The Best Ways To Run Power Outside
Need power outside of your home? Whether you need a little bit of juice for the day or for an extended period of time, the experts at A-Abel have you covered. Learn how to safely direct power outside with these outdoor electrical tips.
Short-Term Power Supply
For short-term power supply needs, opt for extension cords. Outdoor extension cords have the ability to cover your power supply needs for a day or two. If you only need power outdoors for a small amount of time, such as to power a piece of equipment or provide lighting, an outdoor extension cord is the right fix for you!
Make sure you only use extension cords labelled specifically for outdoor use!!!
Outdoor extension cords are designed to withstand moisture, temperature variations, the sun, and light foot traffic. DO NOT use INDOOR extension cords OUTDOORS! Indoor extension cords are not meant for the wear and tear of outdoor use and can quickly and easily break, creating a fire and shock hazard.
Outdoor Extension Cord Safety
- Pick the right cord! Cords are not one-size-fits-all so be sure to choose a cord that will withstand the wattage of all connected devices.
- Plug your outdoor extension cords into a GFCI outlet. These are the outlets that have TEST/RESET buttons, typically found in kitchens, baths, and garages. These protect your family from shock if the cord is exposed to water.
- Make sure your cord is the right length, not too short or too long, to prevent tripping hazards.
- Unplug the cord and store it indoors when it’s not in use.
Long-Term Power Supply
When providing power outdoors, long-term, a GFCI-equipped outlet ensures safety in all areas exposed to moisture. When making the decision to add an outdoor outlet, make sure to find an outdoor-rated, weatherproof model with built-in, high-sensitivity GFCI. Consult an electrician for more information.
Placing the outlet
When adding an outdoor outlet, look for an indoor outlet to connect to with the wiring. Drill a hole through your home wall and feed the wiring in close to the indoor outlet. Fit the mounting box for the outdoor outlet over that hole. Draw in the wiring and connect to the outlet terminals, then put the faceplate on, ensuring all waterproof seals are positioned right. Run the wiring indoors to its connection point, adding a separate GFCI if none exists.
Looking for help with installing an outdoor outlet? The electrical pros at A-Abel are here to make sure you avoid a shocking outdoor experience!
