Benefits of Having Outdoor Outlets

Outdoor electrical outlets are pretty much a standard feature of any home and can eliminate the need for extension cords, enabling you to upgrade your holiday lighting display, use power garden tools or enjoy your backyard long into the evening.

Outdoor Electrical Outlets

Outdoor outlets are safe for one reason only: with the aid of the ground fault circuit interrupter, otherwise known as a GFCI outlet. GFCI’s cut the electrical current when electricity leaks to ground (which in most cases means the electricity is running through you). Because working outside often involves working around pools, hot tubs, puddles and in wet weather, GFCI’s are the difference between you receiving a mild shock and you being served up well done at the next neighborhood barbecue.

If you don’t have a GFCI outlet installed for all your outdoor electrical outlets, contact Mr Mighty – Chicago electricians to get this done as quickly as possible.

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10 Ways to Upgrade Electrical Circuits for Today’s Lifestyle

Our modern lifestyles now include many new technologically advanced products that challenge old electrical services.

If you’re remodeling an older home, odds are your local building department will require you to upgrade your electrical service to 100 amps. Why? It’s to ensure that there’s enough power in the home for all the modern electrical needs without causing a fire. Older homes didn’t need to support so many appliances.

When upgrading your electrical service and rewiring for a remodeled kitchen, a new spa, or other home improvement project, you should think beyond your immediate needs and anticipate other features that you or a future owner may want. Spending a little more now to expand your electrical capabilities may save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Most standard home electrical circuits are on a 120-volt line. To run major appliances and heavy electrical equipment, you need 220-volt current in the house. And unless your clothes dryer runs on gas, it will require a 220-volt outlet to operate, so it’s necessary to upgrade to 220 to handle this kind of appliance.

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