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From working at home to unwinding at the end of the day with your favorite show, we’re all extremely reliant on electricity and electrical outlets. Eventually, all electrical outlets wear out and will need to be replaced. In the latest blog post from Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll discuss how to know when to replace your outlets, the most common types of outlets, and how often they should be replaced. Keep reading to learn more, and contact our team today to schedule electrical services in Redlands, San Bernardino, or the Inland Empire.
How to Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Outlets
Sometimes, it’s easy to determine if an outlet needs to be replaced. For example, if you plug an appliance into the outlet but it isn’t receiving any power, you’re likely dealing with a faulty electrical outlet. However, other signs aren’t as obvious and will require a bit more attention to discover. If you believe outlets in your home need to be replaced, pay attention to them and look for the following issues:
- Discoloration or burn marks on the outlet or the surrounding area
- The outlet is cracked or chipped
- You smell smoke when appliances are plugged in
- The outlet feels hot
- GFCI outlets aren’t properly tripping
Ignoring faulty electrical outlets can spell disaster, possibly resulting in an electrical fire or other dangerous situations. Contact Sanborn’s for electrical outlet replacement in the Redlands, San Bernardino, or Inland Empire areas.
Common Types of Electrical Outlets
15-Amp Outlets
15-amp outlets are the most common type of outlet found in homes. These can easily power everyday electronics and appliances such as lamps, televisions, and phone chargers. In areas that don’t often need greater amperage, 15-amp outlets are the most popular choice.
20-Amp Outlets
20-amp outlets are great for equipment and appliances that need a bit more electricity, such as power tools or kitchen appliances. As such, 20-amp outlets can often be found in kitchens and garages.
GFCI Outlets
GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, outlets are great for areas that are prone to moisture or might be in close proximity to water sources, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. GFCI outlets quickly shut off power to the outlet if it detects an interruption in the electrical current flowing through the circuit, such as water. A GFCI outlet can protect the user from serious, and potentially even fatal, electrical shocks and short circuits.
Smart Outlets
There’s a “smart” version of nearly every electrical device in your home these days, and outlets are no exception. These outlets can be turned on or off from virtually anywhere to provide or cut power to the plugged-in appliances, providing the ultimate convenience.
How Often to Replace Your Electrical Outlets
Typically, electrical outlets will provide between 15-20 years of reliable service before they need to be replaced. This can ultimately vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the outlet, the amount of usage it experiences, and the conditions of the environment it’s in.
If you suspect that your outlets may be worn or damaged, it’s important to have a licensed electrician inspect them and help you take the necessary next step. Upgrading your outlets can also provide additional safety features, such as GFCI protection or tamper-resistant outlets, which can help protect against electrical fires and other serious hazards to keep your home safe.
Contact Sanborn’s for Electrical Outlet Replacement in Redlands, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire
Whether your home has old outlets that aren’t working well anymore, or you’ve noticed more serious issues that are threatening the safety of your home, Sanborn’s can help. You should not attempt to replace electrical outlets on your own, as dealing with electrical wiring and circuitry can be dangerous and lead to serious injury if not done properly.
Our team has years of electrical experience throughout Redlands, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire area. Contact our team today to install electrical outlets in your home.