Are you building, renovating, or upgrading a house or a condo … or planning to someday? Don't forget the electric outlets and switches. These are small details, but they will contribute a great deal to your home's safety and style. Here are 8 FAQs which deal with some important features that savvy homeowners should know about.
Q. Which grade of electrical outlets should I install in my home?
A. There are three grades of outlet on the market. Homeowner grade, the cheapest, is the commonest type of outlet for installation in a builder-grade home. However, they are flimsy and tend to wear out in 5-10 years at the most. When you install or replace electrical outlets, go for commercial grade instead – these cost about 50 percent more than the cheaper kind, but the financial difference is insignificant and they will last 100 years under typical home use conditions. Hospital grade are very expensive, costing ten times the price of homeowner quality, and are really not necessary; they are designed for never-fail use in medical facilities, for example to power breathing machines.
Q. What is the half-circle-shaped hole that you see on electrical outlets these days?
A. This very important addition to modern electric outlets is there to ensure your safety. It is a ground built in to the outlet in order to prevent contact between a hot wire and a neutral one, thereby avoiding the danger of
electric shock or fire. If you move into an older house, you will need to install these outlets to replace the old ones.
Q. Explain the term "tamper-resistant receptacle."
A. This is a type of electric outlet that the
NEC (National Electric Code) requires to be installed in all newly constructed or renovated residences as of 2008. It is designed to protect children from shock and burns as the result of their sticking small metal objects (for example, paper clips or keys) into the receptacle.
Q. What is a rotating electrical outlet used for?
A. When you want to plug several devices into the same receptacle at the same time, a rotating outlet will allow you to rotate the individual plug-ins as much as 360 degrees, so that they will all fit in nicely.
Q. Are there outlets manufactured especially to stand up to outdoor use?
A. Yes, you can purchase specially manufactured weather-resistant electrical receptacles. These are subjected to extra stringent requirements and tested for their resistance to factors such as exposure to intense cold or
ultra-violet light.
Q. What does a "decorator outlet" mean?
A. A decorator outlet performs the same function and is just as safe as a regular electric outlet. However, its lines are more elegant and it may come in a selection of different colors to complement your home decor. Should you wish to hide the outlet completely when you are not using it, you may purchase a special pop-out model. You can also find USB outlets that will match your electric receptacles for a unified look.
Q. What's new and exciting in the area of electric switches?
A. Lots! Power switches come in an array of decorator styles and hues. Your stylish light fixtures may be adjusted by means of dimmer switches to create an attractive ambience for any occasion, while saving energy as well. Talk to your
electrician for more ideas.
Q. How can electrical switches help with home security?
A. Switches can be illuminated for greater visibility, particularly desirable when a household member has physical limitations. In case of emergency, just flick the Emergency Decorator Home Locator Switch and cause your home's outdoor front lights to flash, signaling "SOS" until help arrives.
