Outlets and Switches
NEED NEW SWITCHES OR OULTLETS IN THE HOUSTON, TX?
WE CAN INSTALL ANYTHING FROM LANDSCAPE TO CONVENIENCE OUTLETS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.
Outlets and switches can be easily overlooked in your home, but these functional pieces of hardware let you light, ventilate and power your appliances. Technological advances are giving outlets and switches exciting new capabilities, so learn what they can offer before you buy.
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TYPES OF OUTLETS
Outlets make power easily accessible. They can also prevent electrical fires, keep users from being shocked and be turned on and off remotely. Different outlet types have different uses, so learn more before making your purchase.
Amperage: The ampere, or amp, is the base unit of electric current. Different kinds of electrical outlets are rated by how many amps can flow through them at once without overheating and are attached to fuses that will shut off automatically if your outlet is using too many amps. Most outlets in your home are rated for 15 amps and attached to a 15-amp fuse with a few other 15-amp outlets and switches from the same room. If the total amount of amps used in that room surpasses 15 amps, the fuse will shut off to keep the outlets and wiring from overheating. Some appliances, like freezers and gas dryers, require 20-amp outlets.
GFCI vs. AFCI Outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have sensors that measure the amount of current going in and out of the socket. The current going in and out is usually in balance but if the outlet detects an imbalance, it immediately shuts off. GFCI outlets are important to have in areas where electricity could meet, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets contain electronic components to monitor a circuit for the presence of dangerous conditions that could cause a fire. This outlet can be triggered to turn a circuit off quickly if dangerous arcing is detected.
Smart Outlets: Smart outlets can be controlled from your mobile device using the home's wireless internet. These devices allow users to program outlets to power on and off at certain times, as well as control from inside and away from the outlet.
Tamper-/Weather-Resistant: Tamper-resistant outlets have spring-loaded shutters that close off the contact openings where you insert plugs. For the shutters to open, both springs must be compressed at the same time, so they don't open if a child attempts to insert an object into one of the contact openings. Thousands of children suffer shock and burns yearly by sticking items into contact openings in outlets. Weather-resistant outlets offer protection from precipitation, humidity and UV-protected components.