The average home contains 75 electrical outlets of different shapes, sizes, and functionalities.  Are the outlets that line your walls the correct ones for your home?  In this post, we are going to examine the most common outlet types in your home by pointing out the benefits and features of each outlet style.  Additionally, we will introduce you to some modern home outlet options that help keep your devices charged and ready to go.

The Fossil: 2-Prong Outlets

This type of outlet was the standard many years ago.  2-Prong outlets are 15 amp, 125 volt, 2-wired outlets which are commonly seen in older houses.  Since this outlet can only be used for ungrounded circuits, it is quickly becoming obsolete due to safety regulations and code limitations.

The Veteran: 3-Prong Outlets

When you think of an electrical outlet, chances are you are thinking about a 3-Prong, 15 amp, 125 volt outlet.  This outlet type is one of the most common home outlet styles currently available.  Easily recognized by its pair of long, vertical slots positioned above an upside down, u-shaped opening used for grounding the electrical current.  This important safety feature helps to prevent the risk of electrical shock in the event of loose wiring.

The Best of Both Worlds: Switch & Outlet Combination

This combination outlet offers two desirable features in one device.  Whether you are looking to install a new outlet device in your children’s rooms for safety, in the hallways of your home for nightlights, or on the kitchen counter for your appliances, the switch and outlet combo can give you that extra switch or outlet without any additional wiring.

The Safety King: GFCI Outlets

GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.”  This outlet is named after its core feature, which is interrupting the circuit if there is a spike or leak in the current flow.  Current regulations mandate the use of GFCI outlets in areas that are close to running water.  You might have noticed some of these “GFCI Protected Outlets” in your restrooms, laundry room, kitchen, basement, and even outdoor living spaces.  GFCI outlets carefully monitor the flow of electricity, and when they detect that the current is flowing through an unintended path, the GFCI outlets will immediately shut off the electric power circuit.

These outlets can be identified by the presence of two small buttons in the center of the outlet labeled “TEST” and “RESET,” each being a different color.

The Mammoth: 20 Amp, 125 Volt Outlets

This outlet is reserved for the heavy-duty appliances and devices in your home.  While these outlets resemble the normal, 15 amp outlets, they are only intended for high current devices like your large kitchen appliances.  Too similar to the 15 amp outlet for you to keep them apart in your mind?  Remember that these 20 amp outlets have a horizontal slot attached to the upper left vertical opening of the outlet, while the smaller, 15 amp outlets do not.

The Craftsman’s Aide: 20 Amp, 250 Volt Outlets

Recognized by its unique design, the odd shape of these outlets is designed for specific types of equipment commonly found in a hobby shop.  For example, an air compressor would use this outlet type.

Whether you are looking to update your outlets for a modern look, or if you need a little more functionality out of your space, there are plenty of wonderful upgrade options that will fit your style and budget.

USB Outlets

With cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more mobile devices taking up your outlet space, doesn’t it make sense to add some dedicated USB outlets to your home?  USB outlets are a simple and functional way to ensure that everyone in your home always has a fully charged device.

Recessed Outlets

If all those gaps between your walls and furniture are bothering you, you do not have to stick with your standard outlets.  Recessed outlets add space to your home by eliminating the wasted space reserved for bulky cords and wires between walls and furniture.

Tamper Resistant Receptacles

These specialized safety outlets are characterized by a barrier that is intended to prevent children from inserting any foreign objects into the outlet.  These outlets are quickly becoming the new normal, as they are currently required by code in new homes.

Built-In LED Night Light Outlets

Plug-in night lights are fragile and could potentially harm a small child.  Keep those little fingers safe with a night light that is built-in to your electrical outlet.

Many people have heard about power factor correction, but aren’t too sure about exactly what it means, or is. Here is some basic information about it, in very simple words. Power factor is essentially a measurement of the effectiveness with which your commercial business uses the energy that’s supplied to your location.

In an industrial setting, you are able to reduce the amount you pay as a power bill, by cutting down the power factor surcharges that show up on various electricity accounts; these show up as the peak demand charges from your power company. This is exactly the reason why there is such a huge growth in power factor correction.

Currently, many businesses are being charged via a kVA tariff, rather than a kilowatt one. This also means there is a distinct possibility that your electricity service provider is charging you for power they are supplying to you and which you aren’t really using. In short, you end up paying for power that’s going waste. The other considerations:

Every industrial setup has different power requirements, different types of equipment and tools that run on electricity; and it’s important that you connect with a company that is able to understand your requirements and provides custom solutions. Once they help set up the right kind of power correction equipment, you can benefit in a number of ways.

As a business owner, you know you want to reduce operational costs and while you are sure to have a number of other measures in place, understanding how power factor correction will help you, is one way of making a significant change. For more information, simply speak with the experts at Allround Electrical and take their advice on various aspects of power factor installation solutions. The number to call is – 1300 169 263. You can also write to us at this email address.

Thanks for reading,1300 169 263

Custom Electrical Services offers affordable electrical solutions for your home.  They can handle any electrical project from the simple to the most lavish.  Recessed can lighting?  They can add modern lighting to provide accent lighting or general illumination.  Can lighting can be very neutral lighting providing general illumination without being noticed.  Have a piece of art or that favorite family photo you want to spot light?  Recessed lighting can be used to focus light onto the favorite picture.  New LED lighting options offer a low energy affordable solution.  LED lighting can reduce the amount of heat put off my traditional incandescent lighting.  LED recessed lighting can provide years of low cost general lighting as well.  [gravityform id=”2″ title=”true” description=”true”]