Category: Outlets

What Type of Outlet Should I Buy?

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types of outlets

Are you in the market for new types of outlets? If so, you should make yourself aware of all the options available to you. Not only are there different levels of quality, but there are also special features you can select for your outlets that suit your home and your family’s needs.

What Grade of Outlet Should I Buy?

‘Grade’ is essentially another word for ‘quality’ when it comes to outlets.  There are three grades you can choose from.

  • Homeowner Grade

Homeowner grade outlets are the cheapest option on the market. And although these outlets can handle most electrical demands, they only last five to ten years. Therefore, homeowner grade outlets are best placed in areas where there will not be a large electrical demand.

  • Commercial Grade

Commercial grade outlets differ from homeowner grade outlets in quality. They are an investment, costing as much as 50% more than homeowner grade outlets, but they last up to 100 years. These types of outlets are best placed where an appliance or computer will constantly be plugged in.

  • Hospital Grade

Hospital grade outlets are aptly named as they are only truly needed in hospitals. Hospital grade outlets are designed to power life-saving medical equipment indefinitely.

Types of Outlets

Beyond the different grades of outlets, there are plenty of special features you can choose from when selecting an outlet.

  • 15-Amp Duplex Receptacle

A 15-amp duplex receptacle is the most common outlet found in American homes. These outlets have a long slot and a shorter slot, and a half-round hole for grounding.

  • Combination Outlet

A combination outlet has two features in one outlet. The most common combination outlets have light switches and one receptacle.

  • GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are typically placed in areas where moisture is present, like kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI outlets can trip independently if a short is detected. As a result, this capability can protect your family from electric shock.

  • AFCI Outlets

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets are advantageous because they can interrupt power when arcing happens. Arcing happens when an electric current travels on air – a serious fire hazard. AFCI outlets can prevent your outlet from becoming the ignition site of a fire.

  • Tamper-Resistant Receptacle

Tamper-resistant receptacles are now required by electric code for use in renovation and new construction. Tamper-resistant receptacles protect children from electric shock by blocking the insertion of small objects.

  • Weather-Resistant Receptacle

Weather-resistant receptacles are also required by the electric code to be placed in wet locations like patios, pool areas, and other outdoor locations. These outlets have plastic covers making them resistant to corrosion.

  • Rotating Outlet

Rotating outlets can be positioned to accommodate bulky plugs for appliances like cell phone chargers, hairdryers, and nightlights.

  • USB Outlets

USB outlets typically have two receptacles and two USB outlets. They are extremely convenient for charging cell phones, headphones, and more.

  • Smart Outlets

Smart outlets are a new innovation that enable you to integrate different devices into your smart home network.

 

Need more tips on what outlet you should buy? Call today!

If you need advice on your electricity, or tips on how to install or repair an outlet, call the professionals at Roman Home Services!

7 Reasons Why an Outlet Isn’t Working

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For most people, what lies behind an outlet is a mystery. So, when a plug stops working, homeowners often have difficulty diagnosing the problem. Broken outlets are something that most homeowners encounter with relative frequency. Fortunately, most cases of broken outlets can be solved without calling in a professional. The electrical experts at Roman Home Services are here to help!

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers control the electricity flowing to each room in your home. When there is too much electrical current flowing through the circuits, the breaker will ‘trip’ or cut off to keep the circuits from overheating and causing damage.

If an outlet isn’t working, check your circuit breaker panel. The breaker that is tripped will appear to be between the ‘on’ and ‘off’ position. Flip the switch to off, then back to on. This will reset the circuit and potentially fix your broken outlet.

2. Blown Fuse

If your electricity is operated via fuse box, your problem could lie with a blown fuse. Check your fuse box for melted metal pieces, or discolored glass. Once you’ve identified the broken fuse, unscrew it, and replace it with a new, identical, fuse.

3. Tripped GFCI Outlet

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets shut themselves off when they detect a short. GFCI outlets are used in areas where water is present, like near the kitchen sink, and in bathrooms, to protect against electrical shock. You can identify them by their ‘reset’ and ‘test’ buttons, placed between the two plugs.

If your circuit breaker isn’t tripped, but a GFCI outlet isn’t working, the outlet itself might be tripped. Reset all the GFCI outlets in the room by pushing the reset button.

4. Burned Out Outlets

Sometimes outlets literally burn out. Strong electrical currents can create small fires in your wiring, causing an outlet to stop working. If an outlet shows any blackening, a small fire has occurred, and the entire outlet needs to be replaced. Burned out outlets are serious fire hazards and should be fixed immediately.

5. Half-Hot Outlet

Fixing your outlet could be as easy as flipping a switch. Half-hot outlets have one plug (usually the lower plug) that is controlled by a wall switch. If you have an outlet that’s half-hot, flipping the light switches in the room will activate the outlet.

6. Loose Connecting Wires

This step is where you might want to call in a professional. Loose wiring could be the cause of your broken outlet. To check your wiring, you need to first ensure that the breaker is off. Then, remove the front plate of the outlet and the screws that attach it to the wall.

Pull the outlet a few inches out of the wall. Inspect the wires that connect to the outlet. If any of the wires are loose, you will need to reposition them and tighten the screws that hold them in place.

7. Faulty Outlets

Though its uncommon, outlets can be defective. If you have exhausted all the steps above, you may simply need to replace the outlet. If you intend on replacing it yourself, be sure to turn off the breaker. Then, remove the outlet cover and carefully disconnect the wires with a screwdriver. Reconnect the new outlet by reversing this process.

Don’t know why an outlet isn’t working? Call Roman Home Services today!

Electricity is dangerous, so if you don’t feel completely comfortable investigating a broken outlet yourself, call a licensed professional, like the ones at Roman Home Services! Our team has years of experience and knowledge helping our neighbors navigate tricky electrical issues. We’d be glad to help make sure your household stays safe around potentially dangerous electrical hazards.

Give us a call at 414-770-5400 today!

The INs and OUTs of GFCI Outlets

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GFCI Outlets

The colder weather means you might have to use outdoor tools a bit more than during the hotter part of the year. When you use those tools — one that needs an extension cord, for example — then it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re plugging it into a GFCI outlet.

How do you know which outlets are GFCI outlets? And what’s the difference between those outlets and normal ones? Good questions. Follow along and let the pros at Roman Home Services help you understand the ins and outs of GFCI outlets.

Breaking Down the Acronym

A GFCI outlet can seem intimidating if you’re not sure what it is, but there’s no need to worry. All a GFCI outlet does is protect your electronics from things that could harm them — specifically from ground faults and short circuits.

That’s actually what the acronym stands for: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These types of outlets are easily identified by the “RESET” and “TEST” buttons on the plate, which you won’t find in a regular outlet.

What a GFCI Outlet Does

A GFCI outlet functions the same way a regular outlet does, but it has a built-in layer of protection. This outlet constantly monitors the electrical current going in and out of it, and if it notices even the tiniest difference between the power levels, it shuts the circuit down.

That’s where the “RESET” and “TEST” buttons come in handy. Once the GFCI outlet trips itself, it has to be manually reset or else it won’t work. All you’ve got to do is push the “RESET” button, and the outlet will be back in working order.

This way, you’ve got a guaranteed defense against any type of electrical problem that would harm you or your devices far quicker than you’d be able to prevent otherwise. And all it takes is a little upgrade to the outlet!

Where GFCI Outlets Are — Or Should Be

Short circuits and ground faults tend to occur in places where the electrical current finds a quicker way to complete itself than through the usual wires. This happens where water is abundant, so GFCI outlets are usually installed outdoors and near water sources.

Your bathroom, kitchen and any other outlet near a water source in your home should already have GFCI protection capabilities. If they don’t, that’s something you should get checked out and corrected as soon as possible.

All it takes is one accidental spill, and you could have a serious electrical hazard on your hands. Better to be safe than sorry!

Roman Home Services: Your GFCI Outlet Experts

As we’ve explained, GFCI outlets are essential to maintaining a proper defense against dangerous electrical problems. They stand guard around the clock to keep you and your family safe, and all homes need them.

Whether you need maintenance on your GFCI outlets or you’ve realized that your home is under-prepared, give us a call at 414-369-3798! Roman Home Services offers the most reliable and comprehensive electrical service in Milwaukee, and we’d be glad to help however we can.

GFCIs and AFCIs: A Comprehensive Guide

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When it comes to items that encompass your electrical safety, often the question is asked: what’s the difference between GFCIs and AFCIs? After all, their names sound similar, and they both help prevent electrical shocks and fires. However, there are a few considerable differences between the two. And when maintaining your home’s electricity safety, you should be aware of their unique qualities.

Roman Home Services recommends Milwaukee homeowners understand how both GFCIs and AFCIs work. We have assembled a comprehensive guide below detailing the qualities of these two safety devices.

GFCIs

GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) are a safety mechanism commonly designed for outlets, although they can also be found on circuit breakers and extension cords. They were designed to protect against ground faults, hence their name. GFCIs detect both hot and neutral wire on a circuit. They examine the stability of the current, and whether it’s suitable to pass. When the current is deemed unstable, the GFCI effectively trips or shuts off power to the outlet.

As described, GFCIs mainly protect against ground faults. Ground faults are when electricity travels through the ground. When electricity is on this path, shock and electrical fires can occur, which GFCIs help to prevent. However, GFCIs can also be installed on circuits containing no ground wire. Although they won’t have a ground for electricity to pass through, they can still help protect against the severity of shock.

According to the NEC, GFCIs are required to be in every bathroom, kitchen, and garage of a home. The reason for this is the outlet’s proximity to water sources.

Note: You can easily tell which outlets are GFCI by the “test” and “reset” buttons located between the two plugs. It is recommended you use these to test your GFCIs once a month. More information can be found here.

AFCIs

AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) are another safety mechanism more commonly designed for circuit breakers, although they can also be found on outlets. Like GFCIs, they also protect against unstable electricity, primarily for short circuits and electrical overloads. AFCIs essentially detect all electrical arcs on a circuit, hence their name. Once an arc is determined unstable, the AFCI trips and shuts off the circuit.

Essentially, an AFCI strengthens the already existing function of your circuit breakers. Most circuit breakers are already designed to trip during overloads and short circuits. However, they do not have the ability to constantly detect specific changes in an arc. With an AFCI, arcs are monitored more specifically, helping to prevent issues before they become too detrimental.

Section 210.12 of the 2014 NEC requires AFCI protection on all branch circuits located in every bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room of a home.

When maintaining electrical safety in your Milwaukee home, keep in mind the qualities and differences between GFCIs and AFCIs. Contact Roman Home Services when you would like to have these defense mechanisms installed in your home. Call us at 414-369-3798 for affordable outlet and circuit breaker services.

How to Make Two-Prong Outlets Safer

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Do you have two-prong outlets in your home? If so, you may need to take extra precautions to ensure they’re safe to use. Although two-prong outlets used to be the standard in older homes, they are now considered outdated and dangerous. There are a few steps you should take to help ensure electrical safety for your Milwaukee home.

The experts at Roman Home Services want to advise homeowners on making two-prong outlets safer. We would like to first discuss the dangers of using a two-prong outlet, as well as the possible solutions to help maintain electrical safety.

Why are Two-Prong Outlets Considered Dangerous?

The main reason two-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous is due to their lack of grounding. Grounding is how electricity is safely transferred in the case of an unstable current. If an electrical accident such as a short circuit occurs, the dangerous current travels through the ground wire instead of potentially shocking you or the plugged-in appliance.

This is what makes two-prong outlets the least safe of any type of outlet. Two-prong outlets have connections only for hot and neutral wire, hence their name. Without a third-prong for a connected ground wire, unstable electricity doesn’t have a path to travel safely away from you and your electrical system. This increases the chance of electrical shock during short circuits, ground faults, and electrical overloads.

Now that you understand why two-prong outlets are more dangerous than their modern counterparts, we can assess some possible solutions that may help alleviate the dangers.

Upgrade Two-Prong Outlets to GFCI

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are designed to protect against electrical shock. And this is the only type of three-prong outlet you can replace two-prong outlets with without breaking NEC guidelines. This is because GFCI outlets can still protect against electrical shock, even without the grounding component. However, if you replace a two-prong outlet with a GFCI, then the outlet must be labeled with a “No Equipment Ground” sticker.

Rewire Your Two-Prong Outlet’s Box

Although your two-prong outlet may not have a ground wire, your electrical system might. Ground wire can be present in older homes, although it may be hidden or encased in sheetrock. And if it does exist, it may be possible to retrofit a ground wire onto the two-prong outlet’s box. If this can be done, you can upgrade your two-prong outlet to any three-prong variant.

To determine if this can be done, you’ll need to have your electrical system inspected by a professional. Contact Roman Home Services to assess if your box can be retrofitted with an existing ground wire.

Rewire Your Electrical Panel

If no ground wire can be found to retrofit your two-prong outlet’s box, then your other option is to rewire your electrical panel with ground wire. Although this solution might be the most expensive, it helps to guarantee your electrical system is fully grounded and any new or existing outlets are safer to use. Contact Roman Home Services if you require wiring services to install new ground wire in your home’s electrical system.

If you have two-prong outlets in your home, follow our guide to help make them safer! And when you require complete wiring, rewiring, and outlet services for your two-prong outlets, contact Roman Home Services today! Call us at 414-369-3798 to speak with Milwaukee’s leading electrical experts.

Related Articles

Upgrade a 2 Prong Outlet With a New GFCI – The Spruce

5 Common Electrical Shock Causes

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We all use electricity in our homes for utilities and entertainment, but with this comes the risk of electrical shock. Electricity is a dangerous, sometimes unpredictable element. And if live electricity touches you or conductive material, electrical shock can occur. With over 30,000 non-fatal accidents happening per year, electrical shock is no laughing matter. But what can cause it to happen?

The experts at Roman Home Services are here to list 5 common causes for electrical shock. Follow our guide below to help understand how electrical shock can occur in your Milwaukee home.

1. Faulty Outlet/Switch

When an outlet or switch is faulty or malfunctioning, electrical shock can ensue. Outlets and switches receive their electrical currents through a box, further connected to wiring. If any screw or wiring is loose on the box, wiring, or outlet/switch, electricity becomes unstable. This can lead to electrical shock if you plug in an appliance or flip the light switch.

Aside from loose connections, damages can also cause electrical shock. Damages such as frayed wiring, and cracked casing give less resistance and a bad path for electricity. Therefore, if you see any burn marks, cracks, or sparks coming from your outlet, contact Roman Home Services for immediate assistance.

2. Outdated Outlets

An outlet doesn’t have to be damaged to emit electrical shock – it can happen from just being old! Outdated outlets usually possess two-prong instead of the now common three. Two-prong outlets possess no ground wire. Ground wire acts as an additional safety barrier in the case of an unstable electrical current. This wire gives unstable currents a passage to the ground instead of you or the other wires, hence the name.

Without a ground, two-prong outlets have no way to safely channel unstable electricity. This increases the chances of shock.

3. Faulty Appliances

Faulty appliances don’t always channel electricity as well as they used too. And if you plug one in, you may receive electrical shock! When an appliance has damaged circuitry, frayed wiring, or broken cords, electrical currents become unstable. When you plug one in, the unstable electricity can ruin your appliance, as well as shock you. Always check your appliances before plugging them in!

4. Electricity Touching Water

When electricity encounters water, get away from it! Electricity and water make a dangerous combination, as the water’s ions are extremely conductive. This leads to electrical shock, possibly at a more severe level. A submerged source of electricity can turn any body of water into an electrical shock hazard. This can damage the electrical source as well, possibly ruining whatever appliance or device that may hold the current.

5. Mishandling Electricity

If you don’t treat electricity with caution in mind, you are at risk of electrical shock. As we described, electricity is dangerous and can be unpredictable. You must be careful when using any part of your electrical system. Follow these general tips below:

  • Dry your hands before touching an outlet/switch.
  • Place plastic covers over your outlets if children are around.
  • Keep water sources and outlets, switches, and appliances at a safe distance
  • Never touch hot/live wire, or any hot circuit.
  • Never perform any work on your electrical system without first consulting a professional.

As the last step says, if you require service on your electrical system, first contact Roman Home Services to consult with an electrical professional. Not only will we advise you on the best solution for you to take – we can perform any electrical service at a reasonable cost!

Keep in mind these common electrical shock causes as you help improve the electrical safety of your Milwaukee home. And contact Roman Home Services when you require affordable and quality electrical services. We help ensure you have ample electrical safety as well as protection against shock. Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to schedule an appointment today!

Related Links

Electrical Injury – MedlinePlus

Extension Cord Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

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We all know the basics of using an extension cord. But do you know about extension cord safety? Without taking the right safety precautions, using an extension cord can put you, and your home, at risk of an electrical accident. If you’re planning on using extension cords to add to your outdoor lighting or simply need to extend an outlet, you must also keep in mind extension cord safety.

To help achieve this, Roman Home Services has assembled a comprehensive guide. Follow our tips below for your Milwaukee home!

Avoid Using Damaged Extension Cords

Before using an extension cord, you’ll want to check its condition. Extension cords can receive a fair bit of damage throughout their lifespan. Exposed cords, frayed wires, or cracked plugs can cause an extension cord’s electrical flow to become uneven. This can cause a short circuit, which can trip the circuit breaker and potentially cause shock.

Don’t risk using a damaged extension cord. Check each cord’s condition before use and discard any cords with noticeable damages.

See What Conditions Your Extension Cord is Suitable For

Damages aren’t the only thing you should check your extension cord for. You must also check to see if it is suited for indoor or outdoor use.

On the cord you may find several different letter symbols. Each letter indicates a quality about the extension cord, including whether or not it can handle outdoor weather conditions. Below are some common letters you’ll find on an extension cord, and their associated meaning.

  • S – Suited for General Usage
  • W – Suited for Outdoor Usage
  • J – Cord has 300V Insulation
  • T – Cord is Made from Vinyl Thermoplastic
  • O – Cord has Oil Resistance

After examining the letters, you’ll need to also look at the amperage rating. This determines how much capacity an extension cord can handle. As a rule, the higher the amperage rating, the higher capacity of the extension cord. Here are some examples:

  • 1-13 Amperage Rating – Light Duty, suitable for lamps, desk fans, and other small appliances.
  • 14-15 Amperage Rating – Medium Duty, suitable for power drills, lawn mowers, and hedge trimmers.
  • 16-20 Amperage Rating – Heavy Duty, suitable for power saws, space heaters, and air compressors.

Note: Be aware that the longer the extension cord, the less power it can distribute. Therefore, use a cord only as long as you need.

Match Extension Cord Prongs with The Outlet

An extension cord’s plug can either have two or three prongs. If the plug has two prongs, then it can fit in either a two or three-prong outlet. Two-prongs lack a connection to the ground. Ground is used to safely transfer electricity and help prevent electrical shock. Keep this in mind when using a two-prong extension cord.

If the extension cord’s plug has three prongs, then it can only be used with a three-prong outlet. The third prong acts as a ground and is safer to use than two-prong outlets. However, they cannot fit in two-prong outlets.

Note: Do NOT attempt to cut off the third prong of an extension cord to use with a two-prong outlet. This can create unstable electrical flow and may damage the connected appliance or cause severe shock.

Avoid Connecting Multiple Extension Cords

Extension cords should never be paired together. Combining extension cords can lead to excessive voltage, as electrical resistance is lowered the more cords are combined. This can lead to an electrical overload, which trips your circuit breaker.

Speaking of tripping, multiple extension cords can also be a fall hazard. Avoid tripping your circuit breaker – and yourself by only using one extension cord at a time. Be sure to run them along walls and away from heavy traffic areas as well.

Do Not Substitute Extension Cords for Permanent Wiring

Above all, you must always remember that extension cords are a temporary solution. They do not possess the capacity to be a permanent replacement for an electrical outlet. If you find yourself heavily relying on extension cords, you may require more outlets in your home. Contact Roman Electric for affordable outlet installation services.

Never use an extension cord without first reading our comprehensive guide! And remember to only use extension cords are a temporary solution for an outlet. If you are in need of additional electrical outlets in your Milwaukee home, contact Roman Home Services today. Call us at 414-369-3798 for affordable outlet installation services.

Related Articles:

ESFI – Extension Cord Safety Tips

New York Times – How to Choose Extension Cords

Here’s Why Your Outlet Doesn’t Work

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Having an electrical outlet suddenly stop working is never a pleasant experience. But don’t assume the worst just yet. Some causes of a dead outlet are quite simple, while others do require the help of an electrical professional. Roman Home Services would like to go over these causes for Wisconsin homeowners.

Below are some possible reasons why your outlet doesn’t work.

Your Circuit Breaker Tripped

Circuit breakers trip when unintended electrical currents are detected. If your outlet has short circuited or been overloaded, then your circuit breaker may have shut off its power. Check other nearby outlets to see if they are working. If they also are dead, then go to your circuit breaker.

When a circuit breaker has tripped, the lever will usually flip to the middle or off position. Before flipping the circuit breaker back on, first unplug and remove any appliances connected to the dead outlets. Too many plugged-in appliances could’ve cause the circuit breaker to trip. Additionally, damaged appliances can short out easily, also tripping your circuit breaker. Unplug and examine your appliances before switching the circuit breaker back on.

Your Outlet Needs New Wiring

Wiring is electricity’s main mode of transportation. If wiring is damaged or old, electricity cannot travel properly. An outlet can stop working due to faulty wiring. Besides the outlet refusing to work, other signs of faulty wiring are as follows:

  • Constant Buzzing Sound from the Outlet
  • Burnt Marks and Smell from the Outlet
  • Flickering Lights
  • Outlet Feels Hot to the Touch
  • Your Electrical System is Old

If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact Roman Home Services for further diagnosis.

Your Outlet is a GFCI

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to reduce the severity of electrical shock. When electrical current follows an unintended path, the GFCI outlet will quickly shut off power. What this means is that if your outlet is GFCI, then it may have shut off due to a short circuit.

How do you tell if your outlet is a GFCI? The National Electric Code (NEC) requires GFCI outlets bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, and laundry rooms. A GFCI outlet is easily identified by the test and reset buttons located in between the two plugs. If your dead outlet happens to be a GFCI, then the solution may be to simply press the reset button.

Before you press the reset button, first unplug every appliance from the outlet. Check your appliance for any issues that could’ve caused a short circuit, such as noticeable cracks or damaged cords. Check your GFCI outlet for any moisture or damages as well.

For more info on GFCIs and the NEC, click here.

Your Outlet Has a Bad Connection

Your outlet may be subject to a bad connection, which could’ve caused it to stop working. Outlets are installed using a box, and this box could run into issues such as a loose connection or damaged screws. If an outlet’s box can’t provide enough power, the outlet will cease to work.

Symptoms of a bad connection are almost identical to bad wiring. What also remains similar is the difficulty to diagnose the issue without the help of an electrical professional. If you fear your outlet does not have a good connection, contact Roman Home Services for further diagnosis.

After reviewing the possible reasons why your outlet doesn’t work, you may be ready to consult with an electrical professional. Roman Home Services will help troubleshoot any issue you have regarding a dead outlet, as well as provide the services to repair or replace your outlet. Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to schedule an appointment with Milwaukee’s trusted electrical experts.

Types of Outlets (For Beginners)

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We all know the basics of an electrical outlet. After all, you use them in your home every day. But beyond the most common, there are different variations available, each with a unique function. If you plan on installing new outlets in your Milwaukee home, Roman Home Services recommends doing research on the different options that are available. However, to begin your education, we have assembled a beginner’s guide with the basics. Whether you’re looking to install new outlets or would just like to learn more about them, we have listed the types of outlets available in your home.

Two-Prong Outlet –  As the name suggests, this outlet posses two prongs on each plug, lacking a ground wire. Without a ground wire, two-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous, but to upgrade them, your home’s electrical system must possess ground wires. Albeit a norm in older homes, don’t rely on them unless your home cannot install a three-prong design.

Three-Prong Outlet – The modern standard, three-prong outlets possess the original two-prongs, along with a third prong for grounding. Most other variants on this list follow the three-prong design, although there are a few exceptions.

20A Outlet – A stronger version of the three-prong outlet. Most outlets carry 15 amps, which is usually enough for most appliances, but 20A (or 20 amp) outlets have the available power for larger items such as power tools. 20A carry about 25% more electrical load than regular counterparts. Found in some garages along with commercial buildings, these outlets can be identified by a horizontal slit placed on one of the prongs.

120-240 Volt Outlets – The strongest outlets in your home. Voltage can range from 120 to 240, and they are used for major appliances such as washers, dryers, and ovens. These outlets come in both three-prong and four-prong types, with the fourth prong acting as a neutral pathway. However, three-prongs are no longer deemed up-to-code, and four prongs are required to comply with NEC guidelines. These outlets are easily identified by their large, black casing.

GFCI Outlet – Also known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, GFCIs are three-prong outlets with an added safety mechanism to prevent shock. When a current is too strong or on an unintended path, a GFCI quickly shuts off power to lessen the severity of the shock. NEC requires GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, and they are easily identified by their “reset” and “test” buttons between the two plugs.

AFCI Outlet – Also known as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, AFCIs provide similar safety measures to GFCIs, except they focus on preventing electrical fires. When a loose or damaged cord begins to spark and overheat, an AFCI quickly shuts off power. The NEC requires AFCI protection in bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

USB Outlet – These three-prong outlets come fitted with additional USB ports located on the side of the plugs. Great for charging devices without the power adaptor.

Split Circuit Outlets – The plugs on these outlets are connected to two completely different circuits. The use of split circuit outlets is when you need to power larger devices on the same outlet without causing an overload.

Tamper-Resistant Outlet – These three-prong outlets possess shutters located inside the plugs that block children from inserting objects into one of the prongs. The only way these shutters will open is when all prongs are inserted at the same time. An essential safety precaution, the NEC requires these outlets in new or renovated homes. These outlets can be identified by the shutter located inside the plugs.

Rotating Outlet – Simply put, rotating outlets possess the traditional three-prongs, but can rotate 360 degrees. With this, you can plug in your appliances and devices at almost any angle.

Switched Outlet – Unlike other three-prong outlets, switched outlets only possess one plug instead of two. Where second plug would be, a light switch is now present. Consult with a professional to determine if your electrical system allows these outlets to be installed.

Smart Outlet – These three-prong outlets allow active control and scheduling via smart phone. With smart outlets, you can turn off appliances, optimize your security system, and cut down on energy usage.

By using our beginner’s guide, you can easily decide on the right outlet for your home! If you are ready to install your new electrical outlets, contact Roman Home Services today! Being the leading electrical company in Milwaukee, our outlet services power your home up the way you want it! Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to schedule an appointment and get started!