Properly installed switches, outlets, and dimmers are essential for the safety and convenience of your home. At Air Stars, our team of licensed electricians provides expert outlet and light switch installation services to residents of Willamette Valley and other Oregon areas.
How Do I Choose the Right Switch or Outlet for My Home?
Choosing the right outlet or switch for your home is an important choice with several considerations. Many modern switches offer advanced features to improve efficiency, add convenience, and ensure electrical safety. An electrician from our team can help assess your home and provide expert recommendations to guide your selection.
Choosing an Outlet
Consider the amperage requirements for your outlet. Outlets come with ratings that determine amperage capacity before they overload — most are rated for 15 amps, but appliances with higher power demands may require 20-amp outlets. Consult with an electrician to determine the correct amperage needs.
Location is one of the main factors when choosing an outlet. For example, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas in your home are more prone to water and moisture. Electrical codes usually require ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in these areas to provide extra protection against shock.
In living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, you may prefer combination function outlets with USB ports. These outlets make it easy to charge phones, tablets, and other devices without power adapters.
Other outlet options include:
- Smart outlets: These outlets allow you to control the connected devices using an app or voice assistant technology, enabling you to set schedules and access devices remotely.
- Tamper-resistant outlets: With a shutter mechanism that blocks everything except electrical plugs, tamper-resistant outlets provide extra protection against electrical shocks.
- AFCI outlets: This safety-specific outlet helps prevent electrical fires by detecting electrical arcs and interrupting power.
Choosing a Switch
Like outlets, consider the amperage requirements of your switch and its connected equipment. Otherwise, selecting a switch involves both function and aesthetics. Switches come in various styles, including traditional toggles or sleek rocker switches. Choose dimmers for a minimalistic style while allowing you to customize the brightness and ambiance of your space.
More switch styles include:
- Single pole: Common switches for controlling a single light or other device.
- Double pole: Rated up to 30 amps and capable of powering high-demand equipment.
- Three-way: Controls devices from two different locations.
- Four-way: Controls devices from three or more switches.
- Smart switches: Pairs with smart home technology to control lights and devices using a phone app or voice assistant technology.
- Motion sensor: Also called proximity switches, these turn on and off based on detected movement for added convenience and energy efficiency.
Benefits of Professional Switch, Outlet, and Dimmer Installation
Choosing a professional electrician means taking advantage of skills that only properly trained and licensed contractors can offer.
Professional electricians have the training and experience to ensure the correct installation, repair, or replacement of your switches, outlets, and dimmers. Our Air Stars electrical team maintains up-to-date education and training to adhere to electrical codes and industry standards. As such, you can rely on your equipment for safe and reliable performance.
Opting for a professional switch installation service also supports the performance and longevity of your electrical system equipment. Proper installation ensures your outlets and switches work as they should, so you won’t have to worry about flickering lights, faulty wiring, or substandard installation causing undue damage or wear to your system.
How Often Should Switches and Outlets Be Inspected?
Regular electrical system inspections are key to maintaining safety and efficiency. Switches and outlets undergo heavy use and can wear out over time. A thorough inspection every three to five years is generally sufficient to keep it operating smoothly. Schedule an inspection promptly if you notice problems with your electrical system, such as:
- Flickering lights
- Sparks or burning smells
- Loose switches or outlets
- Scorched or warm-to-touch outlets
Can Home Dimmer Installation Enhance Your Home’s Lighting Experience?
By allowing you to adjust the brightness of your lights, dimmer switches provide several benefits that can boost your space’s comfort, style, and functionality. Dimmers allow you to create the ideal ambiance for any occasion, whether hosting a dinner party or turning down the brightness during a movie night. Other benefits include:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Extended bulb life
- Increased safety
- Reduced glare and eye strain
Other Electrical Services
At Air Stars, our team provides comprehensive electrical services to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Electrical Repair
From troubleshooting faulty wiring to replacing switches and outlets, our team can handle any electrical repair need.
Whole home surge protection
Protect your appliances and electronic devices from power surges with our professional surge protection installation services.
Electrical panel replacement
Electrical panels can be outdated or may not meet your home’s modern energy needs. Our team will assess your system to determine a personalized electrical panel replacement service.
Smoke detector installation
Don’t wait for a fire to learn that your smoke detector’s wiring is loose. Rely on Air Star technicians for smoke detector installation to ensure reliable wiring and your peace of mind.
Whole-house rewiring
Whether you’re remodeling or upgrading outdated wiring, our whole-home rewiring services align your electrical system with your home’s power needs while minimizing disruption.
Ceiling fan installation
Stay comfortable with the ambient breeze of a ceiling fan during Oregon summers. Our expert ceiling fan installation services help keep you cool and comfortable year-round.
Contact Air Stars for Switch, Outlet, and Dimmer Installation Services in Oregon
Rely on the Air Stars team for certified outlet installation services. Our outlet and light switch installation experts are committed to customer satisfaction and prioritize your safety and comfort with every service.
Choosing Air Stars means taking advantage of no-hidden-fee quotes, maintenance plans, and 100% customer satisfaction guarantees. Contact us or book online today to get started with outlet and dimmer switch installation or other services.
