Convenience outlets power the appliances and devices, making lives easier and more comfortable. It's usually used every day in homes for various purposes, such as microwaving leftovers, charging phones, etc. But they come in different types, so how would you differentiate between various convenience outlets? It's essential to understand each convenience outlet to improve energy efficiency, decrease electrical hazards, and ensure regular use of it. This is why choosing the right electrical outlet is important for your home. In this blog, we have discussed types of outlets and outlets for different spaces.
Here are the multiple types of outlets that you can use for various appliances, electronics, and power tools:
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlet
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are built to keep you safe from electrical disasters. They protect against shocks, monitor the flow of electricity, and automatically cut or shut off power if they detect any electrical hazards. This happens in milliseconds to protect you and the outlet itself. Additionally, they feature a test and reset button on the front so that you can easily reset them if they trip. They can be used in the kitchen, bathrooms, or outside your home. Moreover, extend this safety feature to multiple outlets by installing a GFCI outlet at the start of a series of outlets.
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlet
The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is widely preferred for its built-in electrical safety features. They detect electrical arcs - a phenomenon where currents pass from a wire or metal to places they don't belong. Then, they cut the power before any damage occurs. Additionally, they prevent fire and overheating. You can consider upgrading to AFCI by replacing the existing individual outlet to protect multiple outlets at once.
Smart Outlet
It uses WiFi or Bluetooth technology to connect to the home network. The smart outlet is very convenient as it can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or voice assistant app. It's used to turn off appliances and lighting. For example, to easily turn on and off the lamps at certain times of day, or to add voice control functionality for devices in your home. Additionally, these outlets are available in different configurations, such as controllable USB outlets.
Rotating Outlet
Like the name implies, these outlets come with sockets that can rotate 360 degrees. It comes in handy when you want to use more than one plug, ideal for using hairdryers, and mobile phone chargers.
Tamper-Resistant Outlet
Tamper-resistant outliers are childproof. It comes with built-in barriers that prevent entry of foreign objects into the outlet, protecting children from electrical injury. These barriers only open when a two-prolonged or grounded plug is inserted. Additionally, it has become necessary for building codes in most places to use these outlets in new constructions.
Switched Outlet
Consider switched outlets if you want to keep the appliances or lights plugged in while they are not even operating. They come with a socket and a built-in switch. You can use the switch to control the power to a connected appliance, even though it stays plugged into the outlet.
| Notes | There is no requirement for an extra electrical box or any other wiring to install these. |
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) outlets feature a standard or more USB sockets that fits directly onto the wall. These are often paired in one plate with two or three prolonged outlets. They come handy to plug the cables of your smartphone, tablet or other USB devices.
Choose the Right Outlet for Different Areas
Convenience outlets make things run smoothly at home. Choosing the right outlet for different areas of the house may be challenging. Here is a breakdown to make things easier:
Bedrooms and Living Areas - 15-amp outlets are ideal for these spaces to power up your television screens, lights, lamps, and chargers.
Laundry Rooms and Basement - Here you can install GFCI outlets because of heavy appliances like washing machines, dryers, and temperature regulators.
Kitchens and Bathrooms - GFCI outlets should be used in kitchens and bathrooms because of water. This outlet can easily cut off power to prevent electrical shock.
Garages/Workshops - It's best to use weatherproof enclosures.
| Notes | Appliances, like washing machines, microwave ovens, and dryers, that draw a lot of electricity require outlets 20-amps or higher. If you are unsure about the amperage requirements and the type of outlet to use, seek advice from the consumer manual. |
Final Words
Convenience outlets are indeed helpful when it comes to charging any devices like smartphones, powering refrigerators, and dishwashers, etc. They are user-friendly, offer remote control, prevent fire, and protect from electrical injury. So, selecting the right outlet for your home indicates saving home energy, improving home safety, and better efficiency.
