No longer are traditional, simple electrical outlets found in modern homes. Today, thanks to new, innovative technologies, there has been a move to an array of electrical outlet upgrades. These upgrades help to balance the addition of new items in your home, while increasing your safety from potential, electrical system hazards.

Here, you can learn more about the more common type of electrical outlet upgrades for your home, and the benefits they offer.

1. Recessed Outlets

One of the most annoying features of traditional outlets is that the plugs often hinder the ability people have to walk past, or even put you at a risk of tripping over extension cords used for devices further away. However, when you have recessed outlets installed, these concerns are eliminated. That’s because they are situated inside where the traditional outlet used to be. This means the plug goes further into the wall, reducing the potential of obstructions.

2. USB Outlets

One of the initial (and biggest) changes seen when new technologies began to emerge was the need for your power strips to accommodate the plugs used for chargers and adapters.

Now, you can actually have USB outlets installed in your home. No longer do you have to use a plug for charging your tablet or smartphone, or an adapter. Instead, your devices that use USB exclusively can have their own, specialty outlet.

3. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – GFCI Outlets

This is a pretty affordable option that ensures if any type of interruption of the electricity in a circuit is present, that it immediately shuts down. In most cases, this type of issue arises after a short outage that increases the likelihood of a power surge that may damage or even destroy your costly appliances and electronics.

4. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters – AFCI Outlets

A huge issue with many traditional outlets is the possibility of overheating. This can lay the foundation for damages that may be quite expensive to have repaired. Similar to the GFCI, the AFCI is designed to quickly find any significant increase in wiring temperature. Once this is detected, the outlet shuts down.

5. Tamper Resistant Receptacles – TRR Outlets

If you have young children, then you are likely concerned with your outlets being an attractive target for your little ones who may attempt to insert something inside of them. This is because of the potentially fatal shock that children may receive if they happen to stick something inside. However, with the TRR outlets, this is not an issue, as they are specially designed to prevent this type of situation.

If you believe that one of these upgraded outlets would be beneficial in your home, it’s a good idea to call the professionals. They can help evaluate your home and determine which one (or ones) are right for your home and needs. Keep in mind, it’s always best to have the pros handle any electrical work that needs to be done to avoid serious injuries and the possibility of a fire.