Reasons to Upgrade to Three Prong Outlets

Are you still using two-prong outlets? Believe it or not, two-prong outlets are outdated and unsafe. In fact, two-prong outlets are so outdated that they go against the building code that started in 1962. Three-prong outlets can protect against electrical shock, electrical fires, and potentially from damage to your electrical appliances. At HomeOps Electric, your safety is important to us. If you haven’t updated your outlets to more modern standards, give us a call or schedule online today for a free consultation. If you’d like to know more information about updating your home electrical wiring system, get in touch with our team at HomeOps Electric. Keep reading to find out why investing in three-prong outlets is right for you.

Two-prong Outlets are Outdated and Dangerous

So, you’re wondering, why are two-prong outlets so unsafe and outdated anyway? Well, both two-prong and three-prong outlets have a hot-wire and a neutral-wire. While the hot-wire carries electricity from the electrical panel to the outlet, the neutral wire carries the electricity from the outlet back to the electrical panel. The problem with two-prong outlets is that they don’t have a third wire, the ground wire, that carries any additional voltage that remains inside the circuit. Keep reading and we’ll explain more about the differences.

What Do Three Prong Outlets Do?

How is a three-prong outlet different from a two-prong outlet? Is it safer and more up to date with building standards? A three-prong outlet differs from a two-prong outlet because it has a third wire called the ‘ground wire.’ What this third wire does is carry out any additional voltage that may be in the circuit. If the circuit is overloaded with electricity, it can be diverted to the ground.The ground wire provides a safe exit for the additional electricity thus having a lesser risk of electrical shock or fire hazard. If you suspect your outlets are outdated and need an update, give us a call at HomeOps Electric. We’re available 24/7, all year round.

Meet the Standards

While most electrical outlets can handle 120 volts of electricity, additional volts can enter inside the circuit and overload it. This is dangerous because it can burn through wires or leave the closed system, causing electrical shock or fire. This is why it is important to upgrade to a system that provides a ground wire where additional voltage has a safe exit. By diverting the extra electricity to the ground, a three-prong outlet prevents it from hurting you and your electrical devices and appliances.

How Do I Upgrade?

Installing ground wires requires connecting the wires from the electrical panel all the way to the outlet. That’s a pretty important and complicated job and should only be handled by a qualified electrician. If you would like to update your two-prong outlets into three-prong outlets, call our team of electricians at HomeOps Electric. We’re committed to ensuring customer safety and satisfaction. Take the step to making your home safer and more efficient today. Schedule online or over the phone and we’ll be on our way.