Reasons to Upgrade to Three-Prong Outlets

When considering home upgrades, it’s easy to overlook the electrical upgrades. When considering an electrical upgrade, one of the top things to think about is not only the wiring, but also upgrading from two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets.  Consider these reasons why the best electricians in Benbrook say that this small change can be a substantial upgrade.

Upgrade to Meet Standards

What you may not realize is the electrical system actually adds value to a home.  Upgrading an electrical system can add anywhere between 5% and 15% to a home’s value.  Additionally, regulations state that two-prong outlets are no longer up to safety standards.  Although it’s not required to change two-prong outlets to three-prong, it is in your best interest according to the best electricians in Benbrook, especially if you can add the recommended GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter three-prong outlets that protect homeowners from electrical shocks.

Grounding

Like upgraded outlets, electrical ground wires serve an important purpose for safety as well. They are able to protect both people and electric devices from surges by providing an outlet for excess energy.  Instead of energy from a surge going to the outlet directly, it instead goes to the ground wire.  It then makes its ways to the circuit breaker, causing it to trip so that it turns off and prevents further damage.  After, it heads underneath the house where it is harmlessly dispersed.  Two-pronged outlets are not grounded and therefore offer no surge protection.  To upgrade to three-prong outlets and be sure your outlets are grounded, the best electricians in Benbrook at Tuner Electric are here to help.

Amps

Older homes built before 1965 had either 30 or 60 amp electrical panels which can only handle 120-volt wiring.  Unfortunately, neither outdated 30 nor 60 amp system is equipped to handle today’s electrical needs.  Therefore, modern appliances may be too much for these systems in older homes and can cause wires to heat up or fuses to blow, both of which are fire hazards.

It’s clear that while it’s not necessary to replace two-prong outlets, it can be extremely beneficial not only for your home’s value, but also for your peace of mind and safety.  For more information about changing to three-prong outlets, contact Turner Electric, the best electricians in Benbrook.