Electrical Options to Consider for New Construction or Remodeling

It’s important to plan for both interior and exterior lighting and electrical outlets. We have some ideas for you to consider as you navigate the building or remodeling process.

Interior Electrical Options

Kitchen – What will your electrical needs be in the kitchen? You will need outlets for all your appliances including the refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Your electrician will make sure these outlets are the proper AMP and volt circuits. A professional electrician will also ensure that appliances that share a circuit won’t overload. They may also determine that an appliance will need its own circuit, including your oven range and refrigerator.

You will also need enough outlets for your small appliances like a coffee pot, toaster, and air fryer for example. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets placed throughout the kitchen under the cabinets are great for ensuring you have enough safe outlets where you need them.

Lighting options in the kitchen include ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. The type of lighting you decide to add to the kitchen can be functional and beautiful. Ambient lighting can include flush-mounted ceiling lights and recessed lighting. An example of task lighting includes track lights. Track lights are great if you need light directed in specific areas including over an island. Under the cabinet lighting is another type of task lighting that allows you to see better as you cook and prep on your countertops. Pendant lights are also considered accent lights. These are generally decorative and have a variety of shapes and sizes.

Bathroom – Lighting options in bathrooms must be rated for damp or wet conditions. Around the mirror, side lights are better because overhead lighting can cast shadows on your face. Wall sconces and vertical strip lights can help provide the right amount of illumination. Bathrooms will also need to include ventilation fans to help remove moisture from baths and showers. Outlets in the bathroom must be GFCI to avoid shocking hazards.

Bedrooms, Living Room, and Dining Room – wall light switches are required for all these spaces and there are codes about where those need to be placed. If possible, ask your electrician to add outlets in more areas so you have options when arranging the room.

Stairways, hallways, closets, and laundry rooms are important to place lighting in as well. The laundry room will require a separate circuit for the washer and dryer and all outlets must be GFCI protected.

Exterior Electrical Options

Don’t forget about the exterior of your home as you plan for electrical. You will want electrical options and lighting in these spaces as well for functionality and safety.

Garage – Most garages need a circuit for just that space. This will include lighting and garage doors. Extra outlets around work bench areas are also a good idea. Any outlets in the garage must also be GFCI protected.

Exterior lighting – You can increase your curb appeal and safety in your home with outdoor lighting. Lights above entryways, on patios, and on backdoors, are essential for safety. Exterior outlets on the home are good for holiday lighting, or yard tools and must be GFCI protected. Landscape lighting can help brighten your home and bring attention to your garden beds or walking paths.

Contact Raceway

Our certified, licensed, and insured electricians are ready to help you create the home of your dreams with the right lighting and electrical options to fit your lifestyle. Contact us for a consultation.

The post Electrical Options to Consider for New Construction or Remodeling appeared first on Raceway Electric, LLC.

Why Do Plugs Fall Out of Outlets?

There are two reasons a plug will fall out of an outlet. First, it could be the plug itself. Sometimes the prongs on plugs can bend or become distorted which can cause them to fall out of the outlets. If this is the case, replace the plug. For many devices, such as a phone charger, it’s easy to replace the charging cords. For other appliances such as a vacuum cleaner, it would be safer to have the plug repaired by a professional.

If you’ve determined, it’s not the plug at fault, you can assume that the outlet itself is the problem. When the connectors in outlets are too worn, they lose their grip on plugs resulting in plugs that fall out easily.

Are Loose Outlets a Danger?

Simply put, yes. A loose outlet can cause electrical arcing which can result in a house fire. An estimated 51,000 house fires per year are caused by electrical issues, including electrical arcing. Arcing happens when electricity jumps from one connection to another. This creates intense heat (up to 35,000 degrees) and is a serious fire hazard. In addition to a loose outlet, if you hear an outlet or light switch buzzing, contact an electrician right away as that is an indication of electrical arcing.

Can I Replace a Loose Outlet?

While some electrical projects are okay to DIY, replacing an outlet can be tricky. It’s recommended to hire a professional electrician who can determine exactly what the issue may be.  If you have an outlet that plugs continue to fall out of, it’s best to stop using that outlet and contact a licensed electrician such as Raceway Electric.  Any type of electrical work can be dangerous so a licensed professional is your best bet for safety and to prevent any further damage.

Contact Raceway Electric for any of your residential electrical needs and we will ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

The post Why Do Plugs Fall Out of Outlets? appeared first on Raceway Electric, LLC.