Most homeowners don’t even think about their outlets beyond what they are plugging into them. But did you know there are different types of outlets for different purposes? You may even have several different kinds of outlets in your house right now, whether you know it or not. Keep reading to learn what type of outlets you have in your home, and make sure you call our experienced electricians at CMC Service Experts for outlet repairs and more.
The 5 Types of Outlets You Need to Know About:
- Recessed Outlets: While most standard outlets leave plugs dangling from the sockets’ receptacles, recessed outlets are installed deeper in your wall, to ensure the plugs don’t extend beyond the surface of the socket. This helps save space, and cuts down on the changes of plug-related accidents.
- USB Outlets: Chances are if you have USB outlets in your home, you already know about them. These are of course the outlets that have USB ports attached, eliminating the need for adapters on many of your electrical chargers. These outlets can help to free up your outlets for more equipment, and cut down on the number of components you need to charge devices.
- Tamper-Resistant Outlets: Tamper-resistant outlets, also known as TRRs, or tamper-resistant receptacles, are perfect for homeowners with children. These outlets prevent your kids (or anyone else) from sticking foreign objects or fingers into your outlets, thereby greatly reducing the chance of shocks, burns, and other electricity-related injuries.
- GFCI Outlets: GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets, monitor the flow of electricity within a circuit, so if any imbalance between incoming and outgoing current occurs, they can shut down the circuit quickly. GFCI receptacles became required in exterior parts of your house in the ‘70s, though today they are also used in garages, bathrooms, and kitchens. If you have ever put up Christmas lights outside or set up an outdoor hot tub, chances are you have used a GFCI outlet.
- AFCI Outlets: AFCI stands for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. When attached to your outlets, they protect them from wiring problems and over-heating. Unlike GFCIs, however, they are not found in wall receptacles, but are instead connected to your electrical system through your home’s main service panel. AFCI protection is required in 15 and 20 amp branch circuits supplying power to outlets in residential areas, including family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, rec rooms, closets, and hallways.
For outlet services and more, call CMC Service Experts 24/7 at (919) 246-4798, or send us a message online.
