Electrical safety is paramount when installing an electrical component, fixture, or appliance. This is especially true when working outside. Whether you plan to install new outdoor outlets, set up an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, or upgrade the wiring around your pool or spa area, prioritizing safety is essential.
What Type of Outlet Should You Install?
When it comes to outdoor electrical outlets, you should use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. In fact, GFCIs should be installed in all potentially hazardous areas, including garages, kitchens, pool areas and outside.
GFCIs are designed to protect against the risk of electric shock by shutting off power when they detect an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current, which is particularly important in outdoor environments where moisture is a factor.
The electricians at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar also recommend that all outdoor outlets be housed in weatherproof enclosures to protect them from the elements.
Do Outdoor Outlets Need Their Own Circuits?
Yes, outdoor outlets are generally recommended to have dedicated circuits. This approach reduces the risk of overloading indoor circuits and ensures that outdoor electrical issues do not affect indoor systems. Dedicated circuits for your outdoor outlets add a layer of safety and reliability, providing adequate power distribution for your outdoor electrical needs.
If you already have an outdoor circuit and are adding additional outlets, our electricians will assess the capacity of the existing circuit to determine whether you need a new one installed for the new outlets. We are also here to provide guidance on service panel upgrades.
EV Charger Installations
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, having a home EV charging station has become a necessity for many homeowners. Installing an EV charger in your garage or outside your home requires careful planning and adherence to local electrical codes and standards. At Valley, our electricians ensure that EV charger installations conform to these regulations, offering guidance on the appropriate types of chargers, optimal locations and necessary safety features.
EV chargers typically require a dedicated, 240-volt circuit, which our team can install to ensure your EV charger operates efficiently and safely.
Electrical Needs in Pool, Spa and Other Wet Areas
Electrical installations in wet outdoor areas like pools, spas and hot tubs pose unique challenges due to the heightened risk of electrical shock. For these areas, our Valley electricians emphasize the importance of using GFCI outlets, as well as corrosion-resistant wiring and conduit. Additionally, any electrical components in these areas must be installed at a safe distance from the water to prevent accidental contact.
Three key safety recommendations when installing electrical components in a pool area are:
- GFCI protection: ensure all outlets near wet areas are equipped with GFCI protection.
- Bonding and grounding: properly bond and ground all electrical equipment to eliminate the risk of stray electrical currents.
- Professional installation: hire our qualified electrician for any installation or repair work to ensure compliance with safety standards and local codes.
We cannot stress this enough: always hire a licensed and insured electrician when working on pool, spa or other wet-area electrical installations and repairs.
Emphasis on Safety and Professional Installation
At Valley, safety is our top priority. We understand that outdoor electrical installations come with inherent risks. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, experience and equipment needed to handle a wide range of outdoor electrical projects, from simple outlet installations to complex wiring for pools and EV chargers.
Contact Valley today to learn more about how we can help with your outdoor electrical needs, ensuring safety and efficiency for every project.