There are two types of electrical outlets: grounded and ungrounded. Your home likely has grounded outlets throughout the building if it was constructed after 1960. Here are some facts regarding grounded outlets and the benefits of having an electrician replace any that are ungrounded.

Grounded Outlets

A grounded outlet has three prongs that attach to three wires: a hot wire, which carries energy from a local power source to a building; a neutral wire, which sends electricity back to the power source; and a ground wire, which lessens the possibility of harm in the event of a power surge.

When an outlet or an electrical system as a whole receives too much electricity, a power surge happens. This excess could harm your electronics and appliances, shock or electrocute anyone using them, or start a fire. By sending extra electricity back to the building's main electrical panel and then to the earth, where it will be absorbed, the ground wire aids in preventing these occurrences.

Ungrounded Outlets

Two-pronged or "ungrounded" outlets allow electricity to flow to your electronics. However, they pose a greater threat to your equipment and house from surges and sparks. 

It's possible for the cords of your appliances to overheat due to the sparks and surges. When this occurs, sparks might fly and ignite anything nearby that is combustible. 

This is mostly because modern home equipment consumes more power than its predecessors from earlier eras. Older outlets can't take the load and will overload if used by certain appliances and devices.

If you want to update the ungrounded outlets in your home to grounded ones, turn to the electricians at Afton Electric LLC in New Braunfels, TX. For over 20 years, the team at this family-owned company has offered residents throughout the area a broad range of repair, installation, and maintenance services. Visit them online to learn more about what they do, and call (210) 260-2291 to schedule an appointment with an electrician today.