3 Great Ways To Upgrade the Detached Garage
The garage provides a sanctuary for the cars, bikes, and stored items of a household. Detached garages are often wired with electricity to make them more comfortable and safe to use, providing power for heat, lighting, and automatic garage doors. Homeowners can add value and efficiency to their detached garage by using some of the following tips!
Install New GFCI Outlets
The National Electric Code or NEC provides guidance and regulations on the wiring of a detached garage. Per the NEC code, all garage outlets should be GFCI outlets. Why? Because detached and attached garages are exposed to outdoor elements and rigors that indoor outlets are not. This standard was put into effect in 2008, and outlets installed before then did not fall under the scope of the rule. However, any outdated outlets should be upgraded to GFCI not just to be in regulation, but also for safety reasons.
GFCI outlets are designed to shut-off power to outlets when electrical surges are detected. If water splashes on an outlet and causes arcing, or if an outlet overloads and short-circuits, the GFCI outlet kills power and prevents any electrical fires from happening. Considering garages are exposed to the elements, it’s important to have such protection installed.
Check Circuit Breakers and Wiring
Detached garages are exposed to a lot of weather and hazards. Over time, the fluctuating temperatures, wind, snow, and debris of the outdoors can damage a garage’s wiring. It’s essential to have the wiring of a garage inspected annually to make sure there aren’t any frayed or worn-out wires that need replacing. Damaged cables and wires can lead to fires and electrical failures in the garage.
Homeowners often overlook another critical unit to inspect: the circuit breaker of the garage. Circuit breakers protect the garage from electrical surges. Plenty of homeowners are familiar with flipping circuits when power blows, but few think to call an electrician when the circuit breaker keeps flipping. Frequently needing to reset circuits on the breaker may indicate that the garage’s electrical work needs attention. It’s likely being overworked or needs wiring replaced.
Install an Electric Car Charger
Electric cars have become a popular, eco-friendly alternative to traditional, gas-powered vehicles. Unfortunately, despite their growing popularity, charging stations for electric cars aren’t always available in public areas.
Homeowners can upgrade their garage to be compatible with their electric vehicle by installing an electric car charger. There are usually tax credits offered to homeowners who install charging stations at home, and the installation process is relatively short when handled by a qualified electrician. Some homes may need to upgrade the wiring in their garage to handle the demands of a charging station, but the tax credit for driving an electric car can sometimes negate these costs.
Treating the garage to electrical upgrades is just one way to start this new year off with a positively fresh start!
About Solaris Electric
Since 2008, Solaris Electric has provided only the best products and top-notch customer service to their community. Their clients know that they provide only the best service for a fair price, which has earned them the trust of their community for over a decade. Contact them today for electrical repairs in Orlando, FL.
