When it's time for renovations, the first thing done is to move furniture, decorations, and even electrical outlets. While it may be easy to move furniture, electrical outlets need professionals -and it's not cheap. Through this post, we'll reveal what we've learned about the cost of moving outlets and what to do with them.
While most tasks are do-it-yourself, handling wires is far from optimal, especially moving outlets. Hire professionals to do the electrical work, which is about $50 per hour at minimum. Anticipate an additional $200 for other electrical-related charges. However, moving an electrical outlet from one location in the same room costs $75-$100.
Handling electrical work is a hazard in itself. It requires knowledge and skills to execute steps properly, or you end up paying more than it costs. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the cost of moving electrical outlets and concerns related to electrical work.
Types of Electrical Outlets
Are the sockets in your home working properly? You might think there's only one kind of outlet for commercial or residential use. However, there are different types of sockets, and they serve different purposes.
If you're planning an electrical upgrade, this might be a good time to find out what kind of outlets you can use in your home. Even the most basic knowledge is important or it could cost you money.
20A outlet
A device that requires a lot of power needs an outlet that can compensate for its use. 20A outlets are best used in kitchen and laundry areas where electricity usage is highest. These outlets can handle electrical loads better than others without triggering an outage.
Check this 20A outlet from Amazon.
15A duplex
Most homes in the US use either 15 amp outlets or 20 amp outlets. They're the perfect combination for lamps, small appliances, and heavy-duty equipment that requires more electricity use.
GFCI Outlet
GFCI is the right choice for you if you are concerned about wet areas in your home where unusual leaks may occur. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI is responsible for the detection of abnormal electrical current and immediately shuts off if detected. Recommended for use in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens or basements, preferably installed outdoors.
AFCI Outlet
Arc fault circuit interrupters are the newest addition to the outlet model. Its design detects fault arcs that cause electrical fires. It is recommended for use in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Smart Plugs
Innovations of today's technology will amaze you as some outlets are safer to use and efficiently reliable. It is accessible with a smartphone and can be turned on or off anytime and anywhere. As clever as it suggests, it still requires a smart home hub to connect to other devices.
Click here to see this smart plug on Amazon.
USB outlet
Another technology-friendly outlet is the use of USB receptacles. This type of socket is convenient because it can charge your electronic devices directly with just a USB cable. It is efficient to use for both small and large devices with USB cables.
Switched outlet
This outlet is used for special occasions. For example, installing Christmas lights. It has an on and off switch, and you can plug it in anytime you need it. Connecting it to extension cords is A great use for a switched outlet.
AFCI & GFCI: Which to choose?
Both interrupters are new and safe to install by a professional. They detect an outbreak of a fault on the circuit and shut it down immediately. Its use impacts a household's safety by preventing electrical fires and shocks from happening.
Both designs serve as protection for any household. A GFCI outlet costs around $10 to $20, while an AFCI outlet costs between $20 to $32. These outlets are viable in power-hogging equipment and devices. The price is manageable as safety should come first.
These sockets have a reset button. In the event of a power trip, you can push it directly. Depending on the need of your home, both of these receptacles are equally important as they serve their purpose.
What should be considered in choosing an outlet?
Electrical outlets don't act as one unit and model. There are several socket options available on the market. However, it's not as easy as you think it is.
Before buying an outlet, consider the hazards and risks. Your home is an investment, so think carefully about your electrical options. Below is a list of factors to consider when choosing an outlet for your home.
- Location - You can't just put a 20 amp outlet in a wet area in your household. There is a specific outlet for each area in your home. It is best to ask a professional for proper guidance.
- Appliances and Electronics - Heavy-duty equipment requires special receptacles such as GFCI or AFCI. If you ignore this, the circuit will be overloaded and can be an electrical hazard to you and your home.
- Wiring/Circuits - It is vital to check the wires and circuits before buying a new outlet. Wiring and circuits require service inspection before new receptacles are installed, or they may trip and cause electric shock or fire.
- Commercial or Home - Not every store is suitable for all area types. Sockets used in residential buildings are not compatible with commercial areas. Installing outlets for businesses requires commercial-grade outlets.
How much does a professional charge for installing an outlet?
Hiring a professional for any electrical job is expensive. This is an intensive task that requires time and proper skills. On average, professionals may charge $40 to $12 per hour, plus an additional $10 to $100 for materials.
How long does it take to install an outlet?
It takes about half an hour for an experienced electrician to install a new outlet. It may sound easy, but having to rewire and move outlets take a couple of hours to finish. A full upgrade of an outlet can take hours or even days to complete.
Is DIY electrical work legal?
It varies from state to state whether you can legally execute any electrical work. The job is not easy and requires proper knowledge and skills. If you decide to DIY an electrical project, your budget may be tight, however, replacing or repairing poor quality work can still cost you more than hiring a professional.
Why should you hire a professional?
Electrical engineering is not something you can do alone. Hiring a professional can get the job done because they know what to do and how to do it. It's comforting to know that your home is free of any electrical hazards.
Electricians know best when it comes to an electric fix. They can ensure that your socket is installed correctly and safe to use. However, there is a cost when you hire professionals, but it is vital concerning our homes.
Being safe and secure in our household is better than preventing electrical accidents from happening.
In Closing
Home upgrades that involve electrical work should be done by a professional. Do-it-yourself may be legal in some states in the US, but electrical repairs are not an easy and safe thing to do. Professionals know what they are doing and get the job done.
Knowing that you'll get the best service for what you're paying for is a no-brainer. In short, it's more important to have a deep understanding of the right outlets than adding unnecessary costs to buying the wrong outlets.
Consult a professional. Your safety and your home's protection are important.
Want more information on electrical works? Read it here:
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Can You Run An Extension Cord Under A Rug?
How To Hide Electrical Cords On The Wall [9 Excellent Options Explored]