Just like everything else, electrical outlets have an expiration date. They will perform their function for a while but eventually a time will come when they get worn out. A worn-out electrical outlet will either stop working completely or it will give you lots of problems.

All new homes are built with these outlets in the appropriate areas, but older homes will need an upgrade. Keep in mind that GFCI outlets have a useable lifespan of about 10 years, so if your home is older than that, it may be time to have them inspected.

If your electrical outlets are old, warped, damaged, or malfunctioning, it may be time to replace them. Old outlets wear out over time, diminishing their effectiveness or even putting you in danger. Upgraded outlets prevent that danger and make your home’s electricity more effective at the same time.

Your outlet may be subject to a bad connection, which could’ve caused it to stop working. Outlets are installed using a box, and this box could run into issues such as a loose connection or damaged screws. If an outlet’s box can’t provide enough power, the outlet will cease to work.

Instructions

1. Turn power to the outlet OFF.
2. Remove the face plate.
3. Unscrew and pull out the old outlet.
4. Remove wires from the old outlet.
5. Attach new outlet.
6. Gently push the outlet back into the box.
7. Screw the new outlet in place.
8. Attach new face plate.

The national average to install or replace an electrical outlet is $212. A new one can cost as little as $75 or as much as $485. The project typically ranges from $132 and $291. Each receptacle unit will cost between $3 and $50 depending on the type you need.

As long as the job isn’t within a ‘special location’ such as a bathroom or outdoors, you’re also allowed to install additional new light fittings, switches, sockets and even add a single fused spur to an existing circuit (a ‘spur’ is a new cable and socket run as a branch from an existing socket on the ring main).

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find an outlet you want to replace.
2. Cut off power to the room(s) you’re replacing the sockets in via the main circuit breaker panel.
3. Unscrew the existing wall plate and remove.
4. Unscrew the electrical outlet from the junction box.
5. Take note of how your socket is connected.

“The USB charging receptacle installs the same as a standard outlet, so any electrician should be able to do it. If your super does electrical work, they should be able to install it easily, too. Just let them know that you would like to swap out an existing outlet with one that has USB charging capabilities built in.”

Yes, outlets with USB ports are safe to use. Power output is reduced to 2.4 amps per USB port with 4.8 amps combined output across two USB ports. Some outlets have a lower combined output of 3.6 amps of combined output, which reduces the output in one port to 1.2 amps when both ports are in use.

Here are the main advantages of USB wall outlets: The charging time is accelerated. Therefore, the main advantage of the USB wall outlet is energy saving. Maybe you did not know it, but using a power adapter slows down the charging time of your mobile devices and therefore consumes more electricity.

As I discovered when researching wasted, standby vampire power, USB adapters and cords waste too little power to measure, and may not waste any at all. If you’re remodeling your kitchen (or another room), and new outlets are part of the plan, talk to your contractor about installing a few Power2Us.

Micro-USB charging for phones is available (depending on the outlet). They’re an inexpensive upgrade that can boost home value.