Install Exterior Electrical Outlets To Take The Power Outdoors

The beauty of having electrical outlets throughout the home is that you can power what you need and where you need it. However, while a licensed electrical contractor Atherton is always pretty good at predicting the power needs of individual rooms, one tends to favor a less-is-more approach to installing outlets on a home’s exterior.

But, these outlets need some additional safety precautions and thought about whether you should have more of them installed.

Take Safety Seriously

Whether outdoors or indoors, some basic safety rules apply to all electrical outlets. A single outlet overloading should be prevented to avoid circuit breaker from tripping and lessen the probability of an electrical fire. It is imperative to monitor the weather and make modifications accordingly. During high winds, prevent using electrical appliances like an outdoor electric grill that could topple over.

Remember, water is always a major concern due to the risk of electrical shock. Make sure no electrical device is kept near the standing water. And, be on the lookout for weather-related moisture, as well. The risk of accidental shock can increase due to rain, and even extreme high humidity can contribute to corrosion, sparking outlets, and various other issues.

Time To Upgrade

Upgrading every exterior outlet by taking up the services of a licensed electrical contractor in Atherton, CA is one of the crucial steps towards improving household electrical safety, especially if you live in a home with an older construction. Every outdoor outlet should have watertight, rugged covers and GFCI technology.

Moreover, replacing the outlets also presents a good excuse to add some additional outlets where you need them most. Think about where you routinely need an extension cord to get the job done. And, don’t forget to consider holiday lights.

Extend Your Range

You may need to use extension cords at times if installing new outlets is not on your agenda. For this, two crucial safety precautions you must observe include:

• Always ensure to opt for an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• Prevent running extension cords across doorways or walkways.

Finally, keep the protective covers closed whenever the outlet is not in use to guarantee every exterior outlet is completely safe from moisture.