If you’re a homeowner looking to add electricity to a garage, deck, or other outdoor area, it’s imperative that you discuss your plans with a licensed professional electrician before you take action. Adding outdoor power provides the freedom of lighting, lifestyle accessories, and increased enjoyment around your home, and when completed properly, can significantly increase the value of your property. However, there are some things you should consider before running power outside.
Shortcuts Are Costly and Dangerous
It bears repeating that no homeowner should ever perform electrical work unless fully trained and certified to do so. Even simple actions such as running outdoor extension cords should be advised against.
In addition to blowing fuses and tripping circuit breakers, using standard extension cords for outdoor lighting or appliances risks electrical surges, physical tripping of passersby, possible damage from lawn mowers, or even injury.
Creating and discussing your plan with an experienced professional electrician will create a cleaner, safer environment that better serves your needs for the long term.
Think Beyond Your Immediate Needs
Sure, you may have your mind set on those new electric garage door openers and overhead lights, but what about down the road? Do you plan on using your garage as a workshop? How about adding external outlets or lighting? It’s typically easier (and usually not much more expensive) for an electrician to expand your electrical needs for future needs, saving you time and money down the road.
What Does the Ground Look Like Around Your Home?
It is always best to run electrical wiring underground. This prevents exposure to people passing by, as well as inclement weather. For small projects, a trench can usually be dug by hand or machine AFTER contacting local utilities to ensure that there are no existing underground cables or pipes that could be damaged. It’s free AND it’s the law. In Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, you can dial 8-1-1 or visit these links to inform the necessary parties before you dig.
If the surrounding area has been paved or consists of ledge, an electrician will be able to advise you on the necessary steps to take.
If you need an electrical contractor in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or Maryland, contact Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractor by calling us at (856) 769-3932.