7 Ways to Upgrade Wall Outlets

Do you know when the time is right to upgrade wall outlets in your home? You can typically expect your electrical system outlets to last 15-25 years. but in some cases, your wall outlet can fail after only 5 years! From charging your phone, to powering TVs and computers, it’s difficult to imagine a day without using multiple outlets. For something we use for just about everything, they deserve more attention.

It’s probably time to upgrade your old electrical outlets if you notice any of the following:

• Literal sparks fly when you plug things in
• The electrical outlet gets warm when you use it – you might notice smoke or even burns around it
• Sockets are loose and plugs won’t stay plugged in
• Outlets have black or brown discolouration
• Circuits start frequently tripping
• Power cuts out or flickers for no apparent reason

With modern technology, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to electrical outlets. They’ve come a long way in both appearance and functionality and can make a major improvement to your day-to-day life. So whether you have two prong outlets in the bathroom or three prong outlets in the kitchen, why not consider an outlet upgrade? We’ve compiled 7 effective ways to upgrade wall outlets in your home so you can truly get the most out of them.

USB Outlets

While our phones have gone through a major transformation over the years, those bulky power pack chargers and adaptor plugs haven’t kept up the pace. With a USB outlet, you can say goodbye to those chargers once and for all!

USB power points allow you to plug your phone, tablet, iPad or other devices directly into the outlet, while still allowing you to connect plugs to the electrical outlets as well. Well-placed USB outlets can greatly improve the convenience of charging your devices in bedrooms and other living rooms. You can find out all of the benefits in our ‘Why you should update power points with USB sockets‘ blog.

Internet Connectors

Tired of waiting for your movie to buffer, or perhaps you’ve heard a few too many times about how your son lost his game because of lag? Installing an internet connector, or Ethernet connection point, can greatly improve the quality and data transfer speed that your device receives.

Internet connectors allow you to directly plug your device, be it a TV, desktop computer, or laptop into your modem via a wall outlet. While not necessary for everyday use, an Ethernet cable connection can be a game changer for movies, gaming, video chats, and large file transfers.

You can have multiple internet connectors in your home connected to different devices to boost your internet speed considerably. For those working from home who rely on fast internet, this can be essential.

GFCI Outlets

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a great electrical outlet type to protect your family. These outlets monitor the current flowing in the circuit. If this reaches a shock hazard, it will turn the circuit off. This can go a long way in preventing potential electrical hazards in your home.

Ground fault circuit interrupters are great for all around the home. That being said, you should make sure GFCI outlets are installed, at minimum, in your bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen.

AFCI Outlets

If you’re concerned about the possibility of an electrical fire from an overheating outlet, install AFCI outlets, or arc fault circuit interrupters. Like GFCI outlets, an arc fault circuit interrupter electrical outlet monitors the current in the circuit. If it detects any interruptions, it shuts the circuit down.

AFCI protection can come either from an electrical outlet or circuit breakers. If you’re looking to upgrade wall outlets, it is best to speak with a professional electrician about which type will best suit your home.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles (TRR)

One way you can child-proof your home is by installing tamper-resistant receptacles, or TRRs. If any small children in your home decide to investigate an electrical wall outlet with a bobby pin, for example, TRRs prevent anything that is not a plug from being inserted into it.

You can rest easy knowing your little one won’t be at risk of electric shock or burns.

Recessed Outlets

How many times have tried to push your TV unit right up against the wall, only to find the plugs stick out too much? Recessed outlets are set back into the wall and stop your plugs from dangling too far off the wall.

These are especially great behind entertainment systems or other furniture where you want your furniture flush against the wall.

TV Points

Australian homes in 2017 had 6.4 TV screens on average, with the majority of them being internet capable. With all the cords and antennas needed to run this many TVs, these homes must be electrical nightmares.

New antenna installations have TV antenna point outlets that you can install discreetly. They allow a much easier TV connection without all the mess. You can even run up to 6 TV points from one antenna depending on the signal.

Speak To The Experts in Home Electrical Outlets

With so many options, from standard to smart outlets and everything in between, it’s easy to take your home into the modern world with an upgraded wall outlet. Whether you’re just looking for a stable TV signal to watch the footy, or are looking to baby-proof your home, Metropolitan Electrical Contractors is fully qualified to upgrade electrical outlets.