Plugging too many things into a single power point can cause it to become overloaded - a problem that could eventually spark a fire in your household. Power point locations will differ from house to house, but it's a detail that's often overlooked during house building or remodeling.
Strategically installing electrical outlets will bring convenience to your daily life as well as enhance a room's functionality and aesthetics. The question is where to perfectly position your electrical outlets?
The first step is to educate yourself about the requirements and restrictions defined by the International Residential Code, National Electrical Code (NEC) and any other local codes. These rules primarily focus on the minimum requirements for outlet placements, such as the number of feet between outlets and from corners, etc.
Once you have a general idea about the requirements, it's time to assess your electrical power needs in different rooms. For example, kitchens are power hungry, making the placement of outlets key for usability in this area. Think carefully about where you'll use your small appliances and place outlets accordingly.
Bathrooms may be largely tech-free but not for much longer. As tablets replace magazines, and smartphones replace shelf music systems, charging electronics in the bathroom is now a reality that you must consider.
Lastly, you need to decide what type of outlet you are going to install. Standard outlets are usually 15-amp duplex outlets. Ever since the 1960's, these outlets have been an American home standard. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect much better against electric shock than a standard outlet will. Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets protect against overheating that can possibly occur between an outlet and a plug. Many rooms in the home are required to have AFCI outlets, such as bedrooms, dining rooms, family rooms, living rooms, hallways and closets.
If you're not sure which outlet is the most appropriate for your home, call David Gray Electrical at (904) 605-8190.