Because so many appliances and gadgets now work with USB technology, many homes are making upgrades to their outlets. Common electronics used with outlets include smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more. If you’ve made the choice to upgrade your home with USB outlets, follow these steps to ensure you install the right outlets in the safest way possible.
Consider Your USB Needs
Which parts of your home need USB outlets? The point of adding USB outlets is to enhance how easy it is to charge and use electronic devices. With USB outlets in each room, everyone can keep their devices charged and fully functional. For example, if you add a USB outlet in the kitchen, it becomes easier to charge your phone while cooking. If the living room is where you usually charge your gadgets, installing USB ports there is a smart move.
Strategically placing the outlets in the right places is one of the easiest ways to reduce the use of power bricks and extension cords. This not only raises the aesthetics of your house but also makes it safer. Many homeowners in older houses add USB outlets to make their home’s electrical infrastructure more modern.
Consider the Different Types of USB Outlets
Once you’ve assessed your home’s USB outlet requirements, it’s time to choose the right types. There are many options to choose from, each designed to accommodate specific devices or charging needs.
Standard USB Outlets
The standard USB outlet comes with the traditional USB-A port. If you have a camera, smartphone or digital camera that is over 5 to 10 years old, it probably uses a USB-A port. Many standard USB outlets come with two port A slots, making them ideal for places where multiple people need to charge a device.
USB-C Outlets
Many of today’s newer devices charge with a USB-C cable. USB-C outlets offer faster charging than USB-A ports. They also come with higher power transfer rates. Some people add these outlets to their kitchens, living rooms and home offices. In the kitchen, it’s not uncommon for devices like blenders, smart refrigerators and coffee makers to require a USB-C connection. Living rooms often need USB-C connections for smart TVs, gaming consoles and soundbars. In home offices, many times, devices like laptops or desktop computers need a USB-C outlet.
Combination Outlets
A combination outlet provides a versatile solution to those who need a traditional power outlet as well as a USB charging port. Take, for example, that you want to plug your microwave into the same outlet that you use to charge your phone. With a combination outlet, this becomes possible. These outlets also work well for powering devices like lamps or TVs and charging your phone at the same time.
High-Speed USB Outlets
High-speed USB outlets are ideal for devices that need fast charging, such as smartphones, tablets or wireless earbuds. Many high-speed USB outlets come with USB-A and USB-C ports, making them extremely versatile. A lot of homeowners add these outlets to home office areas and other parts of the home that require advanced power delivery technology.
Smart USB Outlets
Smart USB outlets provide unparalleled functionality by enabling control through smartphone apps or voice commands. You can use the outlets to not only charge devices but also to turn them on and off at certain predetermined times. For example, you can plug a lamp into a smart USB outlet and preprogram it to turn on and off at certain times. This not only ensures the lamp turns off every night, which saves money, but it also helps the lighting fixture last longer. Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing is here to help you set up your home with smart USB outlets and achieve a fully connected living experience.
Choose Installation Locations
The best places to install USB outlets in a kitchen include near countertops, islands and coffee stations. This makes it easy to charge devices and ensure full functionality for smart speakers, tablets, recipe displays and beverage dispensers. In living rooms, it’s a good idea to install USB outlets near seating areas and end tables. Installing the outlets near bedsides in bedrooms simplifies relaxing in your bed while charging your favorite gadgets. Having USB plugs close to your desk might be a great way to charge your devices without taking up too much space in your home office.
Hire a Qualified Electrician
Adding electrical outlets with USB inputs can seem like a tempting DIY project, but in reality, it’s best left to professional electricians. They have the training, education and expertise to execute the job right. In addition to proper function and a safe installation that prevents shocks and fire risk, they’ll make sure the work is up to code, avoiding trouble if you ever try to sell your home.
How to Prepare the Home
Before the electrician arrives at your home to perform the installation, it’s a good idea to prepare your home. You’ll need to start by clearing the area around any of the outlet installation locations. The goal is to provide the electrician with easy access so that they can perform their job safely and as fast as possible. It’s also important to clear the pathway to the home’s main electric panel.
Shutting Off the Power
There doesn’t need to be any live electricity in the locations where the electrician will install the new outlets. To prevent this from happening, the electrician will start the installation process by shutting off power to those areas of the home.
Removing the Existing Outlets
The next step involves removing the old outlets that you want to replace with new USB ones. This step requires detaching covers and wires.
Testing for Voltage
Once the old outlets are gone, the electrician will check the wires to ensure they have the right voltage. Checking for the correct voltage ensures that, when you use the outlets, they are safe and won’t shock you. In fact, testing voltage is one of the most important safety aspects of installing new USB outlets.
Disconnecting Wires
The next part of the USB outlet installation process entails disconnecting the wires for the new outlet. This might involve trimming or stripping wires.
Preparing and Installing the New USB Outlet
Once all the right wires are in the right place, the electrician will attach the new USB outlets to them. Then, the electrician will make sure the outlets have the right connections to the electrical panel.
Testing the New Outlet
With the outlets connected to the right wires, it becomes possible for the electrician to test each one’s functionality. All this requires is plugging in a device to see whether each one works or not.
Restoring Power
After making sure the outlets are functioning properly, the electrician will proceed to the electrical panel to reestablish electricity to the affected portions of the house. They will also take time to return the work areas to their original state of cleanliness and organization.
Whether you need an electrical repair, plumbing maintenance or water quality testing, Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing can help. Call us now to book services for a professional USB outlet installation in your Canton, OH, home.
