Top 5 Things to Consider when it Comes to Electrical Outlets

When it comes to electric outlets in your home, there are many things to consider. Whether you're in Austin, Texas, or another part of the country, having a safe and reliable electrical system is a must. Proper installation and maintenance of your outlets and wiring can help to prevent fires and other disasters. At Abacus, we've compiled a list of the top 5 things to consider when it comes to electrical outlets.

1. Adequate Outlet Locations

No matter how nice they look, having not enough outlets can be a major inconvenience. Easy access to power ensures that you don't need to run cords across the floor or over furniture. Think about which areas of your living space need the most outlets, and consider adding additional outlets in those areas.

2. Surge Protection

Surge protectors help to protect you from dangerous power spikes that can fry your electronics. You'll want to make sure you have surge protection installed in all the areas of your home where you may be using appliances or running multiple power cords into one outlet. If your home does not already have surge protectors installed, it is important to have them installed by a licensed electrician.

3. Ensure Proper Wiring

Before plugging anything in, make sure that wiring and circuits are in proper working order. Plugging an outlet into circuits with too much wattage or too little wattage can cause a fire. An electrician can come in and make sure everything is up to code and running safely.

4. Monitor Outlet Age

Outlets can wear out over time. You may want to consider replacing outlets in older homes with new models that have enhanced safety features such as tamper-resistant slots. These newer models help to prevent shock or electrocution in case a plugged-in device gets wet.

5. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are important for both safety and convenience. GFCIs can sense if there is too much current and will shut down the circuit automatically to protect you from harm. With a GFCI, you won't have to worry about resetting a circuit after a short.

Final thoughts

Electrical outlets are an integral part of your home. They often get overlooked when it comes to maintenance, but it is important to take the time to make sure yours is up to code and running properly. Consulting with a local electrician such as Abacus can help ensure that you are not at risk for an electrical fire or other disasters.

Electrical Outlets,

Austin,

Texas