Why Modern Homes Need Better Outlets Than Older Homes
We’re in a new century – a new millennium, in fact – and as we all know: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. This rings especially true when it comes to your home’s electrical system. If your home was built decades ago, then chances are your electrical panel and outlets, even, are not built to meet today’s demands.
Take a look around your home right now. Count how many devices are plugged in. Your phone charger, laptop, tablet, smart speaker, TV, gaming console, wifi router – the list goes on. Now factor in your appliances, security system, and entertainment systems, and you’ll looking at thousands of watts of energy consumption.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we want to drill down something many homeowners know but ignore or overlook. It’s not just about convenience. These things affect your bank account and safety, too.
Older Outlets Were Built for a Different World
When many older homes were constructed, electricity powered only a handful of things: a few lights, a refrigerator, a radio or television, and maybe a washing machine and dishwasher. Outlets were fewer, often ungrounded, and designed for low electrical loads.
Fast-forward to today, and the average home has countless devices drawing power simultaneously. Older outlets simply weren’t engineered for this kind of demand.
It’s not just that they can’t meet the power demand; they also expose you to injury and property damage. Old outlets are more prone to overheating, thus posing a fire and shock hazard.
Grounding and Safety Standards Have Changed
We’ve learned a lot over the decades, and grounding is one of the most important. This essentially involves redirecting stray and excess electrical current to the ground for safe dissipation. Sadly, many older homes still have two-prong outlets which lack grounding features.
Modern three-prong outlets come with integrated grounding to reduce shock risks and fire hazards. In fact, safety-focused outlets like GFCI and AFCI outlets are now required by rule and codes in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces.
If your kitchen, bathrooms, garage, or outdoor outlets don't have the test and reset buttons that indicate GFCI protection, then you’re at risk. An electrical outlet replacement can save you from harm, property damage, and legal headaches.
Nowadays, there are even tamper-resistant outlets which prevent children from inserting objects into the sockets. If you have young kids or grandchildren visiting, this is crucial.
Advanced Electrical Outlet Options
Safety and effectiveness are non-negotiable when it comes to electrical outlets, but why stop there? Modern outlets just make life easier. USB outlets, for instance, let you charge your devices without hunting for that one adapter you can never find. Smart outlets, meanwhile, give you control over your electronics from your phone.
Beyond individual capacity, there’s quantity, too. Do you have power strips and extension cords snaking around your floors? Talk about a trip hazard. Adding outlets is a sleeker and more reasonable solution.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Your outlets will not form sentences, but they’ll communicate with you when something’s wrong. It’s time to bring in an electrician in Humble, TX if your outlets:
- Feel warm to the touch
- Are discolored or scorched
- Produce sparks when you plug or unplug something
- Don’t grip plugs firmly
Flickering lights and constantly tripping breakers are also problematic. Granted, these typically indicate trouble brewing even deeper in the electrical system.
Hire a Local Electrician Today
If you’re looking for a certified electrician in the area, then contact Mr. Electric to get in touch with a live representative today. We are on standby to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an urgent electrical repair for as soon as possible.
