Identifying a grounded outlet is quite easy. Outlets that have three holes, rather than just two, with two vertical holes and one located beneath the vertical holes are grounded outlets. All modern homes are built and equipped with outlets that are properly grounded since they are required by safety standards for all homes, businesses and any other type of structures built in the mid 1960’s going forward.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GROUNDED OUTLETS
The two vertical slots of a grounded outlet represent what is referred to as the hot wires and the neutral wires. Ground wires are tied to the neutral vertical slot of the outlet in case of any issues with the outlet, such as a short. These ground wires allow electricity to then travel along the specific ground wire back into your home’s electrical panel. The role of the ground wire is essential to protecting against electric shocks and to avoiding fires and other hazards in the home.
Ungrounded outlets are incredibly dangerous and can pose serious risks to not only your home but your family as well. They can increase the overall risk of both property and personal damages and injuries and present with a variety of hazards including:
- Health hazards – Ungrounded outlets can present with a serious risk of shock to persons who are operating electronics or appliances that are directly plugged into them.
- Electrical fire hazards – If an outlet is not grounded, sparks could occur as well as arcing and electrical charges that can ultimately result in fires along the walls where the outlets are installed or to nearby furniture, fabrics and other fixtures.
- Home and property loss – When ungrounded outlets are present, equipment, electronics and appliances plugged into these ungrounded outlets can short out resulting in damaged or worthless items.
- Unorganized, messy wires – In many older homes often times there is a combination of ungrounded and grounded outlets present. However old the home may be, this combination is indicative of potential serious electrical problems that can ultimately result in hazards, fires and multiple losses and more often that not present with a completely, unorganized messy array of electrical wires.
If you have noticed ungrounded outlets in your home or business, then surely you have come to the right place. Gervais Electric has, not only highly skilled and certified electricians and technicians to handle your every electrical problem, but our team possesses years and years of experience and know-how to handle everything electrical. Our skilled technicians are committed to providing all our valued clients with top of the line electrical services that will simply not be matched by any of our competitors.
If you are in need of newly installed grounded outlets, replacement of ungrounded outlets, or any other type of electrical services or repairs, then we are the team for you. Simply give a shout out to one of our staff members today to schedule your service or repair appointment. Our technicians will inspect and analyze the wiring and outlets in your home and identify the presence of any ungrounded outlets. Once identified, we will provide effective solutions ensuring that any such problems have been completely eliminated and ensure that your home and family are safe from potential electrical shocks, fires and personal injuries.
If you are concerned about ungrounded outlets in your home, or are in need of newly installed grounded outlets, then don’t delay. Reach out to Gervais Electric’s dedicated team of certified electricians and technicians today. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality electrical services all year round, whether winter, spring, summer or fall.
