It’s not uncommon for there to be too few outlets in a room or they’re located in a really inconvenient place like behind a couch, a bed, or a dresser, where they’re out of reach. When this happens, homeowners have no choice but to rely on power strips to plug in their alarm clocks, TVs, phone chargers, lamps, etc.
If you’re like a lot of our customers and your outlets are at full capacity, we have some suggestions that can make your life easier.
Electrical Safety Comes First
You may not realize is but electrical outlets can be safety concerns. If a power outlet is overloaded, it can lead to a tripped circuit breaker. Your risk of electrocution can increase and it could start a residential fire. For these reasons, it’s important to understand what you’re plugging in and what can go wrong if you’re not careful.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cordsand plug strips should not be used.” And, as far as heat-producing appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, and space heaters, only one should be plugged into an outlet at a time.
Temporary Solutions Should Not Be Long-Term
If you have too few outlets, power strips and extension cords are temporary solutions, but they should not be used long-term. The safest way to access additional electricity is to hire a professional electrician to install more power outlets throughout the home.
To free up outlet space temporarily, one way is to purchase an outlet tap, which covers and plugs into an existing outlet. Outlet taps provide more receptacles and they usually come in three and six-outlet varieties. If you go this route, purchase one that comes with surge protection – this helps protect your electronics from damage in the case of a power surge.
Do you need more outlets installed in your home or business? To get the job done right, contact Lightning Bug Electric today!