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The electrical outlet is the contact point between your device or appliance and the wiring throughout the home. If the connection is secure, you’ll get plenty of electricity to power your equipment. If it’s weak, you may suffer from electric shock, an electrical fire, or a power surge. In any case, we need to inspect the outlets in your home every one to two years to make sure they are in condition and working correctly. Upon inspection, we may need to upgrade the receptacles to newer, safer models. Here are three things we assess:

1. You’re Still Using Two-Prong Outlets

Two-prong, ungrounded outlets are a safety risk. They cannot handle the demand for more power from modern electronics. If you still have two-prong receptacles in your home, it’s time for us to change both the outlet and the wiring. By modernizing your electrical system, you’ll be equipping your home for newer appliances, computers, HVAC systems, water heaters, and other electronics.

2. Your House Was Built 1950-1980

If your house is more than 30 years old, you need to call Harrison Electric to inspect the wiring. If your home is more than 40 years old, the system could likely use an overhaul by a residential electrician. If breakers are tripping or lights are frequently flickering or dimming, the central panel needs an upgrade before overloaded wires cause electrical shock, overheating, or a fire. If you have an older home, we may need to pull out the entire system and start all over again. For instance, If the system operates on a 60-amp service, it’s due for a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade. 200-amp is standard in today’s newly constructed homes.

3. You Have No Protection From Water

Look around your houses - particularly in your kitchen, utility room, or bathroom. Do you see any ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI receptacles)? If not, it’s a clear indication that an electrical contractor has not given your home a necessary upgrade in a while. We can install GFCIs in areas of your home where water is present to avoid water shock. GFCI receptacles instantly cut electrical flow when water gets in the outlet, or it comes into contact with a device (a hairdryer, toaster, etc.).

If you’re ready to modernize your home, let Harrison Electric help you every step of the way. We offer electrical repair and electrical installation. Whether you need a circuit breaker fixed or a ceiling fan replacement, we work on all residential electrical issues large and small. To schedule a repair, installation, or get a free estimate, contact us at 763-544-3300, or you can message us at mail@harrison-electric.com. We are Minneapolis and St. Paul’s most trusted electrical contractor.