you have noticed your outlet cover is dinged, cracked, broken, or damaged in any sort of way, it is time to replace it. Without an intact outlet cover, dust, moisture, and residues can form, affecting the electrical quality.
If you work in or run a professional business or medical center, be proactive and replace outlets frequently. All of these reasons for replacing an outlet should be followed even more heavily by businesses and hospitals because there is a higher amount of risk involved.
Why Should You Hire a Professional to Replace Your Outlets?
Faulty outlets have caused thousands of California homes to go up in flames over the past few years and consequently caused many deadly wildfires. Seeing that electrical outlets can cause buildings to go up in flames and generate fatal shocks, it is best to leave it up to a professional to handle.
Even if you can recognize an issue with your outlet and even replace it, it doesn’t mean you should. By having your whole electrical system checked out by a professional beforehand, you mitigate the risk of injuring yourself.
You may also become aware of why you need new outlets in the first place and will be taught how to take better care of your outlets.
Contact SoCal for Outlet Installation
No matter what kind of outlet you choose for your home, you want to make sure it’s installed right. For professional and prompt installation, call on SoCal Electrical & Lighting!
We service all homes, businesses, and HOAs in the Coachella Valley area with their electrical and lighting needs including home automation, electrical panel upgrades, and electrical troubleshooting.
Request an estimate online or give us a call at 760-699-2686 today!