Exploring the Must-Knows of Installing Electrical Outlets in Austin, Texas 78751

When moving into a new house or making renovations to a home, few projects induce more decisions to be made than the installation of electrical outlets. From the type of outlet to the transformer to the adequately rated amp breaker, there is a multitude of things to consider when it comes to hooking up electricity and ensuring that the home as a whole is safe. Austin, Texas residents looking to tackle electrical outlets in their houses should not try to go at it alone. All it takes is one mistake to scram the electrical workings of a household, so it's always best to hire a certified electrician, like those at Abacus Residential & Commercial Plumbing to help out with the job.

In any case, for expanding a household's electrical capacity, here are the five main topics to consider:

Topic: Electrical Outlets, Home Maintenance, Residential Industry

1. Grounds Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A GFCI is an outlet with its own electronic circuit breaker enabled by an internal relay to detect the current flow if an outlet happens to ground. It acts as a failsafe for any electrical outlet, as it can detect the slightest of discrepancies in current flow, such as when water comes into contact with an electrical outlet. GFCIs are so sensitive that an increased amount of current flowing a fraction of a second will cause the GFCI to trip and shut off the circuit, thus preventing any possible electrical shock that would have occurred, even from a minor oversight.

The code for the state of Texas recommends GFCI outlets be installed in any location where the outlet itself could be exposed to moisture, such as outdoors, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and similar areas. Owners should definitely consult an electrician for further information on goofy outlet installations.

2. Type of Outlets

When selecting a type of outlet to be installed, clients should consider which type of outlet might fit their home best. Some outlets might look better than others, while other outlets might offer extra features, and other outlets might be easier to manage with a wall plate.

For standard outlets, there are two main types: traditional and Decora. Traditional outlets have the classic two-slot design, and they're mostly used in old homes and industrial locations. Decora outlets, made famous by Leviton's invention, is the classic three-pronged, large switch that is all-too-common in modern homes.

There are also higher-end special outlets, such as USB outlets, landscape outlets, and smart outlets that are great for modern homes. It's entirely up to the homeowner to decide which type of outlet they want.

3. Breaker and Transformer

Breakers and transformers are absolutely integral for the installation of outlets. Breakers provide the electricity and its current to the outlet, and they're usually activated by the transformer. The transformer size will depend on the wattage of the breaker, but the wall mount should be rated for at least 240 watts.

It should go without saying that these topics should be discussed with an experienced electrician before anything is put into motion. It's just too crucial to make a mistake, so it pays to be careful.

4. Receptacle Boxes

The type of receptacle box will often depend on the type of outlet that will be installed. Old homes usually have round cutouts in the wall, while newer homes have the square type. This is something that should be discussed with the electrician beforehand, just in case the cutouts need to be replaced with ones that suit the concrete wall.

5. Hire a Licensed Electrician

Whichever type of outlet is installed, the most important thing of all is to hire an experienced electrician to handle the job. Certified electricians will know the ins and outs of the different types of outlets and it all starts with hiring the right person for the job. That's where Abacus comes in. Each and every plumber at Abacus is licensed and trained to the highest standards to make sure that everything is done correctly and up to code.

Hiring a certified electrician is also important for cost savings. Knowledgeable electricians can make decisions that help cut costs down, such as upgrading the light switch or installing a new breaker or transformer. However, with all the above steps and considerations taken, the job should be done right the first time with the help of an experienced electrician.

Ultimately, when it comes to installing electrical outlets in any home in the Austin area, those looking to do it should look no further than the team of experienced electricians at Abacus Residential & Commercial Plumbing. Our technicians have the skill, training, and certification to help take your home's outlet installations from good to reliable and safe. Those who feel the urge to tackle a project like this one should always defer to the experts, as it's better to make sure that everything is done correctly the first time.