COVID-19 Update: Mario Castillo Electric is still providing electrical services as normal.
Common Electrical Outlet Problems in Your Home
Outlet Not 3-Prong
Outlet Not 3-Prong
Outlet Not 3-Prong
Many modern appliances now have 3-prongs and are an effective use of electricity to your home. Not upgrading can increase the risk of electrical shocks, causing serious injuries.
Not Holding Charge
Outlet Not 3-Prong
Outlet Not 3-Prong
If an outlet is not keeping your devices at 100%, it means there's a loose connection somewhere. Loose connections can cause sparks which can lead to fires and injury.
Not GFCI
Outlet Not 3-Prong
Not GFCI
Having an outlet that is not properly grounded can be a serious safety hazard in your home. If there is a power surge or outage, the electrical current can travel through the ungrounded outlet and enter your home's wiring system, causing damage to appliances and electronics.
2-Prong vs. 3-Prong
GFCI Outlet Installation
GFCI Outlet Installation
Many people wonder what the difference is between 2-prong and 3-prong outlets. All outlets have two main slots - one for the hot wire and one for the neutral wire. If your home is built more than 25 years ago, you may see outlets with 2-prongs. Modern 3-prong outlets have an additional slot for the ground wire. The ground wire provides an extra level of safety by conducting electricity away from the outlet if there is a short circuit. 3-prong outlets are now required by building codes, so it's important to update an older home with these outlets for safe delivery of power to your home. Have questions on whether your outlets are up-to-date and up-to-code?
Contact Mario Castillo Electric today and we'll complete a full electrical inspection and recommend the best next steps for your home.
GFCI Outlet Installation
GFCI Outlet Installation
GFCI Outlet Installation
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are specially designed outlets that help to protect against electrical shocks. They are required in areas that experience moisture, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoors. GFCI outlets work by constantly monitoring the current flowing through the circuit. If the current suddenly drops or increases, the GFCI outlet will trip and cut off power to the circuit. This can help to prevent serious injuries or even death due to electrical shock.
The professionals at Mario Castillo Electric will provide proper GFCI outlet installation for an extra layer of protection against electrical hazards in the places where they matter most - your home!