Five Things to Consider with Electrical Outlets in 78735, Austin - Texas

It pays to be mindful of the electrical system in your home. Faulty wiring and old or damaged outlets can not only be a problem for the safety of your property, but they can also impact your energy bills. If you live in 78735, Austin - Texas, then it's wise to consider five aspects of your outlets when it comes to the condition of your wiring.

Just as there are a variety of plumbing related services that Abacus Plumbing can provide, such as repairs to gas and electric water heaters, slab leaks, and hydro jetting to clear clogged drains, Abacus can also take care of any electrical issue you may have around your property. Their trained technicians are highly knowledgeable and will always strive to exceed expectations for customer service.

In order to ensure that your electrical system is safe and efficient, there are five key components you should keep an eye on: outlet placement, outlet spacing, wiring gauge, GFCI outlets, and AFCI outlets.

Outlet Placement

It's important to give thought to the placement of your outlets around your property. Generally, it's best to avoid outlets that are set too close to one another. If all outlets within a given area are too close, it will be difficult to spread the load of your appliances evenly, therefore creating a greater strain.

You should also consider the placement of a switch near an outlet, to ensure it is never installed above. Any outlet that's placed above a switch could be located too close to its wiring, potentially creating a fire hazard.

Outlet Spacing

When you're looking at the spacing between outlets, the National Electric Code (NEC) recommends that outlets on any wall should be at least two feet away from one another. Wherever possible, outlets should also be placed five to six feet away from any water source, such as a bathroom sink.

Wiring Gauge

The gauge of the turbine wire used in an electrical circuit is typically classified in terms of the number of watts it can safely endure, along with the length and shape of the wire that's been used. You should ensure that the gauge of the wire meets the watt limits of that circuit.

GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) outlets are extremely important for your safety when dealing with electricity around water, as they are designed to prevent shock hazards. Any outlet located within six feet of a water source should be GFCI protected, and this includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and outdoors.

AFCI Outlets

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) prevent fires from electrical arcs by continuously monitoring electrical circuits and terminating the supply of energy if such an arc is detected. AFCIs should be installed in locations such as bedrooms and nurseries, or other interior locations where the risk of electric shock around water or liquefied fuel is minimal.

It pays to pay attention to the condition of your electrical system; it could ultimately make the difference between a safe, efficient home and a potentially hazardous one. If you're unsure about the condition of your outlets, or feel a problem may be present, then don't hesitate to contact a licensed electrician or Abacus Plumbing for help and advice.

Electrical Outlets

GFCI

AFCI