Add New Capacity Or Upgrade The Outlets At Your Raleigh Home
We've been installing and replacing outlets in homes around the Raleigh area since 2005, and we've seen just about every outlet situation you can imagine. Whether you need a simple outlet replacement, want to upgrade to modern USB outlets for easier charging, or need to add safety outlets like GFCIs and AFCIs to protect your family, Dawson's Electric & Air is here to help. We believe in doing honest work the right way, which means installing outlets that meet current code requirements and keeping your home safe.
If you're ready to upgrade your outlets or need new ones installed, give us a call at 919-887-8284 or reach out online today!
What Are The Different Types Of Outlets & When Do I Need Them?
Not all outlets are created equal, and modern homes need different types of outlets for different purposes. Here's what you need to know about the main types of outlets we install:
- Standard Outlets: These are your basic duplex outlets with two receptacles that you'll find throughout most of your home. They're perfect for general use in bedrooms, living rooms, and other dry areas where you're plugging in lamps, TVs, and everyday electronics.
- GFCI Outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): These safety outlets monitor the flow of electricity and shut off power instantly if they detect a dangerous imbalance, protecting you from electric shock. Building codes require GFCIs in any area near water, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, unfinished basements, and outdoor spaces.
- AFCI Outlets (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter): These outlets protect against electrical fires by detecting dangerous arcing that can happen from damaged wiring, loose connections, or rodents chewing through wires. Modern codes require AFCI protection in bedrooms, living areas, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- USB Outlets: These convenient outlets combine standard receptacles with built-in USB ports, so you can charge your phone, tablet, or other devices without hunting for an adapter. They're great for kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, and anywhere you regularly charge devices.
- Weather-Resistant Outlets: Required for outdoor use, these outlets are built to handle moisture and temperature changes. They work with weatherproof covers to keep your outdoor spaces safe and functional year-round.
Where Are GFCI Outlets Required In My Home Near Raleigh?
Understanding where you need GFCI outlets isn't just about following code requirements; it's about protecting your family from dangerous electrical shocks. Here's where GFCI protection is required:
- Kitchens: All outlets serving countertop areas must have GFCI protection because of the proximity to sinks and water. Even outlets under the sink in an enclosed cabinet don't require GFCI protection, but countertop outlets absolutely do.
- Bathrooms: Every outlet in a bathroom needs GFCI protection, whether it's near the sink or across the room. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and the combination of water and electricity is always dangerous.
- Laundry Rooms: All outlets in laundry areas now require GFCI protection, even if there's no sink present. This includes outlets for your washer and dryer, though some dedicated appliance outlets may have different requirements.
- Garages & Unfinished Basements: These areas tend to have concrete floors and potential moisture, making GFCI protection essential for safety. Most outlets in these spaces need to be GFCI-protected.
- Outdoor Outlets: Any outlet outside your home must have GFCI protection, and they need to be weather-resistant outlets with proper weatherproof covers to handle the elements.
If you need some new outlets in your home, we're the team to call! Give us a ring at 919-887-8284 today!
Outlet Installation FAQs
The cost varies depending on the outlet type and whether new wiring is needed. Standard outlet replacement typically runs $75 to $150 per outlet, while GFCI and AFCI outlets cost $100 to $200 due to their safety features. USB outlets usually run $125 to $175. We always provide upfront, flat-rate pricing before starting work, so there are no surprises.
Building codes require outlets spaced so that no wall point is more than six feet from an outlet, typically meaning outlets every 12 feet. Kitchens need outlets every four feet along countertops. Most bedrooms need four to six outlets, while living rooms might need six to ten, depending on size. If you're constantly using extension cords, you likely need more outlets.
You can't simply replace a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet unless a ground wire is present. Installing three-prong outlets without proper grounding is dangerous. Safe options include installing GFCI outlets (which don't require grounding), running new grounded wiring, or keeping two-prong outlets. An electrician can evaluate your situation and recommend the safest, code-compliant solution.
You can do a basic check by plugging in a small device, like a lamp, to see if the outlet is working. However, for safety and accuracy, it’s best to have a licensed electrician test your outlets using a receptacle tester.
A professional can make sure the outlet is properly wired, grounded, and safe to use, helping prevent shocks, shorts, or other electrical issues in your home.
If a single outlet stops working, it’s usually caused by a loose connection, a faulty part, or a wire. While it might seem minor, it’s important to have a licensed electrician check it. Fixing the problem early ensures your outlets stay safe and reliable, and helps prevent bigger electrical issues in your home.
How Do AFCI Outlets Differ From GFCI Outlets?
While both AFCI and GFCI outlets are safety devices, they protect against completely different electrical dangers. Here's how they're different:
- Different Hazards: GFCI outlets protect you from electric shock by detecting ground faults when electricity takes an unintended path, like through water or your body. AFCI outlets protect against electrical fires by detecting dangerous arcing from damaged wires, loose connections, or faulty appliances.
- Different Locations: GFCIs are required near water sources, including kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. AFCIs are required in living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where electrical fires are more likely to start behind walls.
- Different Installation: GFCI protection can come from GFCI outlets themselves or from GFCI breakers in your electrical panel. AFCI protection typically comes from AFCI breakers in the panel, though AFCI outlets are also available and sometimes required.
- Feed-Through Protection: Both types provide protection not just for themselves but for any outlets downstream on the same circuit. This means one GFCI or AFCI outlet can protect multiple standard outlets connected to it.
- Can Work Together: You can have both GFCI and AFCI protection on the same circuit, and in some areas of your home, like kitchens and laundry rooms, you actually need both types of protection for maximum safety.
Can I Install USB Outlets On GFCI-Protected Circuits?
Absolutely, and we install USB outlets on GFCI-protected circuits all the time, especially in kitchens where people want the convenience of charging devices right on the countertop. Here's what you should know:
- Perfectly Compatible: USB outlets work just fine downstream from GFCI outlets or on circuits protected by GFCI breakers. The 5-volt USB charging circuit is isolated from the main electrical current, so it won't interfere with GFCI protection.
- Kitchen Convenience: Installing USB outlets on your kitchen countertops gives you easy access to charge phones and tablets while you cook, and they still maintain the required GFCI protection for safety near water sources.
- Quality Matters: We've found that using high-quality USB outlets from reputable manufacturers prevents potential issues. Cheaper outlets can sometimes have minor leakage current that might trip sensitive GFCIs, though this is rare with quality devices.
- Smart Options: Modern USB outlets come with fast-charging capabilities and can include both USB-A and USB-C ports, giving you flexibility for different devices without cluttering your counters with bulky charging adapters.
- Professional Installation: While it might seem simple to swap an outlet, having a licensed electrician install USB outlets ensures proper wiring, maintains GFCI protection, and keeps everything up to code for your safety.
Safe Power Everywhere You Need It, When You Need It
At Dawson's Electric & Air, we've been helping homeowners around Raleigh upgrade their outlets since 2005, and we believe in doing the job right the first time. Whether you need safety outlets installed to protect your family, convenient USB outlets added for modern living, or just want to replace old, worn-out outlets, we're here to help with honest, straightforward service. Give us a call at 919-887-8284 or reach out online to schedule your outlet installation today.
