A great way to upgrade your home’s electrical needs is by replacing standard outlets Burley Electrical Services would like to tell you about the USB outlet. This is an inexpensive upgrade to your home. USB outlets can provide more options for charging and powering today’s vast array of electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops and cameras. Installing these outlets in the right locations throughout your home can provide additional power to those devices when and wherever you need it. However on the side a caution; without experience in working with electricity, you should consider hiring a licensed electrician to upgrade your outlets. Burley Electrical Services will talk about the steps to switching out regular receptacles with USB replacement.
Wall Location & USB Charging Outlet Ports
You may be surprised over the many different combinations of USB and regular power outlets. Don’t feel like you will have to surrender one or the other. There are USB outlets with regular power plugs or just multiple USB receptacles. Try to avoid GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles because USB outlets do not have built-in GFCI functionality. Keep in mind you don’t need to upgrade all your standard receptacles, only the ones that provide the most convenient location for charging or powering your electronics. Some of the ideal locations are the kitchen, office and bedrooms. These are the most common areas that would benefit from a USB outlet. Placing them next to an entry table where keys, phones and other items always wind up is also a great location for a USB outlet.
How to Install USB Outlets
Now that you have chosen the receptacle you want to upgrade to a USB outlet, it is time to change out the receptacles. Start by turning off the power that supplies the receptacle at the main circuit breaker. Test the receptacle with a voltage meter to verify that the electricity is really off to avoid a nasty shock. Remove the mounting screws that secure the cover plate, followed by the screws that secured the outlet to the electrical box. Then disconnect the wires attached to the receptacle and remove it from the electrical box. Connect the power wires to the USB outlet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most USB outlets connect by attaching the white or “neutral” supply wire to the white USB wire. The black or “common” wire to the black USB wire, and the green or bare copper or “ground” wire to the USB outlet’s ground wire with wire nuts. Insert the USB outlet into the electrical box and secure it. Replace the cover plate with the mounting screws. Turn on the power and test the receptacle. Some USB outlets have a polarity light if it is glowing, a problem persists. Turn off the power and remove the cover plate to double check the wiring.
Electrical Fixture Installations & Wiring Work in Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
You will find that adding a USB outlet around your home is much more convenient when charging your favorite devices. Burley Electrical Services is here to help if you find that working around electricity isn’t for you. Don’t hesitate to call us when you want to upgrade your home with USB outlets.