Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have At Home

Electrical outlets are a pivotal part of any residential or commercial property. So installing the right one is important to help maintain a hazard-free space. This guide aims to share the electrical outlets you are allowed to install at home.

Before looking for an “electrician near me,” know the types of electrical outlets first.  Understanding the various kinds will help you choose the best for your lifestyle. And to avoid getting scammed by an unprofessional contractor.

Two-Pronged Outlet and Three-Pronged Outlet

These types of outlets are often 120 volts and can be found in older homes. The National Electric Code allows two and three-pronged outlets in good condition. However, some professional Arvada electricians would recommend these be replaced. That is because traditional outlets are often not grounded.

125 Volt Outlets

Devices and large appliances that need more power often need this type of outlet. It is similar to a three-pronged outlet, but with a T-shape slot on the side. It is best used for home appliances like dishwashers, space heaters, and washing machines.

250 Volt Outlets

Bigger appliances or power tools often require more power to function. Large ovens, air compressors, dryers, and HVAC need a higher level of power to operate. A 250-volt outlet is often the recommended outlet for these types of equipment.

A 250-volt outlet usually has its own circuit. That means, it can only accommodate one appliance that meets the circuit’s capacity. And it will be dangerous and a violation to plug in additional devices.

It is important for your property to pass all electrical inspections to ensure the safety of all. When dealing with 250-volt outlets, contact a professional Arvada electrician.

GFCI Outlets

When installing electrical outlets near a pool or close to water, use a GFCI receptacle. Bathrooms, laundry areas, and basements are some of the areas in your home where the GFCI is the best option. 

A GFCI electrical outlet can track electrical flows. It can sense fluctuations and immediately trips the power to prevent an electrical surge. Today, GFCI outlets are required for two-family homes and multifamily buildings. The NEC provides a complete list of where GFCI receptacles should be installed.

AFCI Receptacles

Without proper insulation, electric current arches. That instance creates intense heat that could lead to a fire. Nails, screws, and loose electrical connections on the wall often cause arc faults. 

To avoid arc faults, use the AFCI type of outlet. This type is specifically designed to break the flow of electricity in case of arc faults.  It prevents fires and accidents such as fatal electrical shocks.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Most states have made tamper-resistant receptacles the standard in construction. It is a safe choice, especially for families with pets and children.

This type of residential outlet looks like a regular outlet. However, it has a spring-loaded shutter feature. What it does is prevent tampering and electrical shocks. 

Tamper-resistant receptacles require both blades of a plug to simultaneously press both shutters. This is a safety mechanism to ensure safe electrical contact.

USB Outlets

Making your home more modern and efficient gets simpler with USB outlets. This type will allow you to directly plug your electronics into the outlet without the need for a charger.

The USB outlets will come in handy for your home since most devices today use USB charging cables. Installing a USB outlet will solve your frustrations with a lost or broken USB charger. Simply plug your device directly into the USB port in the outlet!

Switched Outlets

Do you have appliances or devices that you frequently use but do not want to always plug and remove? The switched outlet may be what you need.

Switched outlets look like traditional outlets. The main difference is that a receptacle can be turned on or off via a wall switch. The other receptacle is like is always ready to provide electricity. 

This type of outlet can help increase the protection of your property. It helps avoid devices overheating and creating electrical shocks.

Smart Outlets

Aside from USB outlets, modernizing homes can be achieved with smart outlets. Do you want to monitor your home’s energy usage? Install smart outlets around your house.

This type is the go-to for exciting innovations including voice and phone app control. Smart outlets are easy to control and help make everyday routines more efficient.

Some smart outlets have timers you can set. So you do not have to worry about turning space heaters, air conditioners, and decorative lights on and off.  

Call an Arvada Electrician for Your Next Electrical Work

Need to reconfigure your electrical outlets? When doing an installation or home rewiring job? Let professional Arvada electricians do it for you. 

As a reliable Arvada electrical company, we offer professional electrical services. We will help you feel safer and more comfortable at home.

We will help you avoid accidents and safety issues like electric shocks. And we follow home electrical codes to ensure you can plug appliances and devices safely into the outlets.  

Call ElectriCall today! Get an idea of how much electrical installation like installing electrical outlets costs. Talk with our professional electricians about your electrical repair or maintenance project!

Electrical surges due to lightning can happen. That is why you need to install a lightning arrester. Get your home ready for a possible lightning strike. And protect your family from potential injuries and expensive appliances from getting damaged. 

Contact a local residential electrician to help install a lightning arrester!

A lightning arrester is crucial for protecting your home from possible lightning strikes. Its purpose is to protect residential properties from high-voltage lightning carriers. It will help you avoid possible dangerous, sometimes fatal, outcomes. 

In Colorado, lightning is taken seriously. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes may happen anytime and cause injuries and property damage. It is best to hire a local electrician to perform lightning arrester installation for your Arvada home.

Facts about Lightning Arrester Installation You Should Know

A lightning arrester is a type of protective device. Its purpose is to protect electrical equipment from voltage surges due to lightning. Consequently, giving you peace of mind.

• They are installed at the highest elevation. You will find them at the top of buildings, home roofs, and transmission poles.
• There are various types of lightning arresters. They can be rod-gap, sphere, horn-shaped, valve-type, multi-gap, or pellet-type.
• Tall buildings, high-rise apartment complexes, and homes within thunderstorm areas need lightning arresters. That is to protect their persons and property against potential hazards.
• Lightning arresters are often installed near electrical panels and generators. The reason behind this is to divert lightning strikes to the ground.
• They are best installed, repaired, and maintained by a professional Arvada electrician. Ask a contractor who has the skills and knowledge to complete the electrical work.
• The cost to install a lightning arrester in Arvada, CO ranges from $100 to over $3000. The price for installing lightning protection systems varies. Pricing depends on the type of lightning arrester, design, and installation.
• The purpose of a lightning arrester is often misunderstood. Some believe it attracts lightning. But, they do not. A lightning arrester protects inhabitants and sensitive electronic systems from an electrical surge.
• You can buy a lightning arrester at your local hardware store. Trusted online stores have them or you can purchase directly from manufacturers.
• Always consider hiring a professional Arvada electrician when doing electrical work or installation.  

A lightning arrester is a powerful device. It will be beneficial to add to your electrical safety arsenal. Protecting your electrical appliances is pivotal in ensuring a safe and comfortable home. That is especially true during severe thunderstorms.

Does Your Arvada Home Need a Lightning Arrester?

Arvada is family-friendly and primarily an active agricultural community. Overall, Arvada, CO is an awesome place to live. It is near an international airport and has many exciting attractions and parks.

However, just like in any city, Arvada, CO also experiences severe weather. And there have been several cases of lightning strikes that injured residents. 

Lightning is one of the common natural reasons for injuries and fatalities. So in an area where lightning strikes often happen, installing a lightning arrester makes sense.

Electrical surges due to lightning strikes can travel down utility transmission lines. That includes smart TV, telephones, and kitchen appliances. The sudden surge of electricity can damage your home and unprotected electronics.

Although it is not a code requirement, installing a lightning arrester has many benefits. Keeping your home and family protected won’t hurt. If you have questions regarding lightning arresters? Or need electrical repairs and home rewiring jobs? Consult with a local electrician near you.

ElectriCall is an Arvada electrical company ready to answer your inquiries. We are just a phone call away! Get answers on lightning protection, electrical installation, and more from us!

Lightning Arrester Installation and Electrical Safety Tips

• Obtain the necessary work permits for safety precautions. All electrical work has to comply with federal and local electrical requirements.
• All materials for the installation must comply with the electrical standards and specifications. That includes the cables, terminals, rods, and other components.
• Install the lightning protection as depicted on its diagram and electrical installation drawings.
• Make sure to bond metal objects onto the surge arrester. 
• Secure the air terminals to prevent displacement.
• Industry codes and requirements must be followed at all times. Check federal and local requirements. Review the Lightning Protection Code, National Electrical Code, and Assessment of Risk and Damage.
• Install the protection system at least 5 – 6 meters in height.
• Use the right kind and required wiring, especially for grounding.
• Connect electrical components properly. Make sure wires are spliced correctly.
• Proper tools and equipment should be used as well. You may need hydraulic, electric power, and a ground tester among others.

Installing lightning arresters on your own is discouraged. With zero experience with electrical installation, it is best to call a professional. Complex electrical work is not a do-it-yourself project.

End Your Search for a Professional Electrician in Arvada, CO

Need help installing a lightning arrester in your Arvada home? ElectriCall is a professional Arvada electrical company. We offer safe and affordable electrical services.

Everything that you need to know about generator maintenance is here. Generators are essential for houses and businesses that are without access to the power grid. You can use them for when the power fails out or even in rural areas that don’t have access to the grid. So, this, in addition to many other features and benefits, makes generators a great investment for any individual or business looking to save money on their energy bills.

However, generators can also be dangerous if not properly maintained and operated. Find out if you have serviced and maintained your generator as it deserves below.

Importance of Routine Maintenance on Your Generator

Everything that you need to know about generator maintenance is needed. Regular maintenance goes a long way and is a must if you want your generator to last and give you the most bang for your buck. Whether you are using a generator for camping or a backup during a power outage, it is important to keep it in top condition. Your generator can quickly fail and cause more problems than it solves if not properly maintained.

Here are some reasons why regular maintenance of your generator is essential:

Preventive Maintenance helps to avoid costly repairs

Proper preventive maintenance ensures your generator will run reliably for as long as possible without breaking down unexpectedly. You’ll also avoid dealing with unexpected repair bills because your generator was improperly maintained.

Regular Maintenance Improves Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Regular maintenance ensures the engine operates at peak performance levels. This reduces the amount of fuel consumed per hour, saving you money on fuel costs over time. It also ensures your unit runs smoothly, so you won’t experience any unexpected shutdowns or other problems when you need it most – like during an emergency or natural disaster.

Generator Maintenance Prolongs Its Lifespan

One of the biggest benefits of regular generator maintenance is that it will prolong its lifespan, saving you both time and money in the long run. When you invest in routine maintenance, you don’t have to worry about spending money on repairs or replacements as often because the machine will be in better shape overall. 

Maintenance Prevents Carbon Monoxide Generation and Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in America, so it’s important to keep your generator clean and free of carbon buildup, as you can be poisoned by breathing in too much carbon monoxide over time. In addition, if you use a portable generator in an enclosed space such as a garage or shed without proper ventilation, CO levels will build up quickly. A faulty spark plug, leaky fuel line, or cracked muffler could all cause dangerous levels of CO to build up inside your home even when your generator is running outside and away from the building it serves.

How to Service or Maintain a Generator

Your generator needs servicing on a regular basis to maintain its efficient output. Given the size of the investment in the generator, you will want to extend its useful life as much as possible. It’s best to have a professional company do the maintenance since you know they will do it correctly and safely. Despite this, you can handle some routine maintenance tasks on your own. These include:

Ensure Portable Generators are covered at all times when not in Use

If you live in an area where there is a lot of rainfall or snowfall, then it is important that you ensure that your portable generator is covered when not in use. By doing this, moisture entering the engine will be less likely to produce corrosion and rust. Covering a generator that has an oil tank on top of the engine will also prevent rainwater from getting into the tank and contaminating the oil inside of it.

Monitor the Generators Wattage Capacity

It is important to monitor the wattage capacity of your portable generator so that you do not overload it, as this will cause overheating and possibly damage your generator’s internal components.

Check For Leaks

Making sure there are no leaks in or around your generator or fuel tank is the first step in any maintenance program. If there are any leaks, they could cause serious problems with the engine, so they need to be fixed immediately.

Check Battery

If you have a portable generator with a battery backup system, you should check the battery each time you start the machine. This will ensure that it has enough power to run all of your critical electrical equipment during an outage. Also, check for corrosion on the terminals and ensure that there aren’t any loose wires or connections in the unit itself that may cause problems down the line.

Change oil regularly

You should also frequently change the oil as the manufacturer recommends in your owner’s manual. Keep an eye on how much oil comes out when you first start up (or after running for a while), so you can tell when it’s time to change it. Be sure not to overfill when adding new oil, as this could cause problems with starting up again later on if there is too much pressure inside the engine due to overfilling!

The above tips are only a few of the things you can do to maintain the efficiency of your generator. Other than that, an insured electrical service company should do all other maintenance responsibilities.

Conclusion

Everything that you need to know about generator maintenance is the efficiency needed. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to generator and engine maintenance because each engine has its own unique requirements. However, some fundamental best practices apply to all types of engines, regardless of what they’re designed to power. The tips we shared above will get you off to a good start, and hopefully, there is at least one that you can apply right away to improve your generator maintenance.

There are ways to reduce energy use, Energy use is one of the biggest household expenses, and energy-efficient appliances and devices can help reduce those costs. But, according to a Denver electrician, you can do many other things to reduce your energy use. Here are some of the best ways you can try today:

Install a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A programmable ElectriCall thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature to a lower setting when you are away or asleep and then automatically raise it when you return home. You’ll save even more if you adjust the temperature while away from home by turning it up or down only 1 degree F at a time over several hours.

Use Energy Efficient Windows

Windows play a big part in heating and cooling your house — so make sure they’re as efficient as possible! Install new windows that are designed for insulation and airflow control (if installed with a Denver electrician, these will often come with warranties). If you own older windows that leak cold air during winter months and hot air during summer months, consider putting plastic shrink wrap around them for extra insulation during those seasons only.

Invest in Smart Power Strips

Smart ElectriCall power strips are a great way to cut back on energy consumption. A smart power strip allows you to turn off your appliances and electronics with the touch of a button to save energy while you’re away from home. Most of these strips have an energy-saving mode that will turn off the strip after a certain amount of time (for example, after 10 minutes). This is great because it helps reduce phantom loads – when an appliance or electronic device is still plugged in but turned off. Phantom loads account for 30% of residential electricity usage in the U.S., so reducing them can greatly impact your energy bills.

Reduce Hot Water Consumption

Reducing how much hot water you use isn’t just good for the environment; it also saves money on your water bill and reduces the strain on your HVAC system. There are many ways to reduce hot water consumption in your home: install low-flow shower heads, take shorter showers, set your dishwasher temperature lower and only run full loads of dishes (if possible). You can also reduce the amount of time your washing machine runs by keeping an eye on how full it gets before adding more clothes or turning off the washer when it is half full instead of waiting until it reaches capacity.

Unplug idle electronics

This is probably the easiest way to reduce your energy use. Our Denver electrician confirmed that it takes a few minutes every week to unplug your devices when they’re not in use. This includes TVs, computer monitors, printers and anything else with an electric cord attached. If you have any devices with a battery backup (such as a laptop computer), make sure to remove the battery when it’s not in use so it doesn’t continue to draw power from the outlet.

Service and Maintain your air conditioners

Although it may appear obvious, it is crucial to keep your air conditioning system in a good working order. This will help make sure that it’s running efficiently and not wasting any ElectriCall energy unnecessarily. It’s also important to look at your filters to ensure they’re not clogged up with dirt or dust – this can reduce the effectiveness of your unit by up to 40%.

Insulate the house and seal cracks and gaps

Aside from the obvious benefits of keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer, insulating it also provides a number of other advantages. Insulating will help lower heating bills and improve comfort levels in the home. You’ll also find that if you insulate properly (with the help of a Denver electrician), you’ll notice less condensation on windows during cold weather – which is something that can be very annoying when cleaning!

Purchase a Smart Meter to Track Your Consumption

A smart meter is an electronic device that monitors your home’s ElectriCall power usage. It helps you keep track of how much different appliances or devices are using electricity or gas in your home and how much it costs you each month. This can help you identify areas where you might be wasting energy and allows you to make changes that are more efficient and cost-effective for you and the environment!

Use Natural Light if Possible

Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used. This includes lights in hallways, bathrooms and other rooms that don’t need light. You can also get ElectriCall motion sensor lights that turn on when someone enters the room and turn off when they leave. The best part about motion sensors is that they only come on when needed, so there’s no point in leaving them on all day long just because they’re there.

Replace Old Electronics

If you have old appliances or electronics that are still working but take up space and use electricity, consider replacing them with newer ElectriCall models that use less power. This will help lower your electric bill and make your home more efficient overall!

Conclusion

Having to spend hundreds of dollars on electricity bills can be a hassle and put a considerable dent in a person’s finances. It can be difficult to determine why additional charges are being incurred. So, knowing the best ways to reduce energy use enables one to lower the electrical costs incurred over time. As confirmed and shared by a trusted Denver electrician, the above examples can keep energy costs low and prevent an endless slump financially.

How safe are electricity sockets for kids? Electricity is an essential part of our everyday lives but can also be dangerous. Electric sockets are a common source of electrocution accidents, especially for children.

According to the National Safety Council, roughly 5 percent of all deaths due to electric shock occur in children under 5. And about half of these injuries are caused by home outlets and extension cords. Here are some actions you may do to safeguard your children from electrical danger in sockets:

Use protective covers on electrical cords and cables

These safety caps look like little plastic helmets that fit over the end of extension cords so that kids don’t put them in their mouths or chew on them; they also keep pets from chewing on them as well! 

Invest in a Cord Shortener or Cover

A cord shortener or cover will keep the cord out of reach of your child’s hands and prevent them from pulling it out from the socket. This effective safety measure can be easily implemented at home with little effort and cost required. You can buy them at affordable rates at any hardware store or online stores like Amazon or eBay. Just find the right size for your socket and plug it in!

Invest in a baby safety outlet cover box

An outlet cover box is a great way to keep your child away from power sockets and cords as it completely covers them. It comes with a self-closing mechanism so that once you plug something into it, it automatically closes itself and keeps your child away from danger. You can easily find these online or at local stores such as Walmart or Target. 

Use Self-Closing Outlet Covers

Outlet covers are one of the most effective ways by which you can keep your kids away from electrical sockets. These covers prevent kids from sticking their fingers into the sockets and thus save them from getting electric shocks. You can easily buy these covers at any local store at an affordable price. You may pick the one that best complements your child’s room or play area because they are available in a variety of colors and designs.

One thing you should remember while choosing these covers is that they should be easy enough to open up when needed by using only one hand (e.g., in case of an emergency). 

Get Plastic Outlet Covers

Plastic outlet covers are great as they protect children from getting shocked by accidentally touching the exposed outlet prongs. These plastic covers come in different shapes and sizes, so you can get one that fits in your existing electrical outlets. They are very easy to install as well and do not require any tools or expertise.

Install AFCI or GFCI outlets

These outlets protect against electric shock by sensing current leakage from an appliance or device before it reaches a dangerous level and shutting down power to the circuit when such leakage occurs. Experts also recommend these devices as they protect people even if they touch metal parts of an appliance while still plugged into an outlet. This often happens with kids who like playing with cords and plugs of appliances like vacuum cleaners or blenders.

Teach Your Kids about the Dangers of Electricity

How safe are electricity sockets for kids? If there’s one thing parents need to teach their children, it’s how dangerous electricity can be. Teach them about the dangers from an early age so they’ll know what to look out for when they’re older. For example, ensure your kids know not to play with wires or touch an outlet when wet or standing in water (including while bathing). Also, ensure they don’t stick anything into a socket or try to rewire anything themselves; this could result in an electric shock or even death if something goes wrong.

Key Operated Sockets

Key-operated sockets are a great way to keep children away from electricity. Unlike traditional plugs, these sockets require a key to be inserted before power flows through them. This prevents children from accidentally plugging something into these sockets and getting electrocuted. These sockets are also available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, so you may choose one that best matches your decor.

Use shatter protection outlets

These outlets will not work unless all three pins are inserted into the outlet. If you have one of these types of outlets already installed in your home, then you will need to buy a new electrical socket box as well as install them both together in order for it to work properly. A shattered outlet is also known as a tamper-proof outlet because it prevents children from tampering with the electrical outlet.

Use tamper-resistant receptacles

Receptacles are the plug slots in the wall outlet. They have an internal mechanism that prevents children from inserting foreign objects (like paper clips) into them. Tamper-resistant receptacles are easier to use because they don’t require pushing down hard on the plug to insert it into the socket. In addition, they have a cover over the prongs on top of the socket which makes them harder for kids to grab onto and pull out of the wall.

Cord Protectors

Cord protectors are another easy way to keep children safe around electrical outlets. A cord protector is a flexible plastic shield that covers the entire cord length, with openings at either end so you can still plug it into the outlet. The cord protector keeps your child from touching both ends of an extension cord at once, which could result in electrocution or an electrical burn if they accidentally touched both sides of the socket simultaneously. 

Conclusion

How safe are electricity sockets for kids? Despite all the benefits of technology and science, teaching kids about electrical safety is important. Just like adults, children are especially at risk of getting hurt or even killed by electricity. It is never too early to teach your little ones about electrical safety. So the next time you head out to pick up a new electrical toy or appliance for your home, remember that child-friendly power outlets in your house can prevent accidents.