Options for Electrical Outlets
Electrical safety is a number one concern for every owner. The hazards of electricity, namely fires and electrocutions, should be taken seriously. Luckily, technology is offering new ways to make electricity safer without inconveniencing the lives of those who try to use it. With new types of outlets on the market and a part of electrical codes, owners can make their homes and businesses safer from fires and electrocutions.
Here are three options for electrical outlets that should be in every space and their benefits.
AFCI Outlets for Fire Safety
Electrical fires occur when electricity experiences high resistance. The energy produced as electricity tries to flow across a gap produces an extremely hot arc that can ignite nearby flammable materials, causing a fire. This commonly occurs in situations like wiring that has been pierced by a nail or screw driven through a finished wall or an extension cord or power cable that has been damaged internally.
The latest outlet on the market targets this specific source of electrical fires. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters sense arcs occurring in wiring and circuits and cut power to stop the arc. By interrupting the arc in milliseconds, the ignition source for fires is gone, resulting in a safer home or business. AFCIs should protect the whole home in the form of outlets or breakers. Bedrooms and living spaces are of particular concern.
GFCI Outlets for Electrical Safety
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters have been instrumental in stopping electrical shocks. GFCIs help to prevent electrocution by sensing changes in the direction of electrical current. When electricity comes into contact with water, a GFCI can stop the power flow before someone is shocked. These devices are required within six feet of every water source and in outdoor outlets, making them common in bathrooms and kitchens.
Since GFCIs have been required by code for decades, every home should have them. If they aren’t present in the home, it is time to upgrade to keep the home safe.
Childproof Outlets
Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, but it comes with some struggles. Not only will there be plenty of sleepless nights, but the house must be transformed to make it safe for the new additions to the family. Regarding electrical safety, technology hasn’t changed much until recently, with the advent of childproof outlets. Until recently, the only options parents had have been plastic plugs or spring-loaded devices to cover the entire outlet. These are a huge hassle to keep track of, and they don’t do a great job of keeping curious littles out of the outlets.
Childproof outlets are the perfect answer to this problem. A childproof outlet has tiny plastic tabs hidden in the outlet slots. They look perfectly normal, but they use specially designed spring-loaded mechanisms to ensure nothing foreign can be pushed into the outlet. When a plug is inserted, the tabs retract, allowing it to be powered. Instead of fumbling with or keeping track of other safety devices, parents can access their power without worrying about their kids inspecting the outlets.
About Trustworthy Electric Inc.
Trustworthy Electric Inc. is the trusted local expert for electrical safety. Their crews handle outlet installations as well as electrical troubleshooting and lighting projects. Call today for electrical service in Montgomery, AL.
