Outlet Repair Services: When to Call a Pro
Considering Changing Your Outlet?
If you're considering changing your outlet, either as an upgrade or to replace one that's no longer working, there are a few things to keep in mind. Anytime you're dealing with electricity you run the risk of getting hurt, so the first thing to remember is to be careful. If you're not experienced with changing outlets or dealing with electricity, then it's simply more dangerous than it's worth when you look at how affordable outlet repair services are from a qualified electrician.
However, if you're a bit of a do-it-yourself home expert and set on it, there are scenarios where you can manage it yourself. There are also some scenarios where you should never try to do it yourself.
What Types of Electrical Outlets Are There?
There are actually eight different types of electrical outlets standard to most homes:
- Standard 20 Amp-125 volt — This is the typical wall plug.
- 20 Amp-250 volt — These are “heavy duty” outlets for major home appliances, such as most washers and dryers and sometimes your oven.
- GFCI — Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are best used close to water, like in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
- AFCI — Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are used to prevent “heat arcing”.
- Duplex — These are your typical outlets, with one outlet on top and one on bottom, for a total of 2 plugs.
- Smart — Allows for connecting to the internet for extra functionality, often through the use of smartphone apps.
- USB — These plugs also have USB-connectors built into the outlet itself for easy charging.
- Rotating — Can be rotated to find the right orientation to plug in
Before considering changing your own outlet, you need to be able to identify what type it is. If you're unsure, engaging a licensed electrician for outlet repair services is probably a better move.
How Difficult is Changing Your Own Outlet?
In terms of electrical work, outlet repair services are on the easier side. However, anytime you're messing with electricity it is dangerous. You can definitely follow a how-to guide on changing an outlet, but we'd recommend being cautious. If you're upgrading an outlet or adding an additional one, you may need a new circuit. If you remove the old one improperly or install the new one recklessly you may damage wiring and create a shock or fire risk. You may not properly test the wires to make sure they're safe and end up electrocuting yourself. For the low cost of paying for outlet repair services, we highly recommend allowing a professional to handle this for you.
If You Want to Do It Yourself...
If hiring an electrician for outlet repair services isn't in the cards, then take the time to learn a little before diving into this project. Check out the how-to guides from Home Depot and other sources to make sure you know what you're doing. Then if at any point in the project you feel uncomfortable or in over your head, give us a call. We're happy to come out and finish things up for you.
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