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The Latest Electrical Technology for the Home: Handy Outlets and Specialty Switches

Whether you reside in the property you own or rent to tenants, having the latest electrical technology for the home offers many benefits, including convenience, safety, and the ability to attract high-end occupants for premium rents. Here are some of the top devices you’ll want to consider for your New York City residence or apartment building, including new types of outlets and switches, as well as designer looks for decor that looks like it’s right out of a magazine.

Outlets with USB Ports

Device charging made easy

It seems like people are always losing their adapters to charge their mobile phones, tablets, and other personal gadgets. But with an outlet that includes USB ports, all you need is a USB cord, and you can skip the chunky plug that goes into a normal AC receptacle.

Nowadays, you can replace old-fashioned wall outlets with updated ones that have USB charging ports. Most of these receptacles allow for two devices to charge adapter-free simultaneously.

No longer the purview of hotels and chic coffee shops, these outlets are reasonably priced enough that you can add them easily, plus some models come with surge protection and night lights.

Outdoor Outlets with USB Ports

For outside device use

Receptacles that allow for direct USB charging don’t have to be limited to interior use. You can also find outdoor USB outlets that are sturdier and come with a cover to shield them when not in use from rain and snow. These outlets are perfect for running personal devices on a patio or shared common space, and tenants will definitely appreciate them.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

For homes with curious kids and pets

If you or your tenants have children and pets, safety around electrical outlets is of paramount importance. Tamper-resistant receptacles are a simple way to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Spring-loaded shutters close the slots of the outlet when it is not occupied by a plug. The shutters compress and the slots open when a plug is inserted.

Touchless Control Switches

Hands-free light controls

Light switches that don’t require a touch to operate are helpful for several reasons. First, they’re terrific when used in places where occupants typically have their hands full:

• Laundry rooms
• Children’s bedrooms and playrooms
• Kitchens
• Entryways and mudrooms

Rather than having to put down what they’re carrying, users can rely on motion sensors to turn on a light. This improves safety in both private residences and apartment buildings.

When paired with an automatic off timer, these switches have the added benefit of saving electricity. And in public spaces, you reduce the spread of germs when everyone touches the same light switch.

Energy Usage Smart Plugs

Monitor electricity consumption

We’ll talk more about smart switches and receptacles below, but first let’s discuss an ideal bit of technology for the energy and budget-conscious: energy usage smart plugs. These are plugs that you insert into an existing electrical receptacle to transform it into a more sophisticated outlet.

Energy usage smart plugs can respond to voice commands through wifi platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant. They can also be controlled via smartphone or tablet. These outlets report how much energy anything plugged into them is using. Additionally, you can program appliances, like coffee makers or lamps, to turn on or off at certain times. You can graph usage and get notifications according to parameters you set via an associated app.

Smart Switches and Receptacles

The ultimate in convenience

Smart outlets function much the same way as energy usage plugs, piggybacking on permanently installed outlets. However, rather than using them as a one-off to monitor a single appliance, they are usually used as part of an integrated home automation system, responding to voice assistants and personal devices. Therefore, they are nearly always selected to be compatible with either Android or Apple operating systems.

Smart switches are similar to smart receptacles, using phones, tablets, or voice commands to control lights and ceiling fans. Unlike smart outlets, though, smart switches should be installed by a licensed electrician, as there is wiring involved that must be done correctly for function, safety, and building code compliance.

Smart Power Strips

For multiple devices and appliances

Sometimes a regular smart outlet isn’t enough to hold all the electric items users want to use simultaneously. In that case, a smart power strip is the answer. These offer all the features of regular smart receptacles but with the ability to accommodate four or six devices or appliances. Surge protection is standard. Some models allow each receptacle to be controlled individually, and most have a couple of always-on USB slots for extra convenience.

Designer Outlets and Switches

For that luxe look

The latest outlets and switches aren’t just making life easier; they’re making homes more beautiful too. In many cases, you can find some of the features listed above combined with these elements for aesthetics:

• Wall plates in a wide range of colors and materials
• Screwless wall plates for a seamless look
• Square (versus rectangular) receptacles and switch plates
• Pop-out receptacles that disappear into the wall when not in use

If you are interested in exploring these options for your residence or rental building, Bolt Electric welcomes the opportunity to help you select the best models and make sure they’re installed properly. Call us at 212-434-0098 or use our online form to schedule an appointment. You will love the new convenience these technological innovations bring to your property.