Rochester, MN Electrical Outlet Installation Services

Every day, the average home relies on electricity to do practically everything. Whether it’s to power your refrigerator, your TV, your lights, or the many devices your family uses daily, electricity is integral to the functionality of your home. However, electricity can’t be used without outlets.

Outlets that are broken or that don’t supply sufficient power for an appliance are a source of frustration and potential danger for homeowners. The repair or upgrade that a family needs for their outlets can be easily taken care of by a technician from Kruger Electric.

What’s new with electrical outlet installation?

Almost everyone can benefit from upgrades to your electrical outlets, whether you live in an older home or a new one. We’re no longer limited to the standard two-prong models and have the option of choosing AFCI, GFCI, USB, and/or smart outlets. Consider whether any of the outlets featured below might be good for your home.

Switched Outlets

Usually, this sort of outlet has one port that has power all the time, and the other is controlled by a switch. This switch can control the flow of electricity coming from the outlet. Instead of having the device unplugged, what you can do instead is to just switch its outlet on or off.

GFCI Outlets

The purpose of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets is to stop the flow of electricity in the event of a ground fault. A ground fault is when electricity finds other paths to flow on other than the intended hot or neutral wire. This may happen when a person touches something on the circuit and the electricity flows through them to the ground. This typically would result in a shock or even electrocution. This type of outlet will keep you from being electrocuted if water is introduced to it, which is the primary reason they’re required in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas near water. You can tell an outlet is a GFCI model by the two buttons that enable you to test it and one to reset after it has tripped. If your home has no such outlets you may need to have a professional install them for you as a safety precaution.

AFCI Outlets

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter might not be installed in a lot of homes since it has only become standard in 1999. Homes built from 1999 onwards have AFCI breakers installed at the breaker box to keep electricity from arcing or jumping, from one wire to another, which is a common cause of house fires. You can hire a professional electrician to add AFCI protection to your older home; by either installing them at the electrical panel or the beginning of each circuit.

USB Outlets

A lot of new devices require USB cords to power themselves, but they can’t use traditional outlets without an adapter, which is pretty inconvenient. Some newer outlets have built-in USB ports, eliminating the need for an adapter. USB outlets either include four USB ports or two USB ports and two regular outlets. Depending on what your family’s requirements are and the areas of the home where the outlets are needed, you can choose between these options and have the electrician install exactly what you want.

Smart Outlets

You don’t need switches with smart outlets because everything that is plugged into the smart outlet can be controlled by an app or a smart-home speaker. This makes it much easier to turn your devices on and off and even allows you to set schedules for your appliances throughout the day.

Smart outlets can be scheduled to turn on and off at certain times so it looks like someone is home to deter theft. Some outlets can be programmed to operate on a specific schedule, which increases their energy efficiency and saves you money on your electric bill. Even though smart outlets may be pricey, their capabilities and benefits are endless.

If you notice outlets that are not performing properly or show signs of wear, make sure to have them looked at by a qualified electrician. Working with electricity can be dangerous for those who are unfamiliar with the different wires and the network of the house, particularly when problems already exist.  Call your friendly local electricians at Kruger Electrical for help with any electrical outlet work you require.