6 Places to Consider When Installing Electrical Outlets

Homes are often constructed with just the minimum required amount of electrical outlets for each area.

Frequently those outlets aren’t strategically placed to cater to each homeowner’s specific needs. Given the opportunity, strategically located outlets can greatly enhance a home’s functionality and aesthetics. If you’re looking to increase your home’s electrical capacity, these six places to consider when installing outlets might spark your interest.

1. Entry outlets

A strategically placed outlet above a shelf or table or in a cubby provides a great place to leave your phones or other electronic devices to charge. This will help you keep track of where they are and remind you to take them on the way out.

2. Floor outlets

Floor outlets in the middle of a room reduce the need for extension cords and other wiring that will take away from your room’s overall aesthetic and can create a tripping hazard. Floor outlets are most often used for lamps, but they can also be used to power electronic devices. A well placed outlet can turn a dining room table into a work center.

3. Wall-mounted TV outlets

Prevent cord clutter with a wall-mounted outlet

A well-placed wall outlet for a mounted TV will prevent an unseemly cord running from the TV to the electronics on the counter or in the cabinet below. There should be an outlet in the area of the electronics to power them as well. Done thoughtfully, there will be no cords between the electronics and the TV. It’s optimal to run a conduit hidden in the wall. This can be used to pass an HDMI cable between the electronics and the TV. With today’s technology, the electronics can be hidden away, allowing for a very clean, uncluttered TV area.

4. Bathroom vanity outlets

An outlet should be placed on the side of every sink so that there should never be a cord crossing one sink on the way to a person using the other one. Toothbrushes and electric razors that require charging can use outlets in a medicine cabinet. Many medicine cabinets offer this option. Below the countertop, hair dryers and curling irons can make use of an outlet in the back of the drawer containing them. With inserts, a vanity drawer can organize hair care tools for quick use. Be aware that bathrooms have different electrical requirements because of the exposure to water. All outlets must be GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) to help prevent electrocution. Be sure to check all building codes before finalizing any outlet locations.

5. Kitchen appliance outlets

The large kitchen appliances will already have outlets, but many smaller appliances such as toasters, blenders and electric teapots require power as well. In addition, countertop outlets are used to recharge electronics and power laptops and TVs. A simple solution to increase the capacity of outlets is to double up on the number of outlets at each location. Two outlets become four very easily. A second solution is to install strips of outlets below the cabinets. This allows appliances to be plugged in anywhere. There should also be ample outlets in an appliance garage, a cabinet reserved for electronics or in cabinets containing appliances that will be used while still on a cabinet shelf. Excellent hardware is available from Hafele American Company to allow appliances to swing out of cabinets to countertop level.

6. Home office outlets

Computers, printers and desk lights may require outlets above the countertop, below the countertop and in cabinets. Knowing how a workplace will be used helps in creating an efficient plan. Grommets and other wire management systems can be installed to hide cords. Outlets can be placed directly in the countertop as well as integrated USB ports that make charging much simpler.