We spent a great deal of time trying to think about our electrical ... while you can go crazy adding plugs, the cost will add up so it is important to balance usefulness and cost. Here is a sense of what we did, albeit a number of them were referenced above.
- Added a switched Christmas light package for eaves of house, as well as a separately switched set of ground level plugs that could be used for "net lights" in bushes ... or simply easily power yard tools. Additionally, we ensured we had a ground level plug on the front porch to run any lights/decorations around the entrance, albeit this plug was not switched (Note: we use $8 remote control from big box store)
- Think about where you will place your Christmas tree and ensure you have a plug near that location ... and consider making it 1/2 hot switchable (ie, one plug has power 100% time and other plug controlled by switch)
- Thought about how we would enter and exit rooms to determine placements and or need to 2 or 3 way switches, as well as dimmer switches to either save power or vary the 'mood'
- Outlet in all closets
- Outlet in bath comode areas ... use for night lights (guests, senior family members or even for us in the middle of night!)
- Hm office has dedicated "homeruns" for multiple 4 plex outlets to support computers, moniters, etc. Also have a PVC pipe extending down from attic to a blank plate near electronics to allow for easy expansion if required in future. Similiar plans at the entertainment center area.
- Specified 4 plex on each side of MBR bed to support clocks, lamps, electric blankets, phones, etc.
- Switch next to bed for MBR fan ... placed at height just above the bedside table
- Small shelving area near back/garage entry door ... where cell phone rechargers, answering machines, small lamp, etc can be powered vs scattering the devices and clutter around the house.
- Inset plugs built into the top of the mantel at each end for lamps to holiday decorations
- Kitchen island has outlet at each end
- Kitchen backsplash area void of outlets and clutter, since they were added via power strips mounted under cabinets and an angle for easy use, but still out of sight ... we have been very pleased with this decision after second guessing ourselves initially
- We have multiple garage doors, so installed switch to kill power to openers for use during holidy ... even though many openers now offer that feature on their actual openers ... I wanted a backup.
- Ensure you have PVC runs under walkways, driveways, etc to allow for future electrical runs you might require...
After focus on the house, I let us end up short in the garage ... grr!! BTW, agree with the 4 foot height suggested above.
Finally, the best decision we made which has been used a number of times ... we took digital pictures of all the plug locations and wiring runs before the walls were closed up ... You will not believe how often you will find those pictures useful. BTW, take them in a logical orderly manner through house so you can keep with which room you are looking at and rename the file name to help future recall.
Good luck !!
Daltex
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Plugmold on island
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