Though outlets are most commonly located on the lower portion of a wall, floor outlets are an option that is appealing to many homeowners. Whereas wall outlets are limited in their placement because they need to be attached to a stud, floor outlets can be installed almost anywhere on the floor. They provide a practical solution when appliances or light fixtures need to be plugged in but are not situated close to a wall or available wall outlet.
Floor Outlets Come with Covers: Over time, uncovered wall outlets can collect dust and debris, making them less effective. This can be prevented if you insert the plastic covers on unused outlets, but often we do not remember to do this. In contrast, floor outlets almost always come with a cover that sits over the top to protect them from debris. The covers are usually metal, but you may be able to have a piece of your flooring used to create a custom cover so that the outlet is nearly invisible when not in use. Regardless, the presence of a built-in cover is also an excellent safety measure for those with pets and small children. Additionally, having floor outlets means fewer cords are snaking along the walls and floors that others could trip on (or chew on, in the case of pets and toddlers).
Here are a few areas where installing floor outlets makes sense.
Living Room
The living room is aptly named–it is where the house residents spend most of their time. Since we spend so much time in these rooms, it makes sense that they require many outlets. Floor lamps, phone chargers, TV and gaming cords, heated blankets, and more will quickly take up all of the outlets in the room. When it comes to shorter cords like phone chargers, though, it can be frustrating when there are no available outlets near your couch or chair so that you can still access your phone while it is charging. Floor outlets bring the electricity closer to the main resting spots in the middle of your living room so that you don’t need to get out an extension cord to charge your devices.
Open Concept Floor Plans
Open concept home layouts are still quite popular for several reasons. One drawback, however, is that the lack of dividing walls also means that there are fewer convenient places for an outlet. Floor outlets can provide power to your kitchen island, your favorite recliner, or your elliptical, even when these objects are nowhere near a wall.
Home Office
In most cases, you are relegated to having your office desk facing a bland wall in your home office because of the need for access to multiple outlets to power computers, printers, and more. By installing floor outlets throughout your office space, you give yourself more freedom to arrange the room exactly how you like–you can face your desk closer to the center of the room to face out and make more use of the space.
Many home projects seem minor, but they can transform how you live. If you are considering the installation of floor outlets, new GFIs, or need generator backup – be sure to call an experienced electrician. Promise Electric provides professional electrical services to residential and commercial customers. From a small renovation to a large-scale construction project, we are the trusted team of Sarasota master electricians that you need.
