Why everyone needs outdoor electrical boxes

Keep your yard safe by concealing outdoor light switches, outlets, and fixtures with convenient electrical boxes.

• Are you planning an outdoor renovation?
• Putting in lighting around your pool?
• Installing holiday lights?
• Do you use power tools?
• Do you frequently host outdoor parties in your backyard and need outlets to hook up music?

Then you may benefit from the installation of additional electrical boxes around your property.

An electrical box is a container often made of plastic or metal that encloses wire connections for various uses like light switches or outlets.

• These boxes conceal the wiring and prevent tampering.
• Electrical boxes can be used for indoor and outdoor applications.

Special types of electrical boxes exist for outdoor use.

• They are weatherproof, keeping out moisture and preventing shortages.
• Electrical boxes can house outlets, eliminating the need for extension cords.
• This is great for holiday lighting displays, garden power tools, and more.

An electrical box can also provide easy access to electrical components for upgrades or routine maintenance. These boxes offer protection from potential fires by grounding electrically charged wires and preventing short circuits.

For outdoor use, you will want to focus on electrical boxes that are weatherproof and watertight.

• Some electrical boxes come with flip-up covers that are great for installing extension cords to outdoor outlets.
• The covers have a deep lid and grooves so that cords can run out of the bottom without exposing the outlet to the weather.

Electrical boxes come in varying shapes and sizes from the traditional square models to rounded pan shapes and octagons.

You can choose between metal or plastic electrical boxes depending on your needs.

• A professional electrical contractor will be able to help you choose which box design works best for your situation.

Although installing electrical boxes can be a DIY project for those with electrical experience, hiring an electrical contractor is recommended for many reasons:

• Safety and peace of mind
  First and foremost, it’s safer. Electrical accidents are commonplace. Keep your family away from unnecessary electrical risks by hiring a professional to handle your projects.
• Money-saving warranties
  Professionals have their services backed by warranties in case something goes wrong. With a warranty, you can have certain issues repaired for free.
• Save time on your project
  Contractors know how to budget their time. They’ve completed past electrical projects and can gauge the length of time, the materials needed, and the effort required for your specific electrical work.
• Professional advice
  Last, but not least, they can offer you sound advice on your projects. Not sure what type of electrical box installation or maintenance work you need? A professional can guide you to the best solutions.

*Not only is it dangerous, it may even be illegal in some provinces, such as Québec, to do your own electrical wiring. The solution: consider hiring a master electrician.