So many things in our home require electricity. That is true with everything from kitchen appliances to lighting, and from bathroom grooming to home entertainment. A fundamental part of your household electrical systems are the outlets or electrical receptacles. These convenient portals into your electrical system put power into your hands, and help to meet your needs for electricity in a highly customized manner. |
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Types and Voltages of Electrical Receptacles |
120-volt duplex receptacle
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Homes built between the 1920's and the 1960's were installed with polarized two-slot receptacles. However, for safety, code has since required that receptacles all have three prong outlets for proper grounding. GFCI receptacles are a more modern safety outlet that shut off when there is a change in current. 240-volt receptacles are larger and shaped differently than a standard receptacle to remove the danger of plugging in a 120-volt appliance into a 240-volt outlet. There are also 120/240-volt receptacles for dryers and ranges that require 240-volt power for the motors and 120-volt power for the controls and timers. |
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Common Problems with Receptacles |
Household electrical receptacles, also called wall plugs, power plugs, wall sockets or outlets, generally last for years without any trouble. In fact, many problems connected with outlets are really faulty appliances or dead light bulbs. |
1) Appliance is not working. |
The first thing to check if your appliance or lamp is not working is whether or not it is plugged in. Next, check and replace any burned-out light bulbs, and then check the appliance cord to see if it is worn or needs to be replaced. Beyond that you may need to clean oxidized or dirty wire ends that connect to the receptacle, or replace any faulty receptacle. |
2) Plugs are not held firmly in the receptacle. |
If the problem is with the plug to the appliance, repair or replace the plug. Otherwise, replace the old or faulty receptacle with a new one. |
3) Receptacle buzzes, sparks or is warm to the touch when plugs are taken out or inserted. |
Use another receptacle so as not to overload the circuit. Inspect the receptacle for loose wire connections or oxidized wires. Finally, you may need to replace the receptacle. |
4) Circuit breaker keeps tripping or fuses keep blowing out. |
Check/mend the appliance cord. Use another outlet if the circuit is being overloaded. Check the receptacle for dirty wire ends and clean them. Tighten any loose wire connections. |
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Nervous about your receptacles? Have a certified electrician inspect your outlets, connections, electrical box and upgrade your receptacles and switches as needed. Some of your receptacles may even require a GFCI to be installed. |
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GFCI Receptacles |
A GFCI or ground-fault-circuit interrupter-receptacle is design to prevent electrical shock caused by water or by a faulty cord, plug or appliance. It monitors electric current and can shut the power off in just 1/40 of a second when there is a change in the current.
Today GFCI's are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outside receptacles, unfinished basements or crawl spaces - basically for use everywhere where water could be a problem. Local codes may vary, so find out which receptacle locations require GFCI's in your locale. In most new constructions an electrician will have met these requirements and installed GFCI's where needed. However, persons owning older homes may need to upgrade there receptacles to ground-fault-circuit-interrupters where needed. This may also include replacing the older, small electrical boxes that house the receptacle, as the body of a GFCI is larger than a standard receptacle. |
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A GFCI can be wired to protect itself alone, or to protect multiple switches, light fixtures and receptacles along a circuit. "Phantom tripping" occurs more often when a GFCI is protecting more receptacles as it is sensitive to even slight fluctuations in current flow. A ground-fault-circuit -interrupter receptacle is most effective when it is wired to protect one location. |
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Certified Electricians |
If you need a wiring contractor or have electrical repairs that need to be done our certified electricians can help you with your next project. Find skilled electrician contractors in your area and get free quotes through Renovation Experts! |
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