Switching on a lamp, operating a microwave, or turning on a Tv are regular activities that you barely think about what’s going to happen inside the walls of your home to get those things to work.

Electricity is an essential element of your house’s devices.

There are over 50 electrical outlets ( known as power outlets, plug sockets, electric sockets, and wall outlets) in the typical home, of different sizes, forms, and compatibility. But… Are the electric outlets that fill your wall the right ones for the job?

If you are thinking of making electrical improvements at home, understanding what sorts of plugs you have and what your choices are is a good idea, as they all serve specific goals.

For your electrical upgrade, check below the 6 electrical outlet types you can purchase at any electrical store.

What Are the Most Common Electrical Outlet Types?

20A Outlets

Many types of power sockets used in the home are powered at 15 amps, but certain devices need more electricity, that is where the 20 amp outlets and circuits are useful. They can provide that much-needed power source without tripping circuit breakers with 20 amp outlets that carry 25%more capacity. In garages, laundry rooms, and the kitchen where most of the aggressive appliances are housed, these plugs are commonly found.

GFCI outlets ( ground fault circuit interrupter)

Anywhere in a home where there is a risk of water being present, GFCI outlets can be located. The 2 most likely places to have these types of electrical outlets are the kitchen and bathroom. They are programmed to cut the power to the outlet off immediately if a short circuit or ground fault is found. For example, a hairdryer is used and there is water around. GFCI outlet kills power before the short circuit can escape the hairdryer outlet into the ground.

AFCI outlets ( arc fault circuit interrupter)

An AFCI outlet seems the same as a GFCI outlet, but an AFCI protects from arcs. When the power leaps between two wires, arcs could happen, potentially causing a fire. AFCI circuit breakers at the circuit breaker box should be mounted in every new house designed after 1999. On any circuit, older houses may have AFCI outlets built at the first outlet, securing all outlets on the same circuit.

Switched outlets

Have you ever wanted an outlet where the electricity instead of the appliance, can be switched on and off?

It is viable with a switched plug socket, which has one outlet and a switch. A device can be permanently plugged in but can be switched on and off at any time with the touch of the switch.

USB outlets

Mobile services require charging all the time, USB ports do the job without the need of plugging a USB adapter into a socket outlet. One with 2 standard outlets is the best option, but it also has a couple of built-in USB ports to charge any mobile device.

Smart outlets

These types of plugs are just normal outlets, expect a smartphone can monitor them. A device, such as a flashlight, can be switched on or off using a smartphone from anywhere, but to enable communication between the outlet and the phone, they need some Smart home hub.

Revising Your Power Outlets to Meet Your Needs

There are several different types of electrical outlets, as you can see, all of which can be useful for any variety of circumstances. Think about the kind of application in which they would be used in order to decide which form you may like to install.

Are you going to use power tools? Appliances for heavy-duty? technology?

You have plenty of choices to consider.

Whichever your preference is, always make sure that, as with any electrical job, only a licensed professional can upgrade electrical outlets and /or circuits.

For any electrical work required, give Kato Electrical a call for a free estimate - 604 417 4785.

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