Finding the Right Outlets for Every Home

3 Electrical Outlets With Safety Features 

Electricity has grown so much in just the last 100 years. A century ago, it was difficult to find homes with lighting. Now, electrical codes dictate that every room in the home has multiple points of use. The most common points of use in an electrical system are the outlets found in every room of the house. Because there are so many outlets around the house, they are a common source of problems stemming from the inherent hazards of electricity. 

Special outlets have been developed to protect the home and its inhabitants from electrical dangers like fires and electric shocks. Installing these outlets in the home is a giant step towards total home safety. With these new devices, homeowners can rest assured that their house is protected from the hazards of electricity without compromising their access to this necessary utility. Here are the three most common choices for outlets with safety features. 

AFCI Outlets Protect Against Fires

Every year somewhere between 20% and 30% of insurance claims are related to fire damage. In a huge number of these cases, the fire is started from an incident called an “arc fault.” Electrical arcs result from electricity not being able to flow easily through wiring. When electricity encounters resistance, it heats up tremendously, melting insulation and igniting nearby materials. 

Arcs most commonly occur in electrical cords or wiring subject to repeated stress. As the wires are damaged, electricity tries to jump across the damaged portion of the wiring, creating an arc. AFCIs are special outlets that sense the change in current that indicates arcing. When they sense a problem, they shut down power in milliseconds to prevent enough heat energy from sparking a fire. 

GFCI Outlets Protect Against Shock 

Another danger in a home is errant electricity finding its way to a water source and causing an electric shock when someone contacts the water. In the past, these incidents were common, which led to the development of GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets have been a code requirement in rooms with water sources for over 50 years and have led to a major reduction in injury resulting from a mix of water and electricity.

GFCIs are specially-wired devices that sense instances of ground faults. A ground fault is when electricity finds an easier way to create a circuit than the intended circuit. When GFCIs sense a ground fault, they stop the flow of electricity and can’t be reset until conditions are safe.  

Childproof Outlets for Kids’ Safety 

No discussion of electrical outlet safety features would be complete without discussing child safety devices, such as childproof outlets. Children are naturally curious about the environment around them. For young children, outlets are right at eye level, so naturally, they want to poke and prod the things they see around them that grown-ups use. Unfortunately, the results can be serious and potentially fatal. 

Childproof outlets have special spring-loaded plastic tabs that automatically cover outlet openings so children can’t stick things into them. Once a plug is removed, the cover will shut back over the openings. Installing these devices around a home with children is a safety practice that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving the community of Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide trusted technicians, the best brands, and fast response. Call them today for electrical outlet services in Lansing, MI.

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