Great Technology In New Outlets For The Home
With all the advances in electronics, it’s not surprising that technology has ultimately led to the residential electrical outlet. Older outlets have always given safe power, but new electrical outlets provide so much more.
While it’s true that a homeowner can buy a plug-in or extension cord that provides some of these features, a hardwired electrical outlet makes for the safest option. Also, it circumvents any unsightly tangles protruding from the wall. We’ve compiled some of the new features outlets not provide:
An audible alarm
When the GFCI malfunctions, mainly when the outlet is behind furniture or hidden away, a 60-decibel alarm will alert the homeowner of a failure. Also, if a child tries to put anything in the socket, the alarm noise will bust them by bringing a parent to the scene.
Tamper-resistant receptacles
Tamper-resistant receptacles, also known as TRR, contain spring-loaded receptacle plates that cover open outlet holes. Anyone who knows how quickly a two-year-old can put in a pair of tweezers, paperclip, keys, or any other small metal object into an outlet knows why tamper-resistant receptacles are a great idea.
Nightlight
Are there GFCI tamper-resistant receptacles with nightlights? Photocell provides dark/on, light/off function, causing this to be ideal for nurseries, bathrooms, or other locations that a homeowner will need a tamper-resistant GFCI with a night light.
GFCI/AFCI combo
While GFCI puts a stop to electrocution and shocks, the AFCI prevents possible fires. AFCI will detect arc faults, the most likely cause of fires in wiring, and turn the outlet off.
USB charging
You can pick-- one, two, or four ports. The one- and two-port choices also have electrical outlets. The four-port option is primarily about the USBs.
Wi-fi ready outlet (requires hub)
If you choose to go Smart, you have the option of a wi-fi ready outlet. Although it needs a hub to function, this choice provides absolute control over electrical outlets from anywhere.
GFCI
Even though GFCI is an older feature, it’s still worth bringing up because it’s saved so many kids from electrocution and shock. Ground fault circuit interrupters, also known and GFCI outlets, are now standard electrical code for outlets within six feet of water. Places like the kitchen or bathroom and outdoors are mandated to have GFCI outlets. The recent death of a Lovingston, NM girl who used a frayed extension cord plugged into a non-GFCI outlet reiterates how necessary GFCI is when the user might have come in contact with water.
Self-testing GFCI
This is exactly what it sounds like: a GFCI monitors itself for functionality. While other GFCI’s will fail and keep functioning, the new self-testing GFCI outlets will disengage from the power source if the GFCI fails, and subsequently, the indicator light will turn on.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
