Spring in the Puget Sound means longer days and the promise of warmer temperatures, making it a perfect season to enhance your outdoor living spaces. From powering up your RV for weekend adventures to creating a backyard lounge with a hot tub, spring is the right time to complete electrical projects to make the most of the season. The weather conditions provide an optimal window for outdoor electrical work, particularly the projects below.
RV Electrical Hookups and Plugins
Some of the best weeks for road trips in our region run from mid-April to May. This is when you can see more recreational vehicles (RVs) driving to campgrounds and scenic spots. Whether you own an RV or expect visitors to park in your driveway, installing a dedicated plug-in is the efficient way to go. With this spring project, you can stop struggling with extension cords and tripped breakers when powering RVs at home.
We install 30-amp or 50-amp RV receptacles to provide safe and convenient power solutions. We can help you determine the appropriate amperage for specific RVs, or you can choose a 50-amp receptacle for larger RVs with multiple air conditioners, refrigerators, and other power-hungry devices.
One of the best options is an RV circuit isolated from the others in the structure and enhanced with Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) breakers for maximum efficiency and safety. The AFCI breaker detects and interrupts dangerous electrical arcs within the RV wiring, while the GFCI breaker protects against ground faults, thus preventing electrical shocks. This is the type of dual protection you want for weatherproof outdoor hookups.
Installation and Wiring for Your Hot Tub
Outdoor hot tubs are perfect for social gatherings in the Puget Sound spring. Proper wiring is crucial for safe and reliable hot tub operation. Our electricians handle every aspect of the installation, from running the wires to connecting the control panel, so you can relax and enjoy your new spa with peace of mind.
Your hot tub will require a dedicated circuit to prevent overloading and ensure consistent power. Like with RV hookups, the tub installation will feature GFCI and AFCI breakers. Depending on the model, we install a spa disconnect switch. This feature allows you to easily and safely cut power for maintenance or in emergencies. If your model does not have an integrated disconnect system, you should include it in the installation so you don’t have to walk back to the main panel.
Our team completes many hot tub installations in the spring because retailers start offering discounts and specials during the final weeks of winter. When your new tub is delivered, and you have determined its location, contact us for a free estimate to determine the circuit and panel capacity and wiring distance.
We Can Help by Installing an EV Charging Stations
When you are ready to join the electric vehicle (EV) driving revolution, you don’t want to rely on mobile charging cords and public stations. An outdoor home EV charging station is the best option, and the milder spring weather allows our electricians to complete the installation quickly and with minimal disruption. As you start thinking about road trips and weekend adventures, an outdoor Level 2 charger allows you to top up your EV’s battery quickly and conveniently.
Your options include dedicated 240-volt outlets, the type used for electric dryers and ovens, with AFCI fault breakers and GFCI receptacles for outdoor charging protection. This provides the necessary power for Level 2 charging, which is significantly faster than the standard 120-volt Level 1 charging you get from mobile EV charging cords. A dedicated circuit ensures that your EV charger has its own power supply, thus preventing overloads and tripped breakers.
There’s also a hardwired EV charger installation option, which involves wiring charging units like the Tesla Wall Connector or the ChargePoint Home Flex directly to your home’s electrical system. This option eliminates the need for an outdoor outlet. Don’t forget about the IRS tax credit for new EV purchases on select models. This credit can provide up to $7,500 to cover the cost of a home EV charger installation.
Backup Power With a Standby Generator
Power outages can happen at any time of year in our region. Spring brings a mix of weather conditions that can result in power disruptions. Installing a gasoline or propane generator in the spring ensures you will be prepared for outages, keeping the lights on and your appliances running until service is restored.
The milder spring weather conditions make generator installation easier and more efficient. Like air conditioners, generators require permanent outdoor installations that connect directly to your electrical panel via a transfer switch. The Generac models we install provide automatic backup power during outages, eliminating the need for messy extension cords, noise, and fumes from portable generators.
Stylish and Effective Security Lighting
Spring days are longer in our region, inviting you to spend more time outdoors, perhaps in your new hot tub or enjoying crisp nights on the patio. Spring is a good time to improve your outdoor spaces with stylish and effective security lighting projects. Beyond their security features, outdoor lighting systems can also create a warm and inviting ambiance for your spring gatherings.
We offer a variety of security lighting options, including motion-activated and low-voltage lights. Weather-resistant lighting fixtures are designed to withstand our regional climate. We can also install timers and photocells to automate your lighting if you wish to automate their operation from dusk to dawn, thus saving energy and providing security.
Outdoor security lights can highlight your landscaping while illuminating the patio and driveway. They help to deter unwanted visitors, and they are ideal for other outdoor applications such as home EV charging stations. If your home is equipped with a smart home automation system, your outdoor lighting can be connected to the hub for control.
You can schedule when the lights turn on and off. Moreover, they can be augmented with motion detection sensors that activate when you walk outside to plug in your EV, enjoy soaking in your hot tub, or arrive home at night. Depending on the installation, you may be able to dim the lights or adjust their colors.
We Can Help You With Outdoor Electrical Projects This Spring
All of these projects described above can boost your home’s appraised value and make it more enticing to prospective buyers. If you have already had these projects completed in your home, like hot tub wiring, we can inspect them in the spring to check their post-winter condition.
Spring electrical inspections are a smart way to identify any damage or excessive wear from harsh winter weather conditions. The goal is to ensure everything is functioning safely and efficiently as you head into the warmer months. Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning electricians can spot potential issues early to prevent more costly repairs down the road.
For more information about spring outdoor electrical projects, contact Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning in Kirkland.