Ultimate Guide: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Electrical Outlets

When it comes to electricity, selecting the right outlets for your Austin, TX 78731 home is an important part of keeping your family and your property safe and secure. This essential, yet daunting task requires careful consideration as there are numerous factors that go into selecting the appropriate electrical outlet for each area of your home. From brand selection to protection against electrical overloads, these five points will help you select the best electrical outlet for your needs.

1. Choose the Right Brand

When it comes to selecting the proper electrical outlet, the type of brand you buy is key. The best electrical outlet brands include Leviton, Hubbell, and Pass & Seymour, which are all known for creating quality products that are ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) approved. It is important to select a brand that is certified and comes with a warranty, since any outlet that is not UL-certified (Underwriters Laboratories) may lead to a number of safety issues. It is also a good idea to choose outlets that are compatible with modern electrical systems, as well as those that can support the fixtures and appliances you may use in your home.

2. Select the Appropriate Voltage Protection

When selecting a voltage protection device for your outlets, it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the device and the wattage associated with it. Various outlets come with different protection levels, so map out your power requirements on a room-by-room basis and then select the appropriate plug for each area. Different plug types, such as 2-prong outlets and GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) come with different levels of protection and are designed for various types of electrical devices.

3. Understand the Additional Protection Options

In addition to basics such as voltage protection, selecting the right electrical outlet may also require additional protection options. Tamper-resistant receptacles can help protect your home from electric shock, while arc fault circuit interrupters can prevent electrical fires by detecting imbalances and then shutting down the power automatically. Another common type of additional protection is called surge protection, which helps regulate spikes in voltage and prevent overloads. Surge protectors are often designed with a reset button that allows you to reset the device after a surge.

4. Inspect the Wiring

Before installing an electrical outlet, it is important to inspect the wiring to ensure that it is up to code and able to support the new outlet. Even if you are using a GFCI outlet, it is still important to check the wiring to make sure it is compatible with the new system. Faulty wiring can lead to a number of problems, including electric shock and even fires, so it is important to hire a qualified professional to inspect and repair any wiring issue you may have in your home.

5. Test for Ground Fault and Arc Fault

Ground fault and arc fault protection are two of the most important components of any electrical system. Ground fault protection is designed to detect any ground fault that may take place, while arc fault protection is designed to detect any electrical currents that are arcing or jumping between two points. Both of these protection mechanisms are designed to prevent shock as well as electrical fires, so it is critical to make sure they are working correctly before installing new outlets.

When it comes to selecting the ideal electrical outlets for your Austin, TX 78731 home, it is important to consider the brand, voltage protection, additional protection options, wiring, and ground/arc fault protection. Selecting quality outlets and taking the time to inspect and test them will not only help you avoid accidents, but may even save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Electrical Outlets

Austin TX

Voltage Protection