Think of all the appliances in your home that rely on electricity. There might be too many to count: the fridge, oven, work computer, television… the list goes on. But one thing remains the same, and it’s that you need a reliable source of power for all your electronics. When people upgrade their homes, they often overlook their electrical sockets. But if you want to make sure you have the power you need, take a closer look at your electricity sources.
If you’re renovating your home or commercial office space, chances are you’re wondering what type of outlets you require. Depending on your needs, you want to know that your outlets won’t fail you when you need them most, whether that’s during working hours or while you’re cooking dinner. In this post, we’ll cover the three different grades of electrical outlets:
Homeowner grade. The most common and least expensive of all outlets is the homeowner grade. They are perfect for spots that don’t constantly draw electricity, like for bedroom or bathroom appliances. The affordable price point comes at a cost, though: they wear out after 5-10 years. A homeowner grade outlet is suitable for a residence that doesn’t rely on power 24/7.
Commercial grade. More durable and reliable than homeowner grade, these outlets are perfect for offices and industrial spaces. They have a higher cost (about twice as much) but can last up to 100 years. Any area that constantly draws power will benefit from commercial grade outlets. The investment will definitely pay off since a homeowner grade outlet would need to be replaced much sooner and more often.
Hospital grade. In some places, a power outlet just can’t fail – especially when lives depend on it. This is true of medical facilities, which is why they require hospital grade outlets. These are the most dependable types of outlets. They have increased support for plug retention so that cords do not accidentally fall out of the sockets. In healthcare settings, there’s no room for error; that’s why these facilities require durable and reliable outlets. But this performance is reflected in the cost – these outlets can be ten times as expensive as homeowner grade outlets.
So, which type of outlet is right for you? That depends on what space you are having them installed in. In your residence, you can get away with homeowner grade outlets. You may want to consider installing commercial ones in the rooms that you use power the most, such as a den, kitchen, or home office. Commercial grade outlets are best in buildings that use power constantly. The best location for hospital grade outlets is self-explanatory, but if someone in your home relies on a machine to help them breathe, then you may consider having one of these installed.
Take a look at your current wall outlets: if any are cracked, loose, or hot to the touch, it’s time for a replacement, and potentially an upgrade. For any questions you may have, contact Powertec Electric; we are certified and insured electricians in Winnipeg. Our electricians can help you make the right decision about which outlet is suitable for your space. For commercial and residential jobs, we have you covered.