Installing electrical outlets in your home can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the process. Electrical outlets are a small but important part of any home. They provide access to power for things like lights, lamps, and other electrical devices. Installing these outlets safely is very important for your safety as well as the longevity of your home.
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If you are planning on installing electrical outlets in your home, there are some things that you should consider first to make sure that everything goes smoothly. In this article, we’ll give you three things you didn’t know about installing electrical outlets in your home. Keep reading to learn more!
Know the difference between switched and un-switched outlets
Before you begin installing outlets, you should know the difference between switched and un-switched outlets. Switched outlets are controlled by a switch that you can turn on and off as needed. An un-switched outlet is one that is always on and cannot be turned off. These are both important considerations when choosing where to place electrical outlets in your home.
You don’t want to put a switched outlet in a place that will require the outlet to be on 100% of the time. An un-switched outlet can be used in areas like basements and garages where you will always have power. Switched outlets can be used in places like the kitchen and bathroom where you might want the outlet to be on only while someone is using the light.
You can’t install outlets in just any room
While electrical outlets are a very important part of any home’s electrical system, they aren’t designed for every room. Electrical codes dictate which rooms outlets can be installed in and which rooms they cannot be installed in. If you want to install an outlet in a room that does not allow for it, there are some workarounds that you can try. One option is to install a plug-in outlet.
These outlets have a plug instead of wires which is what makes them okay to install in most rooms. You can also try converting a light switch to an outlet by making use of the wiring behind the switch. This is a bit riskier, however, because the wiring may not be suitable for powering an outlet.
Don’t forget to turn off the power!
If you are installing new electrical outlets in an already built home, make sure that you turn off the power to the outlet you are working on. This will protect both you and the home from any accidental electrical shocks or other hazards. You can turn off the power at the main electrical panel on a breaker switch. If you are installing outlets in a brand new home, you may not need to turn off the power.
Most new homes only have the circuits turned on that you need to operate the most important appliances like lights, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Other circuits are turned off and remain off unless they are specifically turned on by the homeowner. If you are unsure as to whether or not you need to turn off the power, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
3 key things to remember when installing electrical outlets
There are a few key things to remember when installing electrical outlets in your home. First, always make sure that the outlet is installed according to the electrical code in your area. Second, make sure that the outlet is installed in a place where it won’t get in the way.
And finally, make sure that the outlet is installed correctly and that all wiring inside the walls is done correctly and safely. These three things will help you to successfully install electrical outlets in your home.
Conclusion
Installing electrical outlets in your home is not a project that should be taken lightly. You will want to make sure that you know the difference between switched and un-switched outlets, that you know where the outlet can be installed, and that you turn off the power to the outlet.
Make sure that you follow the electrical code in your area, install the outlet in a place that won’t get in the way, and install it correctly and safely. These tips will help you to successfully install electrical outlets in your home.
