It is common to find that you need more outlets in a room than you currently have – especially if your home is more than 20 or 30 years old. Even if you like the number of outlets you have, you may be interested in upgrading them to three-prong, higher voltage, or smart USB-compatible outlets. So what are the aspects that you need to consider when installing a new electrical outlet?
Always Hire an Electrician
Electrical work is dangerous, even when doing small projects. A slight mistake can have enormous consequences when you are dealing with electricity. Hire a trusted electrician to ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe and functioning correctly.
Adding a New Electrical Outlet
Regardless of the type of outlet you choose, adding a new outlet to an existing wall will take extra effort and cost than simply replacing or upgrading one. Depending on how the wires are currently run through the wall, it may be that a good portion of the drywall needs to be removed. Despite the extra cost, adding an outlet can be extremely helpful in a family room where people are frequently gathered or during a kitchen remodel if you plan to change the location of your fridge.
120 Volt Outlets
These are the least expensive outlets to replace since they are the most common type used throughout houses. The item itself is quite inexpensive–around $5 for a standard one, or a bit more for a USB-enabled one–so all you have to pay for is the electrician’s labor and expertise to make sure the job is done correctly. Replacing an existing outlet will be a quick and inexpensive procedure that should only take about 30-45 minutes, while wiring a new 120V outlet can take a few hours.
220+ Volt Outlets
When the wiring of your fridge or cooking range isn’t properly working, it quickly and significantly affects your life. Due to the higher voltage and different wiring requirements, it costs more to replace these outlets and wire a new outlet in a different location. If you do replace it, it is a smart idea to get a 250V outlet–this way; it can handle more energy and appliances.
Converting 2-Prongs to 3-Prongs
You don’t see these too often these days, but two-prong outlets can still be found in some homes built before the late 1960s. The National Electric Code now requires that three-prong outlets be used instead, but what’s the prong for? Originally, plugs had a hot prong (the smaller one) and a neutral prong (the wider one). Eventually, the third lower prong was added as a ground for the outlet to make it safer. If you find some two-prong outlets still present in your home, it’s recommended to have them upgraded. Since you have to run a new wire, the cost is more expensive than just replacing a standard 120V; however, it’s worth it to ensure the safety of the new electrical outlet.
GFCI Outlets
Again, if your home is older, it may not have GFCI outlets installed in all the locations where electricity could come into contact with water. The GFCI is critical to prevent electric shock and fires, especially for outlets close to the bathroom or kitchen sink. Though these outlet fixtures cost more than others, the installation should be pretty straightforward if you already have a ground wire run to the outlet.
Not Sure? Call an Electrician!
Promise Electric is a team of master electricians who provide residential and commercial electrical services across the Sarasota area.
