3 Different Electrical Outlets and Their Advantages
Electrical outlets are essential in homes. They power much-needed devices like computers, light fixtures, and medical devices, protecting households from dangerous threats like fires.
Numerous types of outlets can be installed throughout homes, including protective devices like AFCI outlets, GFCI outlets, and childproof outlets.
Learn more about these devices and why they are essential in homes.
AFCI Outlets
AFCI outlets, or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, are crucial for home safety. These outlets are designed to detect and prevent electrical fires caused by arcing faults, which can occur due to faulty wiring, damaged cords, or overloaded circuits.
These AFCI outlets perform numerous essential functions in a house, including:
- Fire prevention: Arcing faults are a leading cause of electrical fires. AFCI outlets help to minimize this risk.
- Property protection: By preventing fires, AFCI outlets protect homes and belongings.
- Peace of mind: Knowing a home is equipped with these safety devices provides added security.
AFCI outlets are typically required in bedrooms and other living spaces to increase safety and keep homes up to code.
GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect households against electrical shocks in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and outdoors. They monitor the flow of electricity and automatically shut off power in case of an imbalance.
These outlets offer the following benefits to households:
- Prevent electrical shocks: They significantly reduce the risk of injury or death from electric shock.
- Protect appliances: GFCI outlets can prevent damage to electrical appliances caused by power surges or ground faults.
- Required in specific areas: Many home areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets, require GFCI protection due to increased moisture and electrical risks.
If these outlets detect the presence of water, they will cut the power to prevent electrocution, fires, shocks, and other threats. These electrical outlets are required to prevent electrical code violations.
Childproof Outlets
One type of outlet homeowners might need to think about installing is childproof outlets. However, these are essential for homes with small children. Also known as tamper-resistant outlets, they have built-in safety shutters to prevent children from inserting objects into them. As parents of young children are all too familiar with, toddlers can try to place various objects into outlets—from toys to even their fingers. Childproof outlets prevent items from entering the outlets and protect children from shocks.
Understanding the different types of outlets and their purposes can help homeowners ensure their homes are safe and equipped for their needs. Homeowners should schedule an electrical inspection with a local electrician to determine the types of outlets in their house and which outlets should be installed – and where – to offer increased protection to their household.
About E.F. Winslow Home Services
The E.F. Winslow Home Services team has provided top-rated home services throughout Cape Cod since 1971. They offer 24/7 live answer services and emergency services. Call them when you need electrical outlet services and installations in South Yarmouth, MA.