Outlets, Switches & Wiring

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These are the outlets with the small test and reset buttons you typically see in bathrooms and kitchens. They’re designed to shut off power instantly if they detect a ground fault — which can happen when water or moisture comes into contact with an electrical circuit. Current electrical code requires GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exterior outlets, crawl spaces, and anywhere else near a water source. If your home is older and doesn’t have GFCI outlets in these locations, it’s worth having them installed — it’s a relatively simple upgrade that significantly improves safety.

Yes — adding outlets is one of the most common requests we get, and it’s a straightforward job in most cases. Whether you need additional outlets in a home office, a bedroom, a garage workshop, or an outdoor area, Capstone Electric can run the necessary wiring and install new outlets that meet current code. In some cases, adding outlets may require adding a new circuit to your panel depending on the existing load — we’ll assess that as part of the job and let you know upfront.

A 15-amp outlet is the standard receptacle found in most living areas of a home. A 20-amp outlet looks similar but has a small horizontal slot in addition to the vertical ones, and it’s designed for circuits that carry heavier loads — like kitchen appliances, garage tools, or home office equipment. Installing a 20-amp outlet requires a 20-amp circuit with the correct gauge wiring. If you’re running high-draw appliances or equipment and experiencing tripped breakers, upgrading to a dedicated 20-amp circuit may be the right solution.

Some homeowners are comfortable replacing a straightforward outlet or switch, and in Texas there’s no law prohibiting a homeowner from doing electrical work on their own primary residence. That said, mistakes in electrical work — miswired outlets, improper grounding, or connections that aren’t secure — can create shock hazards and fire risks that aren’t always immediately obvious. If you’re not confident in what you’re doing, or if the wiring you’re working with looks old, unusual, or complicated, it’s worth calling a licensed electrician. The cost of having it done right is almost always less than the cost of fixing a problem down the road.