In this article, you’ll learn how to keep your home outdoors safe by keeping two components up to par: outdoor outlets and lightning.
How Security Lighting Keeps Your Home Safe
Security lighting around your home does more than deter would-be intruders.
Well-lit yards ensure trespassers don’t have a place to hide on your property. But outdoor lighting has other benefits, including…
1. Preventing accidents: Your family and guests will be better able to see—and avoid—tripping hazards with well-placed lights.
2. Making your home more welcoming: With outdoor lights that automatically light up your hard in the evenings, you can keep the good times going well after sunset.
3. Increasing property value: Outdoor lighting extends a home’s livable space and is generally viewed as safer by potential buyers.
Using Your Home’s Electricity Outdoors Shouldn’t be a Hassle
Outdoor electrical outlets let you access electricity wherever you need it.
Most homes are built with a standard number of outdoor outlets, but that does not mean they are located where you need them most.
Consider these questions to determine if you have the right outlet installation to meet your needs:
1. Do you have to use extension cords when you are powering things outdoors?
2. Can you easily plug in power tools when you want to work on outdoor projects?
3. Are there outlets available when you want to play music, turn on a fan, or plug in lights outside?
4. Do you experience flickering lights or tripped breakers when you use high-powered items (like power tools) outside?
With the right setup, outdoor electrical outlets let you fully enjoy our Central Florida weather without wasting time looking for that extension cord you know you left on the shelf.
Plus, the right outdoor outlets help keep your home and loved ones safe.
Make sure your home has GFCI outlets before using electric-powered items outside.
GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets are designed to stop the flow of electricity in case of a surge. A surge is more likely to happen in damp locations, such as outdoors.
GFCI outlets also allow you to use power tools without tripping a circuit or overwhelming your tool’s motor.
If any of your outdoor outlets are not GFCI outlets, contact a licensed electrician right away.
FAQs
How do I know if my light fixtures and ceiling fans are safe for outdoor use?
The main concern with outdoor lights and fans is damage caused by weather, moisture, and humidity.
Outdoor-rated light fixtures and ceiling fans have a UL listed rating for outdoor use, which you will find right on the box. This rating confirms that the product’s materials and gaskets can withstand exposure to weather, moisture, and humidity.
Indoor-rated light fixtures and ceiling fans should not be used outside for several reasons, including:
- They are made of materials that will not last as long when exposed to the elements.
- Indoor-rated ceiling fan blades can be warped and torn by the elements, which can turn them into a hazardous projectile.
- Indoor-rated lights can rot and short out from the moisture, creating an electrical hazard.
Outdoor-rated ceiling fans and light fixtures should be used in all locations that are exposed to weather, moisture, and humidity. These locations include…
• Porches, decks, and patios
• Garages and sheds
• Gazebos and outdoor dining areas
• Anywhere underground
For ceiling fan and light fixture installation, give our experienced electricians a call.
