Tag: 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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why an outlet isn't working

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!

Are Your Outlets Safe?

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are your outlets safe

Given that we need outlets at home to do a high number of tasks each day, it would make sense to ensure that yours are all working properly and safe. But it’s not always easy to tell when an outlet poses an electrical hazard. And while we don’t recommend you disassemble your outlets to check the wiring, we do have a few handy tips.

Follow along, and the electrical experts at Roman Home Services will help you get a better idea of how to tell when your outlets are safe and when you should give your trusted electrician a call!

Are They Overloaded?

Outlets can generally power a significant amount of devices before they get overloaded, but they’ll still only be able to do so much before they give out. Resist the temptation to stick every plug you own into one outlet in the name of convenience — instead, try to figure out roughly what load your outlets can handle before inserting too many plugs.

After you’ve got an idea of how much your outlets can handle, decide which of your more energy-hungry devices can go on which outlets and move the rest around to other spots. You may need some extension cords, but you’d rather have that than cause an electrical problem!

Replace Cords/Wires

Although extension cords, charging cables and electrical wires are designed to last a long time, they eventually deteriorate and break just like anything else can. The only difference is that with electrical components, you’ll be at risk of suffering a nasty shock if the conditions are right.

Take some time to inspect the cords and wires around your home if you can. Replace any that have become frayed or damaged so you and your family can stay safe and sound!

Do Outlets Need Upgrading?

When you moved into your home, your electrical needs could’ve been very different than what they are currently. Maybe you need more juice to power the ever-increasing number of devices that we have in our homes nowadays, or perhaps you remodeled your home and need something else entirely.

Another thing to check is if the outlets that are near water sources – like in the bathroom and kitchen – and the ones on the exterior of your home are GFCI outlets. These outlets are easily identifiable by their “reset” buttons in the middle of the faceplate. They automatically cut the power when they detect even the smallest chance of a short circuit — after which you’ll have to reset the outlet’s power.

If you don’t have these in the necessary spots, then give your electrician a call immediately!

Roman Home Services: Helping Keep Milwaukee Residents Safe Year-Round

No matter what your electrical situation is, you need to make sure your outlets are safe. Whether you’re in the market for a few upgrades or trying to figure out the best way to make sure your devices and appliances are safe, Roman Home Services is here to help!

Give us a call at 414-369-3798 to see how our expert team of electricians can help you and your family today!

 

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

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!