No matter how many electrical outlets your home has, it never seems to be enough. Some rooms may not have enough, while others may have ones that don’t work. If you find yourself needing more outlets in your home, it might be time to contact an outlet installation professional like the team at Milton Electric. Our team will visit your home and assess your needs to determine the best solution, whether you’re looking to install new electrical outlets or repair existing ones.
Signs You Need to Upgrade an Electrical Outlet
It’s important to keep all the outlets in your home up to date in order to lower the risk of a surge or even an electrical fire. If you notice any of the following warning signs when you use your outlet, you should consider contacting an outlet installation professional:
- Discoloration: If you notice discoloration on the outlet or the wall surrounding the outlet, your outlet is likely improperly installed.
- Hot to the Touch: Does your outlet feel hot when you touch it? Outlets that feel hot to the touch are a major fire hazard that should be repaired immediately.
- Sparking or Smoking: Similarly, outlets that spark, smoke, or omit a burning odor are a major fire hazard that must be repaired by an outlet installation professional.
- Two-Prongs: These outlets, often found in older homes, are not properly grounded. This can significantly increase the risk of shock and damage to any electronic devices plugged into the outlet.
- Plug Falls Out of the Outlet: A plug that falls out of an outlet is more than just a nuisance: it can signify that the contacts within the outlet are worn out and need to be replaced.
Common Types of Outlets We Install
Once it’s been determined that you need to install electrical outlets in your home, you’ll need to pick the right type of outlet. The Milton Electric team installs a variety of outlets and can help you identify the best fit for your needs. The most common type of outlet is a 15-amp outlet, which is compatible with most circuits in your home. However, if you need outlets that have a higher voltage, we recommend choosing a 20-amp outlet or even 240-volt outlets that can handle large machinery, like microwaves, water heaters, dryers, and ovens. You can also upgrade your existing outlet with a smart outlet that can be controlled using your smartphone or a smart home device, like an Amazon Alexa.
No matter the voltage you’re looking for, we recommend choosing GFCI outlets for your home. GFCI outlets monitor the number of electrical currents running through it. If the currents become unbalanced, the power to the outlet immediately cuts off, making them one of the safest and most effective options for outlet installation. We recommend GFCI outlet installation in your kitchen, bathroom, crawl space, unfinished basement, garages, and outdoor receptacle locations.
Outdoor Outlets
Homeowners aren’t just looking for outlet installation inside their homes: many are looking to upgrade their backyard with outdoor electrical outlets. Outdoor outlets provide power to your home using a separate circuit to avoid overloading your home’s indoor circuits. They can be used to power mini fridges, televisions, string lights and more without the hassle of running an unsightly extension cord from your home into your yard!
When you install an outdoor electrical outlet, it’s important to take additional safety precautions. As mentioned above, all outdoor outlets must be GFCI outlets to reduce the risk of electrical shock and electrocution. They must also be built with waterproof materials and covered with a weatherproof case that is approved for damp locations to keep your home and your family safe.
Why Hire an Electrician to Install Your Outlet?
Whether you want to install a new outlet or repair an existing one, it’s important to hire an experienced outlet installer like the installers at Milton Electric. Our team will make sure your outlets are installed properly the first time, so you won’t need to worry about your outlets malfunctioning. You can feel comfortable knowing your home and your family will be safe and protected from electrical safety hazards.