When the warmer weather arrives, most people like to go outside for entertaining guests, family, and friends. This is also true for the cooler months of the year.
Entertainment centers, outdoor speakers, waterfalls, and accent lighting can all add to the ambiance of your outdoor space. If you don’t have any exterior electrical outlets now, then you should consider having new outlets installed. Keep reading to learn more about how you can bring the power of lighting and entertainment outside.
Remember, any time you are dealing with electricity, the best thing you can do is to hire a licensed electrician. An electrician can ensure the work is handled properly and safely.
What Outlets Can be Installed Outside?
One of the first things you need to understand for outdoor electrical outlets is that only one type can be used – a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter.) GFCI outlets monitor the total amount of power going into a device. If moisture makes it to the outlet or to the connection, the GFCI will detect the interruption in the current and turn the power to the outlet off. There are some outlet covers that also include a locking mechanism to provide an additional layer of protection against debris, children and moisture.
Special Considerations for Exterior Electrical Outlets
You need to make sure that outdoor electrical outlets are installed in places that are easy to access. When it comes to proper height and locations, you need to hire a licensed electrician who knows the electric codes that apply to the situation. For example, too low of an outlet installation means that it may be impacted by moisture.
It’s also important to use the right external mounting brackets that come with the outlet. If you do not do this, it may cause moisture to get into the box, which can cause tripped breakers, melted outlets, or something even worse. If there are any wires that have to run on the outside of the exterior wall, they have to be put inside an exterior rated conduit or PVC. Also, install your outlet on walls or on a sturdy post. Never try to install an outlet on trees or on a flimsy material.
Call the Professionals for Exterior Electrical Outlet Help
If you need to have electrical outlets installed outside of your home, you need to hire a licensed electrician you can trust. Do not let your friend who knows a few things about electricity handle this job, as this is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
The professionals will handle the job, regardless of how many outlets you want to have installed. In the long run, this will help ensure you get the desired results for your outside electrical outlets, and the proper installation will help ensure you can entertain outdoors throughout the year.
Looking for help with outdoor exterior outlets? Contact Tann Electric today!