Modern Homeowners’ Guide to Electrical Outlets

Types Of Outlets

As a homeowner in North Providence, Rhode Island (RI), staying up to date with the latest electrical outlets is essential for both functionality and safety. B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business in Warwick, RI, has been serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, and we pride ourselves on being your go-to electrician for the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. In this article, we will explore the different types of electrical outlets available and their benefits.

Standard Outlets

The most commonly used outlet in residential homes is the standard 120-volt outlet, also known as the Type A outlet. These outlets have two vertical slots for the plug prongs and a small circular hole for the grounding prong. They are typically used for smaller appliances such as lamps, televisions, and phone chargers. It is essential to have these outlets in every room of your home for your everyday needs.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets

GFCI outlets, also known as Type B outlets, are designed to protect you from electric shocks and are required to be installed by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in potentially wet or damp areas of your home. These outlets have two buttons, a test button and a reset button, and they work by sensing any imbalances in the electrical current. In the event of an imbalance, the outlet will immediately shut off the power, protecting you from potential electrocution. GFCI outlets are typically used in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets

Similar to GFCI outlets, AFCI outlets, also known as Type C outlets, are designed to protect you from electrical hazards. However, they work by sensing for any dangerous arcing that may occur when a wire is damaged or frayed. These outlets are required to be installed in bedrooms and living areas by the NEC to prevent the risk of electrical fires. AFCI outlets are easily recognizable by the TEST button on the face of the outlet.

USB Outlets

With the increasing number of electronic devices, USB outlets have become a popular choice for homeowners. These outlets are equipped with built-in USB ports, eliminating the need for adapters or using one of the standard outlets. USB outlets are available in different configurations, such as one USB port with one standard outlet or two USB ports with two standard outlets. These outlets are perfect for charging phones, tablets, and other small electronic devices.

Switched Outlets

Switched outlets are a convenient option for controlling lighting or plug-in appliances with a wall switch. These outlets have a small switch on the face, allowing you to easily turn on and off the power to the outlet. One benefit of switched outlets is that you can plug in a lamp and use the wall switch to turn it on and off instead of reaching for the lamp’s switch. This type of outlet is commonly used in bedrooms and living areas.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets

To protect young children from sticking objects into outlets, tamper-resistant (TR) outlets have been required by the NEC in all new and renovated homes since 2008. TR outlets have a built-in shutter system that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet. To insert a plug, you must apply equal pressure on both sides of the outlet, activating the shutter system. These outlets are a simple yet effective safety feature for any home with small children.

Smart Outlets

Smart outlets are a modern option that allows you to control your appliances and lighting through a smartphone or virtual assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These outlets allow you to turn on and off your appliances remotely, set schedules for when you want your lights to turn on and off, and monitor energy usage. Smart outlets are a great option for convenience and energy efficiency, and they can also increase the value of your home.

Choose B&K Electric for Your Outlet Installation Needs

At B&K Electric, we are dedicated to providing quality electrical services to homeowners in North Providence, RI, and beyond. We understand the importance of having properly functioning and safe outlets in your home, and our team of experienced and licensed electricians can assist you with any outlet installation needs. We take pride in our work and always prioritize customer service, so you can trust us to get the job done right.

There are various types of electrical outlets available for homeowners, each with their own benefits and purposes. From standard outlets and GFCI outlets to smart outlets and more, it is crucial to have the right outlets in your home for functionality, safety, and convenience. When in need of outlet installation or any other electrical services, remember to choose B&K Electric for reliable, professional, and top-quality service.

Topics:

Types of electrical outlets,

outlet installation,

safety precautions