Your home’s exterior outlets are useful for operating an electric grill or illuminating your porch area. Though most houses don’t have enough, a residential electrician can install conveniently placed outlets for all of your needs. However, the professionals at McAtlin Electrical Corporation, in Grand Junction, CO, urge you to make safety a priority by taking some precautions.

Tips for Exterior Outlet Safety

1. Don’t Overload an Outlet

Whether you're indoors or out, you should never plug too many items into a single outlet. Doing so can cause an electrical fire.

2. Be Mindful of the Environment

Exterior outlets are exposed to the elements, so you need to be especially careful about their placement. Don’t put your outdoor appliances near standing water, and don’t use them at all if you’re expecting rain. You should also limit your use of exterior outlets on windy days, as high winds can knock down your appliances, potentially sending them toward areas of moisture.

3. Schedule an Inspection

Schedule an inspection with a residential electrician before installing or using exterior outlets. The covers need to be watertight, and all exterior outlets need to be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) technology, such as the Hubbell MG510C (pictured here), which is designed to limit the risk of shocks. If your home is older, you may need to make upgrades to the fixtures or house wiring before you can use these outlets safely.

When you’re ready to explore outdoor power, get in touch with the residential electricians at McAtlin Electrical Corporation. Serving residents and business owners throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, their experts have earned a solid reputation for performing solid, reliable work. Contact them for more information online, email mecco@mcatlin.com, or call (970) 257-7414 to speak with a representative today.