The Touch Points of Your Electrical System

You use them dozens of times a day. Flip switches. Plug in chargers. Run appliances. But when was the last time you actually looked at your outlets and switches?

If your home was built before 2000, those outlets and switches are at least 25 years old—and they’re showing their age. Loose plugs. Discolored faces. Two-prong outlets without grounding. Missing GFCI protection where code now requires it.

Here’s how to modernize the touch points of your electrical system—safely, stylishly, and up to current Florida code.

⚡ Quick Answers: Outlet & Switch FAQ

Can I just replace old outlets myself?

No—and here’s why Florida code requires licensed electricians:

Even “simple” outlet replacement involves:

• Verifying proper wiring (hot, neutral, ground all correct)
• Ensuring wire connections are secure (torqued to spec)
• Confirming outlet boxes are properly secured
• Testing polarity and grounding
• Verifying GFCI protection where required
• Ensuring AFCI protection on bedroom/living circuits (newer code)

DIY outlet replacement is the #1 source of electrical fires from amateur installation. Loose connections create heat → heat creates fires.

Why do my outlets only have two holes instead of three?

Your home was built before grounding became standard (pre-1960s). Two-prong outlets lack the ground pin that protects you from:

• Electrical shocks from faulty appliances
• Surges that damage electronics
• Ground faults that should trip protection

The fix: We either run new ground wires to outlets, or install GFCI outlets that provide shock protection without grounds (labeled “No Equipment Ground”).

What’s the difference between GFCI outlets and regular outlets?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets:

• Detect ground faults (current leaking to ground)
• Trip within 1/30th of a second
• Prevent deadly shocks from faulty appliances
• Required by code in wet areas

Regular outlets:

• No ground fault protection
• Rely on circuit breaker to trip (slower, higher shock risk)
• Fine for dry locations away from water

You need GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and near water—it’s code and it saves lives.

Why Upgrade Your Outlets and Switches?

Safety: The #1 Reason

Worn outlets create fire hazards:

• Loose connections generate heat
• Arcing at poor contacts ignites surrounding materials
• Damaged internal components fail to hold plugs securely
• Missing GFCI protection allows deadly shocks

Signs your outlets need immediate replacement:

• ⚠️ Warm or hot to touch
• ⚠️ Discolored or darkened faceplate
• ⚠️ Buzzing or crackling sounds
• ⚠️ Loose plugs that fall out
• ⚠️ Sparking when plugging in devices
• ⚠️ Two-prong outlets (no grounding)

Convenience: Modern Features

USB Outlets:

• Charge phones, tablets without bulky adapters
• Fast-charging USB-C ports (20W)
• Free up AC outlet space

Smart Switches:

• Control lights from phone or voice
• Set schedules and timers
• Create scenes (“Goodnight” turns off all lights)

Weather-Resistant Outlets:

• Required outdoors in Florida’s wet climate
• Sealed design prevents moisture intrusion
• Spring-loaded covers protect from rain

Code Compliance: Required Upgrades

Florida electrical code now requires:

• GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors
• AFCI protection in bedrooms and living areas (newer construction/major renovations)
• Tamper-resistant outlets in new residential construction
• Weather-resistant outdoor outlets

If your home predates these requirements, upgrading brings you to current code—important for insurance and safety.

Types of Outlet & Switch Upgrades We Install

GFCI Outlet Installation

Where we install GFCIs:

• Bathrooms: All outlets within 6 feet of sinks
• Kitchens: Countertop outlets serving prep areas
• Garages: All outlets
• Outdoors: Every outdoor outlet
• Laundry rooms: Near washing machines
• Pool areas: All outlets within 20 feet of pool

Two GFCI installation options:

1. GFCI outlets at each location (more expensive, individual protection)
2. GFCI breakers protecting entire circuits (single point of protection)

We recommend GFCI outlets in most cases—easier troubleshooting, allows individual outlet testing.

USB Outlet Replacement

Popular locations:

• Bedroom nightstands (phone charging overnight)
• Kitchen counters (tablet/phone while cooking)
• Home offices (constant device charging)
• Living room end tables (multiple family device charging)

USB outlet types:

• USB-A only: Older standard, 2.4A charging
• USB-A + USB-C: Modern mix, up to 20W fast charging
• Dual USB-C: Latest standard, fastest charging

We recommend USB-C options—future-proof for modern devices.

Smart Switch Installation

Smart switch brands we install:

• Lutron Caséta: Premium quality, reliable hub system
• Leviton: Good mid-range option
• TP-Link Kasa: WiFi-based, no hub required
• GE/Jasco: Z-Wave compatible (home automation systems)

Smart switch features:

• Smartphone app control
• Voice control (Alexa, Google, Siri)
• Scheduling and timers
• Scene creation
• Away mode (random light patterns for security)

Installation requirements:

• Neutral wire at switch box (not always present in older homes)
• WiFi coverage at switch location
• Compatible dimmer if dimming needed

Three-Prong Grounded Outlet Upgrades

Upgrading two-prong to three- prong requires:

Option 1: Run new ground wire

• Most expensive but full protection
• Ground wire from outlet to panel or nearest ground
• Provides true equipment grounding

Option 2: Install GFCI without ground

• Less expensive, provides shock protection
• Doesn’t ground equipment (some devices need grounding)
• Must be labeled “No Equipment Ground”
• Protects people, not sensitive electronics

We assess your situation and recommend the best option for your budget and needs.

Tamper-Resistant Outlet Installation

Required in modern construction:

• Spring-loaded shutters prevent foreign objects
• Protects children from inserting items into outlets
• Both slots must be engaged simultaneously to open

We install in homes with young children even if not code-required—small investment for major safety improvement.

Weather-Resistant Outdoor Outlets

Required for all Florida outdoor outlets:

• Sealed construction resists moisture
• Corrosion-resistant contacts
• Spring-loaded covers (in-use covers for permanent connections)
• GFCI protected (code requirement)

Coastal homes need extra protection:

• Stainless steel cover plates (resist salt air corrosion)
• Marine-grade outlets
• Regular inspection for corrosion

Switch Modernization Options

Dimmer Switch Installation

Benefits of dimmers:

• Adjust light levels for ambiance
• Extend bulb life
• Reduce energy consumption
• Create perfect lighting for any activity

Dimmer types:

• Standard rotary: Classic style, unlimited dimming
• Slide: Linear control,easy to set specific levels
• Smart dimmers: App and voice control, scheduling

Important: LED lights require LED-compatible dimmers. Using standard dimmers on LEDs causes flickering and buzzing.

Occupancy/Vacancy Sensors

Automatic lighting control:

• Turns lights on when motion detected (occupancy mode)
• Turns lights off when no motion (both modes)
• Manual on, auto off (vacancy mode—more common)

Best locations:

• Bathrooms (hands-free convenience)
• Closets (lights never left on)
• Garages (automatic shutoff)
• Laundry rooms

Timer Switches

Programmable on/off:

• Bathroom exhaust fans (30-60 minute timer)
• Outdoor lighting (dusk-to-dawn or scheduled)
• Holiday lighting (seasonal scheduling)

Combination Devices

Multi-function switches:

• Switch + dimmer combos
• USB charging + outlets
• GFCI + USB in one device
• Multiple switches in single gang box (up to 3)

The Upgrade Process

Step 1: Assessment

We evaluate:

• Current outlet/switch age and condition
• Missing GFCI protection locations
• Two-prong outlets needing upgrade
• Desired modern features (USB, smart switches)
• Code compliance gaps

Step 2: Design

We plan:

• GFCI protection strategy (outlets vs. breakers)
• Smart switch locations and brands
• USB outlet placement
• Dimmer switch upgrades
• Color/style matching to your decor

Step 3: Installation

Professional installation includes:

• Shutting off circuits safely
• Removing old devices
• Verifying/correcting wiring
• Installing new devices torqued to spec
• Testing all functions
• Labeling new GFCIs

Step 4: Testing & Training

We verify:

• Proper polarity (hot/neutral correct)
• Ground continuity
• GFCI trip/reset function
• Smart switch connectivity
• Dimmer smooth operation

For smart devices, we set up apps and demonstrate control.

Miami-Specific Considerations

Hurricane-Resistant Outdoor Outlets

Coastal and storm-prone areas need:

• Impact-resistant outlet covers
• Elevated mounting (above typical flood levels)
• Extra weatherproofing sealant
• Corrosion-resistant hardware

High-Rise Condo Outlet Upgrades

Condo electrical has unique rules:

• HOA approval sometimes required
• MC cable or conduit required (no Romex)
• Building-specific electrical standards
• Insurance requirements for contractors

We handle condo upgrades throughout Brickell, Downtown, and Miami Beach.

Historic Home Outlet Modernization

Coral Gables, Coconut Grove historic homes:

• May have original two-prong outlets throughout
• Knob-and-tube wiring (no ground wires available)
• Historic preservation limits on visible changes
• Period-appropriate devices available

We balance modern safety with historic aesthetics.

Ready to Modernize Your Outlets & Switches?
From GFCI protection to smart switches—we upgrade safely and to code.
Schedule Outlet Upgrades

Modern Convenience. Maximum Safety. Code Compliant.

Serving Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Pinecrest, Kendall, and all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.