With modern living concerning the electrical system alone, there are quite a few appliances, gadgets, devices and other systems that are commonly found in homes. Unfortunately, the architects and builders of older homes such as apartments, houses, condos, and so on, were not intuitive enough to ensure it could accommodate the demand. With all of these electrical related items we have come to enjoy helping simplify living and offer entertainment, one of the issues of the older homes is the shortage of outlets to power them up. When you are living in a rental or even on a tight budget, it can be hard to find a solution for this predicament. With that in mind, we at Simon Electric would like to relate a few tips to help when there are just not enough outlets.
How to Solve the Problem of Not Enough Power Outlets or Plugs
1) Professional electrical outlet installation. Having a professional install more outlets is the most optimal solution, especially if is a home you own. If it is a rental, be sure you have the permission of the landlord or property manager. Invest in a few extra outlets than what you feel you currently need in the various rooms. Do not tackle this as a DIY project as you can potential cause physical harm or cause property damage.
2) Let some of the tech be a power source. Most homes have a center, or even two, where there are excessive power cords. Whether it is an entertainment center complete with big screen TV, media source, surround sound, or gaming or home office where there are desktops, multiple monitors, printers, WIFI, and other centralized devices. These areas are ideal to let some of the more powerful give off power to other devices. For instance, a brick-attached device known as an AC Adapter Tap that plugs in between AC Adapter brick and power cord will give you two extra cords. Additionally, your computer can charge your tablets and phones with the USB ports.
3) Plug-in space can be multiplied. Simply by plugging in an outlet adaptor, you can multiply one outlet. To multiply the outlets throughout your home, for example, you can plug-in an outlet adapter with 2 pairs of outlets into a 1 pair outlet. Bulky devices with transformers will be easier to plug in without blocking other outlets as well. This solution however is not recommended as if too much current is drawn from the circuit, the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows, breaking the circuit to prevent an overload.
4) Extension cords can help you reach. Some of these older living spaces have poorly conceived and executed outlet placement, making it hard to reach. Use extension cords to extend your reach. You can avoid the orange industrial cords by using the multi-line cords that come in more pleasing colors. Additionally, if you are plugging in a TV or an appliance and prefer to coverup the cord, you can use paintable covers that conceal the cord and also help prevent tripping if it has to run along the floor. Simon Electric doesn’t recommend this solution either. Apart from being a trip hazard, if the cord gets damaged, it can create a short circuit, which can result in overloading and overheating of the wires inside and possibly a fire. It is best to only use extension cords when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
5) Only plug-in when needed and/or decrease permanent plugs. Where some of the above solutions may not be an option, you can decrease your devices or rotate and only plug-in them in as you need them. Not only will this help you have free outlets when you need them, but your energy bill will also decrease.
Electrical Outlet Installation & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
When you need to increase your outlets or update your older home’s electrical system in general, call the electricians of Simon Electric and let our qualified professionals safely provide you with the electrical services you require to improve your home and make your life easier.
