From the most modest of homes to large office buildings, electrical service and wiring exposed to outdoor elements is a concern. While outdoor wiring may bring visions of extensive landscaping lights or hot tubs, the electrical outlet at your backdoor where you plug in your weedwacker needs the same attention as buried conduit, especially with weather extremes in Northeast Ohio.
With any outdoor wiring or receptacle access, the key issue is protecting against moisture seepage and corrosion, both of which can lead to electrical shock or the risk of fire. Cable and conduit must be properly placed and/or buried, and every part of any electrical service must be situated to prevent damage that could cause a short or injury.
Ensuring safety is more than using equipment that is approved for outdoor use – proper installation is crucial. Your licensed and certified electrician is your best resource for proper installation of new wiring and for thorough review and repair of any existing wiring.
What you should know about outdoor wiring
Outdoor receptacles provide a great convenience for homeowners, but they also pose a risk of shock if they are not properly protected. Homes today will always have at least one receptacle in both the front and the rear of the home. Ensure your safety with the following tips:
- Receptacles must have GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) protection.
- Receptacles located under cover, such as a porch roof, must be weather resistant with a watertight cover.
- Receptacles in exposed areas must have a weatherproof cover for in-use applications, which seals moisture out of the receptacle even when it is being used.
Choosing fixtures and equipment for outdoor lighting is governed by whether the location is fully exposed to the elements or is at least partially protected. Consider the following:
- Outdoor lighting fixtures are categorized for wet (exposed) or damp (protected) locations. Determine where your fixtures will be located before choosing a unit or system.
- Electrical access boxes must be watertight.
- Low-voltage outdoor lighting systems (such as landscaping lights) should display testing agency approval as a system or by individual components.
Any electrical cables or conduits you intend to run to outdoor appliances or fixtures must be approved for outdoor use. Consult a licensed electrician for direction on the proper installation and burial depth for the cables or conduit you are using for your application.
Take precautions before you dig
Don’t begin trenching for that new electrical conduit unless you have confirmed where utility lines are running beneath the ground on your property. If you aren’t sure, call 811 to request representatives from your utility providers mark their lines on your property so you can keep your new trenches a safe distance from these lines.
If you are planning to install outdoor lighting or need cables installed for any outdoor electrical application in Geauga or Trumbull counties, or anywhere in the Middlefield, Chardon or Youngstown area, contact Villers Advanced Electric. For more details about our residential and commercial electrical services, click here.