Outdoor Power Solutions – Unleashing Connectivity in Open Spaces
Chuck Ross
Like many of you, I’ve started a small collection of battery-powered outdoor yard tools that now includes a chain saw, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, grass clippers and lawn mower. All of them are much quieter than gas versions, and there’s obviously no need to make sure there’s gas on hand for the mower or the right oil for the saw. Plus, I don’t have to worry about keeping track of an electrical cord while also whacking away at whatever plant growth I might be attacking.
Despite having a range of cordless power tools, I’m still looking to add a new outside electrical outlet on my back deck, this time for entertainment purposes – like the tablet I use as a small TV outside. Streaming video can burn through the battery quickly, so now, I run an extension cord through the adjacent living room window. This is exactly the scenario developers of the National Electrical Code (NEC) have been addressing in their last several revision rounds, leading to the current requirement that new dwelling units include receptacles for balconies, decks and porches located not more than 2 meters (6-1/2 feet) above their walking surfaces.
Fortunately for me, the fact an interior receptacle is so handy to the deck – it’s located right on the interior side of the wall from where I want the new one – should make it easier for the installing electrician (I might write a lot about electricity, but I make it a habit to turn to professionals when it comes to actually handling power projects).
The new outlet will be tailored to its purpose. My one other exterior receptacle is located under an eave, so it’s a damp-location model, with flip-up covers that fit over the two outlets when they’re not in use. The deck, though, is wide open to driving rain, especially during New England’s frequent nor’easters, so it will need to have a wet-location, in-use cover for full-time protection.
I’m hoping to get the work done this spring, so by summer I’ll be able to keep the videos streaming while the living room window stays closed. And I’m also hoping to replace another gas-powered appliance – my propane grill – with an electric version I can use year-round.
Despite having a range of cordless power tools, I’m still looking to add a new outside electrical outlet on my back deck, this time for entertainment purposes – like the tablet I use as a small TV outside. Streaming video can burn through the battery quickly, so now, I run an extension cord through the adjacent living room window. This is exactly the scenario developers of the National Electrical Code (NEC) have been addressing in their last several revision rounds, leading to the current requirement that new dwelling units include receptacles for balconies, decks and porches located not more than 2 meters (6-1/2 feet) above their walking surfaces.
Fortunately for me, the fact an interior receptacle is so handy to the deck – it’s located right on the interior side of the wall from where I want the new one – should make it easier for the installing electrician (I might write a lot about electricity, but I make it a habit to turn to professionals when it comes to actually handling power projects).
The new outlet will be tailored to its purpose. My one other exterior receptacle is located under an eave, so it’s a damp-location model, with flip-up covers that fit over the two outlets when they’re not in use. The deck, though, is wide open to driving rain, especially during New England’s frequent nor’easters, so it will need to have a wet-location, in-use cover for full-time protection.
I’m hoping to get the work done this spring, so by summer I’ll be able to keep the videos streaming while the living room window stays closed. And I’m also hoping to replace another gas-powered appliance – my propane grill – with an electric version I can use year-round.
Photo courtesy of Arlington Industries
