Power Supply
Power Supply | Electrical Outlets | Electrical | Newport
From historic homes on Bellevue Avenue to modern offices overlooking the harbor, Newport trusts HEP’s Power Supply for reliable, code-compliant electrical outlets that blend safety with style. Our licensed technicians replace outdated receptacles, install tamper-resistant GFCIs, and add convenient USB charging points, all while respecting the character of your space and the rhythm of your day.
We handle everything—assessment, precise wiring, and meticulous cleanup—so you enjoy seamless power where you need it most, whether that’s a dockside workstation or a cozy kitchen nook. Discover why neighbors across Aquidneck Island count on our prompt service, transparent pricing, and lifetime workmanship guarantee whenever they think of electrical outlets.
FAQs
What types of electrical outlets are commonly installed in Newport homes and businesses?
Most properties in Newport use standard 15-amp, 120-volt duplex receptacles for general lighting and appliance circuits, 20-amp receptacles for kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages, and 240-volt outlets for larger loads such as electric ranges, dryers, and EV chargers. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required anywhere water may be present—kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and outdoor locations—while arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection is mandated on nearly all 120-volt branch circuits inside living spaces.
When should I replace or upgrade my existing outlets?
Replace outlets if they feel warm, are loose, show scorch marks, spark when you plug something in, or are of the old two-prong (ungrounded) style. You should also upgrade if you need additional charging ports (e.g., USB outlets), require tamper-resistant receptacles for child safety, or are remodeling and must meet current NEC code by installing GFCI/AFCI protection. An electrician can assess the circuit load to ensure the new outlet rating matches your usage.
Do I need a permit to install new electrical outlets in Newport?
Yes. In Newport, any new wiring or extension of an existing branch circuit generally requires an electrical permit issued by the local building department. Licensed electricians obtain the permit, perform the work, and arrange for inspection. Minor like-for-like replacements of a receptacle on an existing circuit usually do not require a permit, but adding a new outlet or converting an outlet to 240 V service does.
How much does it cost to have a licensed electrician install a new outlet?
Pricing varies with access to wiring, wall construction, and distance to the nearest circuit. In Newport, a straightforward replacement or surface-mount installation costs about $125–$175 per outlet. Cutting into finished walls, routing new cable, or adding a new circuit protected by a breaker typically runs $200–$350. Specialty receptacles such as GFCI, AFCI or 240-volt outlets, and any necessary permit or drywall repair will add to the total.
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets, and do I need both?
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) outlets protect against electric shock by constantly monitoring current balance; any imbalance trips the outlet within 1/40th of a second. AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) outlets detect dangerous arcing conditions that could ignite a fire and trip if arcing is present. The National Electrical Code now requires either a GFCI breaker or GFCI receptacle in wet or damp locations, and AFCI protection on most 120-volt circuits in living areas. Some combination devices provide both protections in one unit. Whether you need both depends on the circuit location; kitchens often require GFCI while bedrooms often require AFCI, and some circuits now require dual protection.
Can I install outlets myself or should I hire a professional electrician?
Homeowners are legally allowed to perform their own electrical work in many jurisdictions, but in Newport you still must pull a permit and pass inspection, and some insurance policies require licensed work for coverage. Outlet installation involves knowledge of load calculations, code clearances, and proper grounding. Mistakes can cause shock, fire, or property damage. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures the receptacle is sized correctly, wired to code, and tested with professional equipment, providing peace of mind and protecting warranty and insurance coverage.