How to Choose the Best Plug Sockets For Your House

Electrical gadgets form an integral part of our daily life and thus we need to buy different types of electrical devices to make the gadgets work. Of all these, plug sockets are the basic equipments that we need at home. With the different types of sockets available in the market, it is natural to feel confused to find the right ones. We not only have to look for safety but also utility and aesthetic values when shopping for sockets and plugs.

Different types of sockets

To select the best plug sockets, it would be helpful if you know the different types of these equipments that are currently available. Usually, the sockets vary across the countries. The US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration or ITA has assigned different alphabets to different types of plugs to help in identification. Most countries adopt certain plug types and voltage standards. While in the USA you would find plug types A or B in use with 120 volts and 60 Hz, in the UK it is the G type with 230 volts and 50 Hz. Thus, before buying plugs and sockets and even while traveling, you must know the types that work in a particular country.

There are some major types of sockets in circulation in the market which you need to know, the universal sockets are one of these. A universal socket looks like a standard socket but has a head full of small metal pins that are spring-loaded. These pins enable the universal sockets to fit different fastener sizes. However, safety is a major issue that makes some people wary of using these sockets. These sockets do not comply with the electrical standards as stipulated by some safety organizations.

How to choose sockets for home- the primary concern

When buying sockets for your house, pay attention to two things –

• Electrical socket types
• Circuit requirements

15-amp circuits and 20-amp circuits are used in houses. Most houses have a combination of these two and hence you should study the breaker panel to find out which one your house supports. Now, let us discuss how to choose sockets for the home.

When it comes to electrical devices, safety should be our prime concern. Most people prefer to use shuttered socket as they are safe. The shuttered sockets have a simple design with an inbuilt shutter that closes the pinholes once the plug is removed. This makes these sockets safe for homes with children.

If you have kids at home, another option would be to get electric socket covers. Some covers come with special child proofing too. Get the socket covers from reputed companies to perfectly fit the sockets and ensure the safety of your children. These safety covers are popular across the globe and available at most retail outlets. You may also buy them from online stores. There are many electrical brands that deal with these covers.

Look around, do a little bit of research and find out the best sockets for your house. Buy from a store that offers a variety and choose the safest plug sockets that would make your home a safe haven.