Different Types of Outlets For Your Business

Nov 02, 2023 | Outlets

As a business owner, it's crucial to ensure that your office space is equipped with the right electrical outlets. Understanding the different options available and determining what will be most beneficial for creating an efficient and effective workplace is essential.

This post aims to provide information on the various types of electrical outlets suitable for businesses, along with the key considerations to keep in mind while selecting these fixtures for an optimal workspace setup.

Standard Outlets

Selecting the right electrical outlets is vital for the smooth functioning of your commercial space, and standard general-use receptacles are the obvious choice for a reason. These outlets have been designed specifically to power a wide range of electronics commonly used in office buildings, for example printers, computers, phone and more. Standard outlets undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can effectively handle common electrical loads, making them a dependable, secure, and time-tested method of powering your business. Rest easy, knowing that your electrical investments are compliant with safety standards and that these outlets can be trusted to handle everything your office needs to operate efficiently.

Commercial Grade Outlets

Public spaces like lobbies and airports have a high and continuous demand for electricity due to the large number of people plugging and unplugging devices. As a result, outlets can wear out frequently and need replacement. Fortunately, commercial-grade or heavy-duty outlets are available as a solution. These outlets appear and function the same as their residential-grade counterparts but are made to be much more robust.

Constructed with sturdier materials, both inside and out, these outlets can handle heavy usage without costing a fortune. For public spaces that require longevity and reliability, durability is crucial. In fact, some models claim to have a lifespan of more than 100 years with regular use. So, next time you're at a mall, airport, or hotel, take a moment to appreciate the robust, well-designed commercial outlets that ensure an uninterrupted power supply!

GFCI Outlets

The need for GFCI outlets in commercial applications is paramount to ensuring the safety of employees and customers alike. Ground faults can happen at any time, especially in moist or damp environments where electrical equipment is in use.

Faulty tools or damaged cords can create unexpected pathways for electricity that can be lethal without the protection of a GFCI. In the event of a ground fault, a GFCI will quickly shut off power, reducing the possibility of a fatal electrical shock.

Required in commercial kitchens and food preparation areas, as well as in bathrooms and rooftops, GFCI outlets are a necessary addition to any business to protect against electrical hazards.

Specialty Outlets

Having the proper electrical outlets is crucial in commercial and industrial settings. Specialty outlets play a vital role in ensuring the performance and safety of appliances and tools. 

For larger appliances or heavy-duty tools, sturdier outlets are necessary to match their electrical cord requirements. These outlets come in 3 or 4-prong varieties, and selecting the right one based on the appliance's cord is essential. 

Choosing the specific outlets required for a specific environment can prevent costly repairs and downtime, leading to increased efficiency in commercial and industrial operations. Investing in the right electrical outlets is an important precautionary measure that can ultimately make all the difference.

Twist-lock Outlets

Twist-lock outlets are a crucial choice for commercial environments where a dependable power supply is required. These outlets necessitate a specialized plug that must be twisted into place in order to establish a connection and remain securely attached.

Twist-lock outlets are indispensable for industries that rely on constant and uninterrupted electricity, such as factories, hospitals, and construction sites. For these places, a power outage can result in lost productivity or even worse, damage to products or medical equipment. Therefore, twist-lock outlets are the ideal solution for such situations, as they provide an additional layer of protection that makes it difficult to unintentionally unplug them.

Due to the convenience and safety offered by twist-lock outlets, it’s not surprising that more and more businesses are opting for them to meet their electrical needs.

Hospital Grade Outlets

When it comes to commercial applications, safety, reliability, and durability are crucial factors for smooth operations and a healthy bottom line. It is imperative that equipment is functioning correctly and safely. Hospital-grade outlets provide a solution to this problem.

These outlets undergo additional testing and standards to ensure they are grounded reliably, assembled with integrity, strong, and durable, thus exceeding general use requirements. They come in both 15-amp and 20-amp flat-blade configurations and can be identified by a green dot on the face and the words “Hospital Grade” on the back.

Always Work With A Qualified Electrical Professional

It is crucial to have knowledge about the different types of electrical outlets suitable for businesses, to set up an optimal workspace. Even though there are many options to choose from, it is important to consider power requirements and installation costs associated with fitting these fixtures. Professional installation is also essential to ensure long-lasting, safe use of electrical outlets within your office space.

If you are looking for professional and qualified electricians to help install commercial electrical outlets in your business, look no further than Mario Castillo Electric. We provide quality service backed by years of experience in this field. Our experts specialize in both residential and commercial appliance installations and can handle all your electrical requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact Mario Castillo Electric today for all of your commercial outlet installation needs!