As the seasons change and the weather cools, we all start plugging things in. During fall and winter, we actually plug in a lot of things. From hair dryers to electric blankets to additional lights to moving Halloween decorations, your plugs are probably seeing a lot of use.
But have you ever considered what all that use could do if your house hasn’t been correctly outfitted with the recommended outlets? At the least, improperly installed or incorrectly placed outlets can cause an electrical short. At the worst, they could put you or your loved one at risk of a serious electrical shock, or they could cause a major fire.
Using the correct outlets can greatly reduce these risks, which is why were want to make sure you understand what outlets you should use, why you should use them, and where.
Read on to learn more.
The Two Types of Outlets To Know
There are two types of outlets that are meant for your home that you should know about: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI).
GFCIs are recommended for use in rooms that encounter a lot of water and humidity, such as your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. AFCIs, on the other hand, can be found in almost any other room in the house.
Both types of outlets help to protect you and your home from electrical hazards that could otherwise cause major damage. They just do it in a different way.
Why These Outlets Matter
Did you ever wonder why your bathroom outlets don’t send out sparks when you dry your hair after a steamy shower? This is likely because of the outlet type installed in this location.
As we mentioned, GFCI and AFCI outlets are meant to protect you and your home from electrical harm. But like we said before, each type does its job in a different way.
You will find a GFCI outlet in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room because they are meant to halt an electrical current from going through something else such as water or a person. AFCI breakers, on the other hand, are meant to detect and stop an electrical arc that could potentially cause an electrical fire.
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The long and short of it is, a GFCI or AFCI outlet could be the line in the sand that keeps your home when it faces electrical issues. This is why double-checking that you have the right outlets and other electrical safety measures in your home is so important.
If you are unsure that your home is fully protected from electrical issues, reaching out to our professional electricians in Cheney, WA can make a huge difference in keeping you and your home safe from electrical hazards this fall. Our well-trained team members are able to help you with installation and continued services for all of your outlets, circuits, and switches.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice. Contact us today for your electrical service needs.