Enhanced Safety
Enhanced Safety | Electrical Outlets | Electrical | Dunlap
From historic farmhouses to modern lake-view condos, the way Dunlap powers up its spaces is evolving—and HEP is leading the charge. Our licensed electricians retrofit aging electrical outlets with tamper-resistant, GFCI, and AFCI technology that instantly shuts down dangerous faults before they can spark a fire or shock. Every installation is tested to the latest NEC code, so you can plug in laptops, holiday lights, or power tools with total confidence.
Beyond safety, we think about convenience: USB-integrated ports for gadget lovers, weather-proof receptacles for deck parties, and smart, Wi-Fi–enabled plugs that let you control lamps right from your phone. Whether you’re renovating a single room or upgrading an entire commercial floor, HEP delivers clean, precise workmanship—and we always tidy up before we leave. Call today to schedule a free on-site consultation and experience why Dunlap trusts HEP for worry-free electrical power.
FAQs
What makes an “enhanced-safety” electrical outlet different from a standard outlet?
Enhanced-safety outlets combine one or more modern protective technologies—tamper-resistant (TR) shutters, ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) sensors, and/or arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) electronics—into the same device. TR shutters block foreign objects so children can’t insert them, GFCI circuitry trips if it senses current leaking to ground (helping prevent shock), and AFCI circuitry opens the circuit if it detects sparking that could start a fire. A standard duplex receptacle provides none of these features.
Are tamper-resistant (TR) outlets required by code in Dunlap?
Yes. Under the National Electrical Code (NEC)—which Peoria County and the City of Dunlap both adopt—tamper-resistant outlets have been mandatory in new residential construction and most remodeling projects since 2008. They must be installed in all areas accessible to children, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and hallways. The only common exceptions are dedicated outlets for appliances that are not easily moved, such as a refrigerator or a hard-wired sump pump.
Where do I need GFCI protection in my home?
GFCI protection is required anywhere electricity and moisture might meet: bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 ft of a sink), laundry areas, garages, unfinished basements, exterior outlets and around pools or spas. Most homeowners in Dunlap opt for either GFCI receptacles at the point of use or GFCI breakers that protect an entire circuit. If your house is older, upgrading to GFCI outlets is one of the most cost-effective safety improvements you can make.
Should I install AFCI outlets or AFCI breakers?
AFCI protection can be provided by either special outlets or by combination-type AFCI breakers in the service panel. Breakers protect the entire branch circuit—including any standard outlets downstream—while AFCI receptacles only protect the receptacle itself and everything wired after it. In Dunlap, the NEC calls for AFCI protection in most living areas such as bedrooms, family rooms and dining rooms. Using AFCI breakers is the simplest way to comply when you have access to the panel; AFCI receptacles are a good retrofit choice when pulling new cable back to the panel would be disruptive or expensive.
How often should I test my GFCI or AFCI outlets, and how do I do it?
The NEC and all manufacturers recommend a monthly test. Press the “TEST” button on the outlet; you should hear a click and the power should shut off. Then press “RESET” to restore power. If it fails to trip or will not reset, the device has reached the end of its service life and should be replaced immediately. Testing takes less than a minute and prevents relying on a safety device that may have silently failed.
Can I replace or upgrade outlets myself, or should I hire a licensed electrician?
Replacing a like-for-like receptacle is considered homeowner-level work in Illinois, but upgrading to enhanced-safety outlets often involves additional wiring considerations: ensuring the line and load terminals are correctly landed on a GFCI, pigtailing neutrals, verifying proper grounding and confirming box fill limits. Mistakes can defeat the outlet’s safety features or create a code violation. Hiring a licensed Dunlap electrician guarantees the work is inspected, permitted (when required) and compliant with the latest NEC and local amendments—while also keeping your homeowner’s insurance fully valid.