Older Florida homes are only sometimes upgraded to the quality standards that modern homes require. If you are living in an older home that has yet to have an upgrade to its electrical system, you are likely lacking one small but crucial benefit to your system: three-pronged outlets. Unlike an entire home rewiring, replacing outlets is a cheap and effective way to prevent further damage and potential danger to your household. If you are unsure of the benefits and purpose of three-pronged outlets, read more to find out how upgrading can benefit you.
Two-Prong Vs. Three-Pronged Outlets
The difference between two-prong and three-prong outlets is a safety feature, the inclusion of a ground wire. Two-pronged outlets do not include this feature, which allows a sudden surge of electricity to safely disperse away from any electronics or people in the area. Three-pronged plugs have this ground wire in addition to the standard neutral and hot wires. These outlets have been standard in houses built following the mid-2000s, but older homes were not required to upgrade immediately. The easiest way to identify your type of outlet is to look for a small third hole beneath the two standard holes in your outlet. This third hole houses the ground wire.
Benefits of a Three-Prong Outlet
The benefits of three-pronged outlets are numerous, so let’s discuss them all.
- Safety Ratings: As previously stated, three-prong outlets are the new standard for homes built in America. The ground wiring prevents potentially disastrous electrocutions or electronic damage from occurring in the event of a power surge or electrical system failure. GFCIs, which we have previously discussed in depth, are standard only as three-prong versions. GFCIs provide further protection by limiting the danger of electrocutions and appliance failures when water comes into contact with the outlet, most commonly in bathrooms and kitchens. Upgrading to a three-prong GFCI outlet where necessary in your home is an easy way to add further protection and peace of mind to your household.
- Electrical Capabilities: Two-pronged outlets, by their nature, are older than three-pronged outlets, meaning they were often constructed and installed long ago without considerations for modern power usage concerns. Modern devices draw more power, and common symptoms of older outlets are blown fuses and overheated wires. As well as being a nuisance, these issues are major potential fire hazards. An older home still equipped with two-prong outlets has more than likely not had a recent electrical rewiring completed, further exacerbating these problems. To keep your electronics safe and minimize the risk of excessive power draw straining your electrical system, upgrading to newer outlets is highly recommended.
- Appliance and Electronics Compatibility Issues: It is not uncommon for newer devices to come equipped with a power cord using a three-prong plug. If your house only has older outlets, it is possible that no outlet can accept that device’s plug, rendering it useless. These new features aim to protect the device and the house from high power usage in more contemporary items.
Although not required, replacing any two-prong outlets with newer three-prong versions is recommended at your earliest convenience. If your notice any outlets that appear burnt, warped, or feel warm to the touch, this is a sign that your electrical system needs immediate work.
Promise Electric is a team of master electricians trained and dedicated to performing all electrical services for residential homes and commercial businesses. If you have recently purchased a new home or it has been a while since you have had your electrical systems inspected, call us today to schedule a visit.
