4 Reasons to Change the Height of an Electrical Outlet Installation

The standard height for many outlets in the home is around 12 to 18 inches off the ground. While these outlet heights served many purposes in the past, the heights have not adapted well to modern technology needs. Instead of forcing devices into outlet locations and stretching wires across your home, you have the option to pick your outlet location.

The National Electric Code gives a lot of leeway for outlet installation heights and you do not need to follow the norm when it comes to new installations. As you consider outlet upgrades for your home, check out some of the reasons to change the outlet height and have better organization for your electronic devices.

1. Wall-Mounted Televisions

Old box-style televisions used to sit on a low entertainment center or even on the floor. An outlet installed 12 inches off the floor was the perfect height, but the world of television has drastically changed. Lightweight flat-screen televisions are now often wall-mounted, and higher outlets can give your home entertainment center a cleaner look.

An electrician can install a wall outlet right behind the area where you want to mount your TV. The easy plug access will make it easy to connect the TV. An outlet installation may also include USB ports, which are ideal for connecting streaming sticks and similar devices.

2. Baseboard Devices

Instead of going higher with an outlet, you have the option to install lower outlets as well. Lower outlets are ideal for two products: floor lamps and smart vacuums. A floor lamp's cord will typically come right out of the base of the lamp and can plug into a lower outlet much more easily.

Smart vacuums typically remain on the floor of a home and will have a charging base that the vacuum is placed in or automatically returns to. Consider a lower outlet installation right in the location of the charging base. The outlet makes it easy to organize your smart device and reduces cord clutter in the room.

3. Security Cameras

The use of indoor security cameras has risen in recent years as families increase security and rely on video feeds to monitor pets, children, and motion alerts. When you mount security cameras in your home, you do not need to constantly worry about changing batteries if an outlet is located near the installation.

For security cameras, you may consider ceiling-mounted outlet installations. An electrician can run wires through the ceiling and install an outlet that works directly overhead.

The corner-based outlet could have expanded use as well. For example, you may want to use a wall-mounted fan that hangs in the corner and circulates air.

4. Children's Room Decor

A child's room has evolved through the years and many of the rooms now contain modern devices and features. One trend that has caught on in recent years is the use of twinkle lights and LED light strips. The lights add a unique touch to bedroom designs. Instead of running cords down to the floor, a mid-wall outlet provides easy plug options for the lights.

Higher outlets could also provide connections for speakers. Traditional speakers and smart speakers offer ways for children to connect to voice services, listen to music, or hear stories. The change of outlet locations can reduce dangers in a room and prevent major issues associated with dangling cords and electricity.

Plan all of your outlet upgrades with our professional services at Beckstoffer-Welsh Inc. We have years of experience and can help you install an outlet at any location you seek in your home. The new outlets can also include extra features like USB ports or built-in surge protection.