Category: Electrician

Reasons to Install a Whole-House Generator 

When an unreliable power grid or a power outage causes a home to lose power, the consequences can range from inconvenient to dangerous. However, the worst part of a power outage may be not knowing when things will return to normal and the home will regain power. 

That’s why installing a standby generator at home can be so beneficial. With a good whole-home generator, homeowners won’t have to worry about the uncertainty when the power fails. Here is some information about installing standby generators, including how they work, when they are needed, and their advantages. 

How Does a Standby Generator Work?

A standby generator that is professionally installed includes all of the necessary components to supply power to a home safely and automatically. Automatic switches turn the generator on as soon as an interruption in power service is sensed, often within seconds of the outage. 

The generator will continue to run until it senses the power is restored. At this point, it will automatically reconnect the home to the grid and power down, so unlike a portable generator, it doesn’t need to be turned on or off manually. Additionally, whole-house generators can often run for days or weeks without refueling, so homeowners don’t have to worry about how long the power outage will last. 

When Are Generators Necessary?

Generators are necessary and turn on automatically after a power outage, which can be caused by many factors, such as extreme weather like storms, lightning, and heat, high power demand, and unpredictable power grid problems that can occur when things like vehicles or trees come into contact with utility poles and power lines.  

So, in order to keep the home running as normal, many homeowners turn to generators to get them through a period without power. When wild weather or unexpected factors disrupt power or unseasonable heat or cold causes massive demands on the power grid, municipal systems can fail. When that happens, homes with a generator installed will not suffer. 

Benefits of Installing a Standby Generator 

Standby generators offer numerous benefits to homeowners during power outages. Here are some key advantages of having a whole home generator installed:

• Provides a reliable source of power during power outages.
• Keeps crucial medical equipment like CPAP machines running, ensuring the well-being of individuals who rely on these devices.
• Maintains the operation of essential home appliances such as heating and cooling systems, ensuring the comfort and safety of occupants during extreme weather conditions.
• Supplies power to refrigerators and freezers, preventing food from spoiling and preventing the cost of replacing spoiled food.
• Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries that may occur due to a lack of lighting or power during an outage.
• Seamlessly switches on and off automatically, providing uninterrupted power without the need for manual operation.
• Enhances the property’s resale value by providing an additional layer of protection and convenience.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They offer flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and an on-time guarantee. Call them for whole-house generator services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Benefits of Transitioning to LED Lights at Home

LED lighting isn’t a new technology. It has been around since the 1960s and became popular in the late 2000s, but its popularity continues to increase, and it is easy to see why. LED lighting is highly energy efficient and beneficial compared to other types of lighting, so homeowners should consider an LED lighting retrofit and installation at home. 

How Does LED Retrofitting Work?

Retrofitting a home to accommodate LED lighting technology simply means something new is being added to it that it did not previously have. In the case of LED lights, older buildings that didn’t have the benefit of LED lighting installation when they were completed are able to convert their old technology to adapt to LED lights and enjoy its benefits.

This often means converting existing lighting fixtures, which may have had old CFL, incandescent, or fluorescent light bulbs, to accommodate LED lights. This may include replacing the old light bulbs with compatible LED light bulb options or replacing the fixture to be compatible with more LED bulbs. Homeowners should call an electrician to ensure the LED retrofit is done safely and to make sure they get all the benefits of switching to LED lights.

Why Switch to LED Lights?

Switching from other types of lighting to LED lights has many benefits. LED lights are currently the most energy-efficient lighting technology, using up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer. This will save homeowners money on energy bills and light bulb replacements. 

These benefits can be further improved when installing an LED dimmer, which gives households greater control over their lighting while allowing for reduced energy use and lengthening the lifespan of an LED light bulb. LED lights are also great for both indoor and outdoor use and come in various types and colors. 

A Few Important Considerations

Upgrading to LED lighting is advantageous, but before retrofitting their homes with LED lighting, there are a few things homeowners should know. For one, not all LEDs are compatible with standard lighting fixtures. Most LED bulbs are compatible and can be used with existing fixtures, but the options will be more limited. Replacing the fixtures instead of just the bulb allows for more options. Another thing to keep in mind is that LED dimming hardware is often incompatible with traditional lighting fixtures. So, homeowners may need to have LED dimmers installed to work with the new LED lights. 

Consulting a professional electrician before retrofitting the home’s light fixtures for LED lights is crucial for several reasons. An experienced electrician can assess whether the existing fixtures are compatible with LED technology, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the upgrade. They can also identify potential electrical issues that could arise from such a change, such as incompatible dimmer switches or outdated wiring that may not support the lower voltage of LED bulbs.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, knowledgeable and friendly contractors, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for LED lighting installation and retrofit services in Rhinelander, WI. 

These Signs Mean It’s Time for Electrical Outlet Replacement

Electrical outlets play a huge part in a home, whether charging devices, running appliances, or simply having a light plugged into them. Unfortunately, it’s common for problems with outlets to go ignored or unnoticed. Not only can this be dangerous, but it can also lead to costly repairs in the future. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that electrical outlets need replacing. Read on to learn signs outlet replacement is needed. 

Outlet Faceplate Has Damage

A good rule of thumb is to view the faceplate over an outlet as an indicator of the outlet’s overall health. A faceplate that’s cracked, melted, scorched, or otherwise damaged is a sign of underlying issues, and the outlet will likely need replacement. Additionally, an electrician should inspect the electrical system when they are there to replace the outlet to ensure no other electrical issues are occurring. 

If the outlet has burn or scorch marks or looks melted, this should be especially worrying since it means there’s likely an overload or even arcing in the outlet. When this happens, it’s a fire hazard, and a professional should replace the outlet as soon as possible to avoid possible injury or accident. 

Loose Plugs or Outlet Malfunctions

When plugs are loose or fall out of an outlet, this is another sign that the outlet needs to be replaced. Often, this can be due to the contact points in an outlet wearing out with age, and the best solution is to replace the entire outlet with a new one. An electrician can check if this is the issue or if there is another underlying issue that needs addressing. 

Similarly, outlet malfunctions are another sign that a new outlet is needed. If one or both of the plugs in an outlet fail to deliver power, it’s a bad sign. If an outlet only works occasionally, it’s also a sign that something is wrong. Ignoring these signs is never a good idea, especially when dealing with electricity.  

The Outlet Sparks or Is Hot

A hot, sparking, or odd-smelling outlet is another red flag that should never be ignored. It signifies potential electrical hazards that could result in severe consequences like fire and is a sign to replace the outlet. When an outlet feels hot to the touch, it often indicates an excessive demand on the electrical system or wiring issues, which could lead to overheating. 

Sparks can result from short-circuiting due to damaged or aging wiring, presenting immediate fire risks. Additionally, a burning smell or smoke also signals that something within the outlet may be burning, which is a precursor to an electrical fire. Therefore, outlets with these symptoms should be inspected and replaced immediately by an electrician to ensure the electrical system’s safety.

About ICT Electric

The professionals at ICT Electric proudly serve Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding areas with more than 30 years of experience in the electrical industry. They provide flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical outlet replacement and repair in Rhinelander, WI.  

Ring in the New Year With Beneficial Home Electrical Upgrades

With the near year underway, many homeowners are excited to tackle those home improvement projects they couldn’t fit into last year’s budget. And when it comes to improving the home, there’s no better place to start than the electrical system. After all, many electrical upgrades can help homeowners save money on their annual energy costs, giving them a greater return on investment. 

But electrical upgrades can also help enhance comfort, save money, and make life more convenient. So here are three electrical system upgrades and improvements every homeowner should consider this year that can offer advantages to a household. 

Put in Ceiling Fans

Although it may not seem like it could make much of a difference, adding ceiling fans throughout the home can be great for comfort and energy efficiency. In the summertime, a ceiling fan can help provide a broad, cooling breeze to an entire room. That cooling effect can also help the home’s AC system, allowing homeowners to raise the thermostat a few degrees to save money and energy without sacrificing comfort. 

The same principle applies in the winter months. When the direction of the fan blades is reversed clockwise, the fan pushes air up toward the ceiling, which forces warm air that has risen back down along the walls. This can help keep the home feeling warmer and allow homeowners to change the temperature to save energy and money. Since the HVAC system consumes a lot of energy while ceiling fans only consume very little, this can be a powerful way to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Make the Indoor Lighting More Energy-Efficient

Another way to improve energy efficiency is to upgrade the indoor lighting with LED lights and dimmer switches. LED light bulbs can use nearly 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs – and last around 25 times longer. So, simply switching to LED bulbs can greatly impact energy consumption and save money.

However, homeowners may want to use the opportunity to install LED light fixtures. Since they’re specifically designed to use LED bulbs, these fixtures help the bulbs last even longer. And many LED bulbs aren’t always perfectly compatible with older light fixtures and circuits. While still perfectly safe to use, this can shorten the bulb’s lifespan and lead to annoying buzzing noises.

Installing new dimmer switches can further improve efficiency by allowing homeowners to reduce the light output of their fixtures (which in turn reduces the electricity used). Having greater control over the light level can also help homeowners wind down around bedtime or set the mood for movie nights, romantic dinners, or parties.

Install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

For those who own electric vehicles, installing an EV charging station at home is a great upgrade to make this year. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations aren’t always easy to find, and people often have to go out of their way to use one. With a charging station in their garage, homeowners can be confident they’re ready for the day’s commute or errands.

Not only is a home electric vehicle charging station more convenient, but it can also be more cost-effective. Public charging stations tend to have a fairly high cost of use relative to at-home charging stations, especially considering that homeowners can charge their vehicles during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. 

So, while many homeowners may be put off by the initial cost of EV charging station installation, it’s an investment that is convenient and can save them money in the long run. Additionally, they can raise the value of a home when installed. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, trustworthy technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Consider Whole-Home Surge Protectors for Home Safety 

The holidays are a time for celebration, but with all of the festivities, they can end up being busier than some people would like. With everything going on, there is very little time to deal with unexpected things, so it is more important than ever that things go perfectly. Consequently, electrical safety ends up playing a big part in the holidays. 

Holiday electrical safety is usually centered around lighting displays, but that isn’t all that goes into keeping the holidays safe. Power surges are a constant threat to the electrical system in a home. Losing devices and appliances during the holidays can be a significant strain. Instead of taking the chance, consider installing or replacing the surge protector in the home. Doing so will ensure the holidays stay merry and bright and the house is protected from power surges for the rest of the year. 

Risks of Power Surges 

Power surges occur when there is a sudden spike in electrical current. These spikes can be caused by various factors, including lightning, high-powered electrical devices, or issues with the power company’s equipment. Regardless of the cause, power surges pose a significant risk to home electronics and appliances. 

This damage can be minor, shortening the lifespan of electronics, or significant, rendering them unusable. Additionally, repeated surges can gradually wear down appliances, leading to frequent breakdowns and hefty repair or replacement costs. Therefore, taking precautions and protecting your home from the dangers of power surges is essential.

In addition to damaging electronic equipment, power surges can also pose a significant fire hazard. This is because the high voltage current can produce excessive heat, which can lead to overheating and potentially cause electrical fires. Power surges are a serious concern for personal safety and the protection of valuable electronic devices. 

Benefits of Protecting the Home With a Whole-Home Surge Protector 

A whole house surge protector is a device that protects all the electrical devices in the home from power surges. It is usually installed at the main electrical panel and diverts excess voltage to the ground instead of allowing it to flow through the appliances and electronics. 

Installing a whole-house surge protector has several benefits. First and foremost, it provides comprehensive protection for all the electrical devices in a home, including appliances, electronics, and even wiring. This means people don’t have to worry about individual surge protectors for each device or outlet. Additionally, a whole house surge protector can save money in the long run by preventing damage to expensive electronics and appliances due to power surges. 

It also gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is protected from fires during a power surge. Furthermore, it can increase the lifespan of electrical devices by reducing wear and tear caused by fluctuations in voltage. So, whether people live in an area prone to severe weather or just want to ensure the safety and longevity of their home’s electronics, installing a whole-house surge protector is a wise investment.

When to Replace an Old Surge Protector 

Whole-home surge protectors are crucial for keeping a home safe from power surges. However, if they have one downside, it’s that they need to be replaced relatively frequently. Replacing a surge protector is usually recommended when it’s over two years old to ensure the home is always protected. 

Additionally, some surge protectors are equipped with a warning light that illuminates to alert homeowners the surge protection is not active anymore, so if this warning light comes on, the surge protector may need replacing. Local electricians will know when they should be replaced, so always consult with experts who know the local conditions best.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time services, and trusted technicians. Call them today for whole-house surge protector installation in Rhinelander, WI. 

Get the Holiday Lights Done Early and Safely With These Tips!

With December just around the corner, neighborhoods are starting to come alive with dazzling Christmas lights and charming decorations. But with how hectic the holiday season can be – and how daunting the task often seems – many people don’t get around to putting up their lights until the last minute. 

But with a plan and a little know-how, homeowners may be surprised by how easy it is to get their electric Christmas decorations put up before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone! This article will share a few pointers to help homeowners transform their yards into an enchanting winter wonderland – all while maximizing energy efficiency and avoiding common electrical hazards!

Choosing Between Incandescent and LED Holiday Lights

The first step in holiday decorating is to decide whether to use incandescent Christmas lights or LED lights. Incandescent lights are becoming less common nowadays due to their drawbacks. For instance, around 90% of the energy they use is released as heat. Not only does this make the bulbs get hot (potentially creating a fire hazard around dry leaves and other flammable materials), but they can also rack up a hefty electric bill if the whole house is decked out with them. However, incandescent lights generally have a lower initial cost than LED Christmas lights and produce a warm color that many people find comforting and nostalgic.

LED Christmas lights, on the other hand, are highly energy efficient, using around 75% less energy than their incandescent counterparts, which saves money on the electric bill during the holidays. They also tend to last many years longer, and the bulbs are less prone to breaking (incandescent Christmas bulbs are notoriously fragile). And since virtually all of the energy they use is released as light, LED bulbs don’t heat up as incandescent bulbs do.

Create the Perfect Holiday Display

Next up, homeowners can choose what kinds of Christmas decorations and lights they want to put up – and there are plenty to choose from. Classic outdoor holiday string lights can be hung along roof lines and balconies or wrapped around columns and tree trunks. Net lighting can be strewn across bushes and hedges to make decorating easy. Or, for a more understated look, electric candles can be placed in all of the windows.

More recent holiday decoration trends include projectors that cast glittering light displays or festive animations on exterior walls or garages. Holiday inflatables in the shapes of Santa, elves, reindeer, snowmen, or other iconic holiday figures can be used in the yard for a more whimsical display. There are even elaborate computer-controlled light displays that flash and pulse in sync with holiday music. Homeowners can choose one or any combination of these decorations to craft their dream display!

Remember to Practice Electrical Safety!

No matter what types of holiday lights and decorations homeowners choose, the most important thing is ensuring they’re safe. Firstly, homeowners should inspect all electrical decorations for faulty wiring, damaged cords or plugs, and broken bulbs – and discard them if they can’t be repaired. If using incandescent holiday lights, homeowners should keep the bulbs away from any flammable materials and make sure they don’t stay on for more than a few hours at a time.

Homeowners should also ensure that all outdoor holiday decorations are rated for outdoor use. Christmas lights and electric decorations should be spread across multiple outlets and circuits rather than crammed into a single power strip or circuit to avoid electrical circuit overloads. Similarly, homeowners should never string together more than three strands of incandescent string lights. When hanging lights, homeowners should avoid tacks, staples, nails, or anything else that can puncture the wire, and try to keep cords out of high-traffic areas or anywhere they can be crushed or pinched.

Of course, electrical safety is only part of the equation. So many people wind up in the emergency room every year after falling from ladders, trees, or rooftops while hanging outdoor Christmas lights. So, when in doubt, homeowners can ensure their safety and electrical safety while saving time by hiring a professional to put up their holiday lights!

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time services, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for holiday lighting services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Tips to Prevent and Catch Electrical Problems

Electrical issues can lead to significant risks in a household. While they can cause an inconvenience as families may be left without electricity, they can also present threats like fires, shocks, and electrocutions. To avoid electrical problems around the house, homeowners should use these tips from electricians – especially as they start to decorate their homes for Halloween and plan to use holiday lighting and decorations. 

Be Careful With Electric Decorations and Lights

Decorating yards and homes is a festive way to celebrate Halloween and Christmas, but holiday lights, inflatables, and other decor can cause safety risks. Households must take precautions when decorating, including:

• Inspect all decorations and lights for frayed wires, loose bulbs, and other defects before plugging them in, and don’t use them if issues are found.
• Keep all indoor decorations away from heat sources like a fireplace, candles, or space heaters.
• Ensure all outdoor decor – including holiday lighting – is specifically meant for outdoor use.
• Be careful not to overload electrical outlets during holiday light installations.
• Turn off all lights and decorations before going to bed at night. 

During holiday lighting installations, households also need to be careful not to damage any wires by using staples or nails to hang them. If the cords are damaged, it can pose electrical risks. If any decorations are damaged or pose safety risks, homeowners should safely dispose of them. 

Why It’s Essential to Avoid Overloaded Electrical Outlets

Adding holiday decorations and lights can make homes festive and fun, but homeowners must take precautions to avoid overloading electrical outlets and causing overloaded circuits. Plugging too many items into a single outlet or circuit can lead to electrical threats. 

Some common risks of an electrical circuit overload are:

• Fire hazards: Overloading can cause wires to overheat and lead to potential fires.
• Damaged wiring: If the electrical current is too high, the insulation around the wires can melt, leading to shocks and fire hazards.
• Tripped circuit breakers: Overloading an outlet or circuit can cause the circuit breaker to trip, leading to inconveniences as a home’s power is temporarily shut off and the breaker has to be reset.
• Electrical shocks: An overloaded outlet can put a household at risk of shocks.
• Flickering lights: The lights on the same electrical circuit as the outlet can flicker or dim when items are plugged in. 

In order to avoid these problems, households should spread out the number of outlets used and relocate devices to different circuits to spread out where the power is being drawn from. 

Common Signs Electrical Repairs Are Needed

To prevent fires and other electrical risks from occurring at their house, homeowners need to recognize signs indicating their electrical system needs repair and schedule services immediately. Having an electrician inspect the electrical system and perform required repairs can correct the damage and protect the household from fires, shocks, and other electrical risks.

Some common symptoms of an electrical problem can include if the circuit breaker is frequently tripping, lights are dimming or flickering, electrical outlets are malfunctioning, burning odors, outlets are hot to the touch, buzzing sounds, or outlets appear discolored or have burn marks. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of expertise serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time arrivals, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical or holiday lighting services in Rhinelander, WI.

How to Spot Faulty Electrical Wiring at Home

Faulty wires in a home can lead to hazardous risks – from fires, shocks, electrocution, and more. In order to prevent these dangers, it’s essential for homeowners to identify the symptoms of wiring problems and schedule professional repairs as soon as possible.  

In this blog, electricians provide tips on what property owners can look for to indicate faulty wiring, including frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers, hot or scorched outlets, and burning smells or buzzing sounds. 

Frequently Blown Fuses or Tripped Circuit Breakers

One of the most apparent signs that can indicate to homeowners they need to have their wiring inspected is frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. A tripped circuit breaker and blown fuse occur to prevent overloading and can alert property owners to a problem in their wiring system and the circuit. 

The circuit breakers will trip, and fuses will blow to cut power and limit the risks, preventing fires or other major dangers to a home and its residents. If a household starts to experience these issues frequently, they need to schedule an electrical inspection and repairs as soon as possible. 

Hot or Scorched Outlets

If homeowners notice electrical outlets are warm when they plug in electrical devices or see scorch marks, it can signal an issue with their wiring system. Some other signs that occur with an outlet that property owners need to be aware of that can indicate faulty wiring are:

• Warmth or heat coming from the outlets.
• Discoloration around the outlet or on the outlet cover due to overheating. 
• Sparks come from the outlet when plugging in or unplugging a device.
• Flickering lights when an item is plugged into an outlet.

Property owners must immediately call an electrician to inspect the wiring and outlet problems. These can cause fires, shocks, and electrocution, so households need to have them repaired quickly to restore home safety.

Buzzing Sound or Burning Smell

Another sign of faulty wiring property owners should be aware of is burning odors or buzzing sounds coming from outlets. Burning smells can indicate an overloaded circuit, loose wiring connection, or short circuit. It can also signal overheating or an electrical fire in the system. 

Buzzing sounds coming from outlets or wiring can also be a symptom of loose wiring or loose connections, vibrations in the wiring, faulty electrical devices, and fluctuations in the voltage. If a homeowner notices any of these symptoms, they must schedule an appointment with an electrician as soon as possible. Electrical issues cannot be delayed – they can lead to serious problems and dangerous risks for households. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, an on-time guarantee, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for wiring repair and replacement in Rhinelander, WI.

Necessary Measures to Keep Homes and Families Safe

Electrical systems are essential to keep households running, allowing computers, televisions, air conditioning, and lights to run. However, functioning electrical systems and installing safety devices are crucial for safety too. As this month is National Wellness Month, homeowners should take steps to make their homes safer and stress-free.

Smoke Detectors

An essential electrical device for homes is a smoke detector. These are crucial to keep families safe and give them the earliest possible warning of a fire. 

Smoke detectors protect households by:

• Providing an early alert as soon as the presence of smoke is detected decreases the chances of injuries and tragedies caused by fires 
• Sounding a loud, distinct high-pitched alarm to notify the family of a fire 
• Being hardwired into the home’s electrical system to ensure they work. They can also hold backup batteries to function even during a power outage.
• Connecting to other smoke detectors so that if one sounds in one part of the house, all of them will sound the alarm to ensure the household hears it 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

While most households ensure their smoke detectors are working correctly, it’s also crucial to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. These alert families to the presence of carbon monoxide in a home and help protect them from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is very dangerous to health. Families may not be aware of its presence in a home until it’s too late. To avoid this, they can install carbon monoxide detectors so an alarm will sound if the device detects the dangerous substance.

Electrical Inspections

To ensure a household’s electrical system operates safely and correctly, homeowners should routinely hire an electrician to perform an electrical safety inspection. These allow electricians to determine if there’s an issue with the electrical system that could put the household at risk. They will proactively check the home’s wiring, outlets, electrical panel, and electrical appliances to look for issues and ensure everything is up-to-code. 

They will also inspect a home’s lights to ensure the wattage is correct and open outlet and switch boxes to check their condition and prevent electrocution risks. They can also test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work correctly. If households notice symptoms like a burning smell, flickering lights, or frequent circuit breakers tripping, they should schedule an immediate electrical inspection. These services allow an expert to perform the necessary electrical repairs or replacements before the issue worsens. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric is a locally-owned company with over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, an on-time guarantee, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical services in Rhinelander, WI.

Tamper-Resistant Outlets Keep Children Safe

Each year, around 2,400 children are injured by severe shock and burns by electrical outlets, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Fortunately, these injuries can be avoided. Parents can install childproof outlets in the home to protect their children and prevent them from sticking objects into outlets. Keep reading to learn about tamper-resistant outlets, their benefits, and signs to replace an old outlet.  

How Do Childproof Outlets Work?

While some might wonder, “What are tamper-resistant outlets?” These devices can be essential to families. Childproof outlets, also called tamper-resistant receptacles, have built-in safety mechanisms to protect children. These devices have sliding or self-closing covers, making it difficult for objects to be inserted into the electrical slots. 

The spring-loaded shutters cover the slots and remain closed until equal pressure is applied to both shutters at the same time by a plug. This means both shutters must be engaged before an object can be inserted into the outlet. When a homeowner inserts a plug into a tamper-resistant outlet, the prongs of the plug press against the spring-loaded shutters. The equal pressure from both prongs pushes the shutters open, allowing the plug to be fully inserted into the outlet. If a child tries to insert a foreign object like a toy into a tamper-resistant outlet, it will not be able to engage both shutters simultaneously, and the shutters will remain closed.

Benefits of Childproof Outlets

Parents of young children have many options regarding childproofing their outlets. While many may opt for removable outlet covers like plastic plugs or caps, these can actually present a danger to children. They can be easily removed, presenting the original electrical danger, and if a toddler removes a plug, it can be a choking hazard. Installing childproof outlets is a safer option for parents. 

By incorporating spring-loaded shutters, these outlets reduce the risk of electrical shocks and injuries caused by inserting objects into the outlets. The shutters prevent toddlers from sticking toys and other objects into the slots and cannot be removed, meaning they will not be a choking hazard. 

Some of the benefits these outlets provide are:

• Protect against electrical hazards.
• Peace of mind that toddlers and children are protected and are less likely to incur injuries.
• Homeowners do not need to add outlet covers or other devices to all the electrical outlets.

Signs to Replace an Old Outlet

To keep children protected, homeowners need to replace childproof outlets at the first signs of an issue. These signs of trouble with outlets also apply to outlets that aren’t tamper resistant. If homeowners notice these signs, they should schedule services with an electrician to replace the outlets. Some symptoms that can indicate outlet replacement services are needed include:

• There are signs of damage or wear and tear on the outlets, including a cracked faceplate.
• The plugs are falling out of the outlets due to loose connections.
• The outlet is providing intermittent power.
• The outlet feels hot to the touch.
• The outlet is old.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing and an on-time guarantee. Call them today for childproof outlet installation in Rhinelander, WI.