How To Add An Outlet In Your Attic

Thinking of taking the DIY route for an upcoming attic projection in your home? If you're planning on doing insulation installation or making whatever major structural, HVAC, or electric changes yourself, consider the risks before proceeding.

Electric hazards in attic spaces shouldn't be taken lightly—some of the most mutual consequences of electrical accidents include fires, shocks, and explosions, any of which could be life-threatening.¹ Before you start rooting around in your attic, beware of some common dangers. Even when bringing in professionals for projects similar insulation, it's important to prepare your attic and dwelling.

In this article, we'll explore v mutual electric hazards that can impact DIY attic projects. Proceed an middle out for these potential risks before your side by side DIY undertaking.

#one Receptacles

Receptacles are small boxes that house the wiring for a few mutual electrical elements of your home, similar:

Tin lighting
Electrical outlets
Calorie-free switches

Receptacles are fastened to the structural elements of your domicile, like studs, trusses, and floor joists. All 3 of these common receptacles—outlets, light switches, and tin can lights—can also exist found in the ceilings of mod homes. If your home features any of the above on the ceiling, those receptacles could be attached to a truss.

When y'all're walking through your attic, whatsoever exposed receptacles could present a tripping or electrocution run a risk. When you lot discover a receptacle in your attic, it's all-time to programme your DIY projection around it instead of trying to remove or relocate the receptacle yourself.

If you lot absolutely must tamper with the receptacles in your attic, turn off your entire breaker box earlier proceeding.

#ii Ceiling Fan Electric Boxes

In addition to traditional receptacles, go on an heart out for ceiling fan electrical boxes while rummaging around in your attic.²

Ceiling fan electrical boxes are typically circular, merely they're often smaller than traditional receptacles, making them slightly harder to spot, especially under a layer of existing insulation .

Whether you're venturing into your attic space to alter a lite bulb, to assess the state of your insulation or ducts, or to make whatever structural changes to your trusses, take note of whatever existing ceiling fans in your dwelling and where their electrical boxes may be located. Keep in mind that a previous owner may have removed a ceiling fan without removing its electric box, and then the associated wires may still be alive.

#3 Loose Wires

Speaking of live wires, unsecured, loose, or live wires are 1 of the most significant hazards you could come across in your attic.

Y'all should be specially vigilant about spotting and avoiding loose wires if:

You live in an older home that'south recently had an electric upgrade
You recently removed whatever existing outlets from your home
You removed a ceiling fan, light switch, or can lite without removing its receptacle

If any of the above circumstances draw your domicile, proceed with farthermost caution when navigating your attic. Loose wires could still be live, and these live wires could electrocute you if you don't turn off your breaker box earlier exploring your cranium.

#iv HVAC Components

In unmarried-story homes besides equally houses built earlier the 1980s, HVAC components are typically housed in the attic. While ducts in the attic are yet commonplace—and perfectly safe—today, it's not uncommon to find HVAC equipment like air handlers in the attic, which tin pose electrical hazards in attic spaces. It may be time to look into getting flexible ductwork by a professional while assessing your attic.

If you live in an older home with a contempo HVAC system replacement, proceed with caution before exploring. In lieu of more than convenient spaces for equipment, HVAC contractors typically place new HVAC equipment in the attic, and this hardware is almost always connected to your electrical arrangement.

The best manner to get effectually your attic without accidentally injuring yourself on HVAC wiring is to turn off your billow box or consult with an attic services professional person.

#5 Extension Cords

In that location are endless reasons why someone might claw up an extension string in their attic, only some possibilities include:

Adding a convenient plug-in for exterior holiday lights
Powering a dehumidifier, air purifier, or other air quality device in the attic
Providing a power source for routers, mesh network hubs, or Wi-Fi-enabled lite fixtures

Even if you didn't add an extension cord to your attic infinite, the previous owner of your habitation may have thought that the cranium was the perfect area for concealing unsightly cords or hardware. With this possibility in mind, go along an eye out for rogue extension cords during your next trip to the attic.

Don't Gamble Electric Hazards: Hire the Professionals at Attic Construction

If you plan on entering your attic for spring cleaning, a DIY project, or a simple exploratory visit, you should remain vigilant for potentially chancy electrical elements like receptacles, loose wires, and extension cords.

While you can brand your trip upstairs slightly more safe by turning off your breaker box, consulting an attic services professional to help you navigate potential electrical hazards in your attic is the safest route.

At Attic Construction, safety is our meridian priority. We've been helping homeowners brand safety, smart, efficient decisions for their cranium spaces for over 10 years, and our team of experts has the tools to assist you optimize your attic infinite. If cost is of concern for you and you're exploring cranium services for an HOA, in that location may be cost benefits or grouping discounts for services like flexible ductwork installation.

If you're thinking well-nigh starting a new attic project, contact us for a free consultation today. Nosotros're looking forward to helping you harness the power of your attic.

Sources:

University of Washington. Burn down & Life. https://world wide web.ehs.washington.edu/burn-life/basic-electric-rubber
The Spruce. Different Types of Electrical Boxes in Your Home. https://www.thespruce.com/electrical-switch-and-junction-boxes-1824666

Need some Aid? Contact usa today

Request APPOINTMENT

Smashing work! Our attic went from totally disgusting to pristine. They are courteous and professional and make clean upwardly after themselves.

-Karen L. Santee, CA

Andrew was very informative and helpful during the whole process. Splendid communication and his squad did a great job. He came on Sunday and the work was done and completed by Tuesday. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a off-white prices and great service.

– Joey E. San Diego, CA