5 Important Factors to Consider When Installing an Electrical Outlet

If you're in the process of installing an electrical outlet in your home or business in 78752, Austin-Texas, there are a number of factors to consider. As a property owner, it's important to understand what each of these factors entails so that you can ensure a safe and secure installation. At Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers, we have been helping property owners with their electrical needs for years. Today, we would like to go into detail about five important factors to consider when installing an electrical outlet.

1. Safety Requirements

Safety should always be the number one priority when it comes to electrical installations. Most local codes require the use of a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet for any outlets located in damp areas such as bathrooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms, outdoor areas, and basements. Additionally, all outlets within 18 inches of a tub, sink, or other water source, must also be equipped with a GFCI outlet. Finally, if your electrical installation is in a rental property, each outlet must be clearly labeled with the number of the circuit it is connected to, so that each circuit can easily be identified and found in case of any problems.

2. Power Source

The next factor to consider is the power source for your electrical outlet. Depending on your situation, you may need to either tap into the main power line or run a new circuit entirely. It is important to understand the difference between the two and how each one will affect your electrical system. Tapping into an existing circuit can be a quick and easy way to power your appliances, but it could overload an already existing circuit and create a dangerous situation. On the other hand, running a new circuit is the only way to ensure that all of your currents and voltages will be up to standard.

3. Location

The location of the electrical outlet is also extremely important to consider. All outlets need to be placed a certain distance from each other to ensure that they are not overloaded and that current is safely distributed. It is always best to check with your local code before installing any new outlets, to ensure that the placement of the outlet is safe and up to code.

4. Wiring Type

Alongsimilar lines to power source, it is also important to consider the type of wiring needed for the installation. Different homes and businesses may have different wiring types and understanding the type of wiring that is already present can be helpful when making decisions about how to connect the outlet to the power source. Additionally, some types of wiring may require an electrician to make sure the installation is up to code and safely completed.

5. What Will Be Plugged In?

Finally, many property owners will also want to consider what types of appliances will be plugged into the outlet. This is important due to the fact that certain types of appliances may require a different voltage than standard outlets provide, and will need to be hooked up to a dedicated circuit in order to be safely used. Additionally, knowing what will be plugged into the outlet can help determine both the placement and the wiring requirements for the installation.

Electrical outlet

GFCI outlet

Safety Requirements