A Quick Guide to Electrical Outlet Options for Family Homes

Follow our quick guide to learn about outlet options ideal for a family home. Upgrades to outlets can give you a lot of peace of mind and add elements that help you get through each day easily.

A family home typically includes curious children who find the idea of an outlet interesting. Through the years, electricians have seen enough children stick items in the open holes to make some major changes to outlets. One of the more common solutions is the installation of tamper-resistant outlets.

These outlets feature small shutters placed behind the outlet cover. The spring-loaded shutters will only open when all three are pressed open with a standard three-prong plug. This means a child cannot stick a fork, toy, or other small objects into the outlet. The replacement process is typically easy and doesn't require any major changes to the home's electrical system.

With busy family life, you may notice that lights or electronics are constantly left on. You could easily cut off a power source when you have an electrician install switch-based outlets. The outlets are wired directly to a wall switch that turns the power on and off for the outlet. In many homes, you can select the area for the switch to provide an easy location.

If you seek a switch that is more modern, consider the installation of a built-in smart outlet. Many current smart outlets will include a plug that goes into another plug, but an electrician can install a built-in smart outlet that doesn't need the extra bulk.

With a smart outlet, you can control your plugs through voice-controlled smart hubs or apps built directly into your phone. Save energy and reduce the number of times lights or devices are accidentally left on in the home.

As you upgrade outlets in the kitchen, consider the use of AFCI outlets. AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. Basically, the outlet prevents anything in the kitchen from overheating and causing a fire. If an appliance like a toaster, microwave, or blender begins overheating, the AFCI outlet will automatically cut off power through the outlet.

The outlet protection also works with any frayed or damaged wires on devices. One of the key signs that your kitchen is equipped with AFCI features is through the test and reset buttons located on the center of the outlets. When you press test the outlet will perform its shut-off procedure to ensure the process works.

Along with overheating, you also want to prevent any moisture from making contact with an outlet. For areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms, consider the installation of a GFCI outlet. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and will automatically shut off power if moisture is collected.

In a family home, you could have a splash-filled bath, messy hand washing, or other elements with water. GFCI outlets will detect the moisture and the electrical spike that occurs when water makes contact with an outlet. Just like the AFCI outlets, the GFCI ones come with test and reset buttons in the center.

For more information on outlet installations and the best options for your family home, contact us at Central Electric. Safety is a priority with our business and we will provide you with safe installations and go over each new outlet you have installed in the home.