The exterior of your Sterling, VA, home can be just as inviting and functional as its interior. Whether you plan to install a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, enjoy hosting backyard gatherings, or love decorating for the holidays, outdoor outlets are essential for convenience and safety. With properly installed outdoor outlets, you can power your outdoor features securely while minimizing the risks of using indoor outlets. Explore some of the top reasons to consider adding outdoor outlets.
1. Avoid Using Multiple Extension Cords
Running extension cords from the inside of your home to its exterior is never recommended. However, people with things to plug in and no outlets available often do so anyway. In addition, a single extension cord rarely reaches far enough, leading people to connect multiple cords together. This practice significantly increases fire risks, creates trip-and-fall hazards, and heightens the chance of electrocution due to exposed or weakened connections. Installing multiple outdoor outlets lets you avoid these risks while keeping your walkways and high-traffic areas free of unsightly and hazardous cords.
2. Be the Host With the Most
Outdoor outlets make entertaining easy. You can impress your guests with a cutting-edge sound system, an electric meat smoker or grill, adaptable layers of lighting, and more. There are tons of gadgets and appliances for outdoor cooking, food service, entertainment, and ambiance. However, most of these things require fixed power sources. With outdoor outlets, you can easily set up for your next big barbecue or pool party without having to worry about glaring safety issues.
3. You May Need More Than One Outdoor Outlet
Some homes in Sterling have a single outdoor outlet. During the holiday season, homeowners often overload these solitary outlets by connecting multiple strings of lights to extension cords. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also result in frequent, frustrating circuit breaker trips. By working with a reputable electrician, you can get as many outlets as you need for safe holiday decorating, outdoor cooking, entertaining, and more.
4. Simplify Home Improvement Projects
Outdoor outlets can make home improvement projects more convenient and efficient. Whether you’re building a fence, cutting wood for a new garden feature, or painting your home’s exterior with an electric sprayer, access to power is crucial. Instead of running extension cords from inside your house, you can plug your equipment right where you’re working. With outlets available near your project, you can easily power saws, drills, and other tools, streamlining your work and keeping your project site tidy and safe.
5. Transition to All-Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment
Homeowners throughout the nation are gradually electrifying their properties to cut their carbon footprints, earn impressive federal tax credits, and lower their spending on gas. If you’ve already transitioned to an electric vehicle, all-electric HVAC, and an electric water heater, another important step towards whole-home electrification is getting rid of your gas-powered leaf blower, lawn mower, and edger. Outdoor outlets can support power tools and electric lawn equipment. With outdoor outlets, you can charge batteries closer to where you use them and keep tools like trimmers and lawnmowers powered while working. This setup is especially useful for extended tasks, allowing you to work without interruption.
6. Take Your Landscape Lighting Plan to the Next Level
The fixed exterior lighting standard on most homes does not provide the level of adaptability that homeowners want. With multiple outlets available, you can take your landscape lighting plan to the next level with string lights, electric tiki torches, and other lighting features that provide layered and adjustable ambiance. With outlets, you can also give your three-season porch a new look for every event, holiday, and season.
7. Install an Outdoor EV Home Charger
For homeowners transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), having a reliable charging setup is crucial. While installing a charger inside your garage is one option, it’s not always practical. Your garage may already be crowded with vehicles, camping gear, or other items. Squeezing charging equipment into tight spaces can lead to damaged cords and safety issues.
An outdoor charging setup offers a more versatile and convenient solution. Installing a protected 240-V outdoor outlet is often the most cost-effective and safest choice for supporting Level 2 home charging equipment. With this setup, you can enjoy faster charging times without the need to navigate cramped indoor spaces. An outdoor outlet is especially beneficial if you have multiple vehicles or limited garage space, allowing you to charge directly in your driveway with easy access and minimal hassle.
Additionally, outdoor outlets provide more flexibility, making it easier to position your charger where it’s most convenient. Whether you need a quick charge for daily commutes or longer charging sessions, an outdoor EV home charger setup gives you a place to charge your car while keeping your garage space free.
8. Your Current Outdoor Outlets Have Reached the End of Their Lifespans
Even if you already have multiple outdoor outlets, they may be outdated, unreliable, and unsafe. If your current outlets have already supplied two decades or more of service, it’s time to retire them. New ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets will greatly reduce your risk of short circuits, dangerous sparks, electric shock, and electrical fires.
You should replace your current outdoor outlets if they have:
- Broken covers
- Visible water damage
- Singe marks
- Frequently trip circuit breakers
Replacing old outdoor outlets will keep your home up to code and ensure that these features pass all lender-required inspections should you ever choose to refinance or sell.
Installing Outdoor Outlets
While indoor and outdoor outlets serve similar purposes, there are key differences that make outdoor outlets more suited for exterior use. The primary difference lies in the level of protection. Manufacturers design outdoor outlets to withstand exposure to the elements. They are built with weather-resistant materials and include special covers that shield them from rain, snow, and debris. In contrast, indoor outlets lack these protective features, making them vulnerable to moisture and damage if used outdoors.
Homeowners should only attempt to install outdoor outlets with the assistance of a professional electrician. Proper installation is crucial to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Electricians will install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shocks, which is essential in outdoor environments where moisture is present. The installation also involves mounting protective covers that automatically close when the outlet isn’t in use. A professional also ensures that the outlet is properly sealed and is on a circuit that can support the load, preventing potential hazards and ensuring reliable performance.
Contact the Professionals
At Absolute Electric, we have proudly served the residents of Sterling, VA and the surrounding communities since 2006. Homeowners can count on us for consistently excellent electrical services. We offer whole-home surge protection, EV charger installation, attic fans, ceiling fans, and more. We also provide great discounts via our Absolute Family Plan. If you need new outdoor outlets and want competitive prices, unmatched customer service, and amazing results, contact Absolute Electric today.
