Things You Need To Know Before Upgrading to a New Electrical Outlet

You’re getting ready to buy a new TV or sound system and you realize you’ll have to install a new electrical outlet. You have to decide whether to get a wall-mounted outlet or a ceiling-mounted one. You may also want to install some smart outlets in your home so you can control the lights and appliances with your smartphone.

But you’ve never done electrical work before and are wondering if it’s possible for you to do it yourself. Before you take matters into your own hands, there are some important things you need to know about installing electrical outlets.

Avoid Do-It-Yourself Electrical Work

It’s better to leave electrical work to the professionals. It may seem like a good idea to save yourself the cost of hiring an electrician, but in reality, it is not. The most important thing to remember is that electricity is extremely dangerous. Last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,800 cases of people injured because of electrical shocks. So even if you’re sure you know what you’re doing and have all the correct equipment, there’s still a chance it will go wrong.

Hiring a licensed electrician is the best way to ensure your new electrical outlet is installed correctly.

Check to see What Kind of Outlet is Currently Installed

When you’re replacing an existing outlet, the first step is figuring out what kind of outlet is already installed. There are two main types: standard and GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Standard outlets have two holes for screws on either side of the outlet. GFCI outlets have three holes on one side and one hole on the other side.

Switching to Smart Outlets May Require Switching to a New Breaker Box

If you don’t have smart plugs or outlets yet, but plan to install them soon, it’s important to know that they may require a new breaker box or circuit breaker panel. This applies if you’re replacing an old standard outlet with a smart plug or smart outlet. You’ll need to hire an electrician who can install a new breaker box (if necessary) and connect your new smart outlet or plug. If you’re upgrading a current GFCI outlet with a new electrical outlet model that includes Wi-Fi connectivity, then there isn’t any additional wiring required for installation — just unscrew your old GFCI outlet and screw in your new one!

Make Sure your New Electrical Outlet is Up to Code

When you are ready to have your new electrical outlet installed there are some things to keep in mind that will help ensure that the project is up to code:

• Use wire that has been approved for outdoor use. Otherwise, it will not hold up well to the heat/cold outdoors. This is why some of your outdoor lightings might not work very well in winter.
• Use metal conduit, not PVC, to run your wiring outside and bury it 12″ deep.
• Use wire that has been approved for wet locations if any part of the wiring will be exposed to water.
• Connect all wires with metal connectors and make sure they are secure.

Hiring a Residential Electrician Contractor is the best way to ensure your New Electrical Outlet is Installed Correctly!

If you’re adding a new electrical outlet to your home, it’s important to make sure that you do it correctly.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends using a licensed electrician if you’re planning to make major changes to your home’s electrical system.

So if you find yourself searching for commercial or residential electrical contractors near me, look no further than Murray Electric & Plumbing in Broken Arrow, OK. Our team of electricians can help you with any electrical project! Whether you need to add an outlet to a wall or you need your entire home rewired by a licensed electrician, we’ve got you covered!

Contact us today at (918) 835-9605!