Electrical Outlet Safety Features
Electrical outlets are essential for providing the home with electricity to power appliances, lights, and electronics. An electrical outlet is a receptacle to which homeowners plug in their electric-powered devices.
Some safety hazards are associated with electrical outlets, such as accidental electrocution and electrical fires. Electrical codes require that certain outlets are equipped with certain safety features. Expecting parents may also want to start upgrading their electrical outlets to childproof outlets to protect the safety of their children.
Homeowners should choose the right type of electrical outlet to optimize their home’s electrical safety. This blog post explains the difference between AFCI outlets, GFCI outlets, and childproof outlets. These three types of electrical outlets are all equipped with safety features that help homeowners protect their property and family from electrical emergencies.
AFCI Electrical Outlets
AFCI electrical outlets have a unique safety feature designed to prevent house fires. Electrical house fires are devastating for homeowners, neighborhoods, and local ecosystems. AFCI outlets protect homeowners from electrical fires by automatically shutting down the circuit when a threat is detected.
AFCI stands for arc-fault circuit interrupter. Electrical arcing can create heat that leads to accidental fires. Examples of what could cause arcing include damage to a wire or an overheating electrical device. The AFCI outlet detects if a dangerous arc is present and shuts off power before damage occurs.
GFCI Electrical Outlets
GFCI electrical outlets are a safety standard for modern homes. They are required for areas of the house with water sources, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Homeowners may need to upgrade their home’s outlets to GFCI or AFCI outlets to keep the home up to electrical code.
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. The main difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets is that GFCI outlets protect mostly from accidental electrocution, and AFCI outlets protect against electrical fires. Upgrading a home’s outlets to one of these options can go a long way in protecting homeowners from potential hazards.
When a stray electrical current travels along a different path than it should, the GFCI outlet directs the current down into the ground before it shocks somebody. GFCI outlets should not be used with refrigerators or freezers because if it trips, the food may rot before homeowners notice.
Childproof Electrical Outlets
Childproof electrical outlets are also called tamper-proof outlets. Children are known for tampering with things they should not, but when it comes to electrical safety, tampering can be deadly. Childproof outlets are designed to prevent children from poking their fingers, toys, or other small objects into the outlet and accidentally electrocuting themselves.
Childproof electrical outlets have a protective shield covering the plug receptacle. This shutter will only open if an appropriate plug is inserted into the outlet. Children will not be able to poke anything into the outlet that could potentially harm them. Tamper-proof outlets are essential for homes with young children.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over 30 years of experience serving the community of Jupiter, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and on-time arrival. Call them today for electrical outlet services in Jupiter, FL.
