06 Sep Upgrade Your Home with 3 Types of Electrical Outlet Solutions

Upgrading electrical outlets is a great way to improve the safety and convenience of any home or business. electrical outlet upgrades can be beneficial in many ways, such as providing more power to accommodate modern appliances, increasing safety by preventing shock hazards, and allowing for easier access to plugs. There are several types of electrical outlet upgrades available, each with its own set of benefits and costs.

Benefits of Electrical Outlet Upgrades

The primary benefit of upgrading electrical outlets is improved safety. By replacing old outlets with new ones, you can reduce the risk of electric shock and fire hazards due to worn out wiring or faulty construction. Additionally, upgraded outlets allow for greater power capacity which can accommodate modern electronic devices that require more power than traditional outlets can provide. Finally, upgraded outlets often feature sleek designs that make them easier to access and use.

Different Types of Electrical Outlet Upgrades

There are several types of electrical outlet upgrades available, including LED night lights, recessed outlets, AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interruptors), and TRR (Tamper Resistant Receptacles). Each type has its own unique benefits and costs associated with it. LED night lights provide added lighting while also saving energy costs; recessed outlets offer a sleek design that allows for easy plugging in; AFCI provides protection against dangerous arc-faults; and TRR prevents tampering with the outlet itself.

LED Night Lights

A LED night light is a small device that plugs into an electrical outlet and provides illumination in dark areas. They are often used in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and other areas where there is little or no natural light. LED night lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and can be customized to fit any décor.

Description

LED night lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to look like stars or animals while others have a more classic look. The bulbs used in LED night lights are typically LEDs (light emitting diodes) which are known for their low power consumption and long life spans. Many models also feature sensors that detect motion and turn the light on or off depending on activity in the area.

Benefits

LED night lights offer several benefits over traditional incandescent bulbs. They use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs, making them more energy efficient and cost effective. Additionally, they last much longer than traditional bulbs since LEDs do not burn out like incandescents do. This means that you won’t need to replace your LED night light as often as you would with an incandescent bulb. Finally, LED night lights emit very little heat which makes them safer than traditional bulbs which can get hot enough to cause burns if touched.

Cost

The cost of LED night lights varies depending on the size, features, and brand of the light but generally range from $10-$30 USD per unit. It is important to note that while LED night lights may cost more upfront than traditional bulbs, they will save money in the long run due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.

Installation

Installing an LED night light is relatively simple and can usually be done without professional help. Most models simply plug into an existing electrical outlet but some require hard wiring by a qualified electrician. It is important to read the instructions carefully before attempting installation as improper wiring could result in damage or injury.

Recessed Outlets

recessed outlets are electrical outlets that are installed into the wall, making them flush with the surface. This type of outlet is ideal for homes with young children or pets, as it reduces the risk of electric shock. They also provide a more aesthetically pleasing look than traditional outlets, as they blend in with the wall rather than protruding out.

Description

Recessed outlets can be used to replace existing outlets or be installed during new construction. The outlet is mounted in a metal box that is recessed into the wall and covered with an electrical cover plate. This type of outlet typically requires a deeper box than standard outlets due to its size and shape. The installation process involves cutting a hole in the drywall, mounting the box, running wiring from the breaker box, then connecting and securing the outlet.

Benefits

The main benefit of installing recessed outlets is that they reduce the risk of electric shock by eliminating any exposed wires or plugs. Additionally, they provide a much cleaner look than traditional outlets and can help improve the overall aesthetics of a room. Recessed outlets can also help save space since they don’t protrude out from the wall like traditional outlets do.

Cost

The cost of installing recessed outlets will vary depending on the number of outlets needed and whether you are replacing existing ones or installing new ones during construction. Generally speaking, installing one recessed outlet will cost around $150-$200 including labor and materials. If you are replacing multiple outlets at once, this cost may decrease slightly due to bulk discounts on materials and labor costs.

Installation

Installing recessed outlets requires basic electrical knowledge and experience working with wiring and drywall. If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, it is best to hire an experienced electrician who can ensure that everything is done correctly and safely. The installation process typically takes around 1-2 hours per outlet depending on how many wires need to be run from the breaker box to each location.

AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interruptors)

Description

Arc-fault circuit interruptors (AFCIs) are electrical devices designed to protect against fires caused by arc faults in the home. An arc fault is an unintentional electrical connection between two conductors, which can cause a spark that can ignite nearby combustible materials such as wood or insulation. AFCIs detect this arcing and interrupt the power before it can cause a fire. AFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code in all new construction and remodels, and are available as circuit breakers for use in existing homes.

Benefits

The primary benefit of AFCI protection is the prevention of electrical fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over half of all home fires originate from an electrical source, so installing AFCIs is a great way to reduce the risk of fire in your home. Additionally, AFCIs provide protection against shock hazards by detecting dangerous arcing conditions that may not be visible to homeowners or electricians during installation or maintenance activities.

Cost

The cost of installing AFCI circuit breakers varies depending on the type of breaker you choose and the size of your home’s electrical system. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$100 per breaker installed, with larger homes requiring more breakers and thus costing more overall for installation.

Installation

Installing AFCI circuit breakers should only be done by a qualified electrician with experience working on residential wiring systems. The electrician will need access to your main electrical panel in order to install the breakers, as well as any additional wiring or outlets necessary for proper operation of the system. Once installed, your electrician will test each breaker to make sure it is functioning properly and protecting your home from potential arc fault fires.

AFCIs protect against electrical fires and shock hazards, cost $50-$100 per breaker, and must be installed by a qualified electrician.

TRR (Tamper Resistant Receptacles)

Tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs) are a type of electrical outlet upgrade that is designed to prevent electric shock. They are required in all new construction by the National Electrical Code, and are becoming increasingly popular for retrofit installations as well. TRRs feature spring-loaded shutters on the slots where plugs are inserted, which open when both slots are pressed simultaneously. This prevents children from sticking objects into the slots and potentially receiving an electric shock.

Description

Tamper resistant receptacles look similar to standard electrical outlets, but they have two small plastic shutters located inside each slot that open when both slots are pressed at once. The shutters close automatically when pressure is released, preventing foreign objects from entering the slots and making contact with live wires. TRRs come in standard 15-amp and 20-amp models, as well as GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) models which offer additional protection against shocks caused by ground faults or short circuits.

Benefits

The primary benefit of installing tamper resistant receptacles is safety. In addition to reducing the risk of electric shock, TRRs can also help reduce fire hazards by preventing exposed wires from coming into contact with flammable materials. TRRs can also help protect appliances and electronics from damage caused by overloading or incorrect wiring connections. Finally, TRRs may be required by local building codes in order for a home or business to pass inspection.

Cost

The cost of installing tamper resistant receptacles will vary depending on the number of outlets being replaced and the complexity of the job. Generally speaking, it should cost between $50-$100 per outlet for installation alone, not including parts or materials. It’s important to note that many electricians will charge a minimum fee for any job regardless of how many outlets need to be replaced, so it may be more cost effective to replace several outlets at once if possible.

Installation

Installing tamper resistant receptacles is relatively simple but should always be done by a qualified electrician in order to ensure proper installation and safety compliance. The process involves turning off power to the area where the outlet will be installed, removing existing outlets, connecting new wiring, and then installing new outlets according to local code requirements. Once complete, an electrician will inspect the work before restoring power and ensuring everything is working properly.

Safety-enhancing tamper resistant receptacles prevent electric shock and reduce fire hazards; cost $50-$100 per outlet; installation by qualified electrician.