You might not know how popular open-air cooking spaces have become among the homeowners of Menifee in recent years. And you will definitely love the idea of having the ability to cook, dine, and entertain guests in the beautiful sunshine. However, open-air cooking spaces come with higher risks. You need to remember that open-air kitchen spaces have increased electrical safety risks.
So, we are here to share some of the top tips for a safe and equipped outdoor kitchen area as your trusted local electricians in Menifee.
1. Use the Right Outdoor-Rated Appliances
You need to know that not all kitchen devices are designed to stand up to the elements. Investing in appliances rated for outdoor use, such as weather-resistant grills, outdoor fridges, and marinated floors, would be a wise idea for your outdoor cooking zone. Moreover, you must be careful while selecting appliances for your kitchen. Because using indoor-only appliances in your outside kitchen can create electrical hazards. It usually happens when your appliances are exposed to extreme moisture and temperature.
2. Choose the Proper Outdoor Wiring
Using the proper-rated wiring approved for your climate is a must because it is as important as having the right appliances for your outdoor kitchen. Your electrical wirings can deteriorate quickly when exposed to intense summer heat, moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations if they are not meant for outdoors. So, you must hire qualified electrical experts to run the correct outdoor-rated cables to your cooking area.
3. Consider an Outdoor Kitchen Power Center
It would be safer and more convenient to install a centralized weatherproof power center for your outdoor cooking area rather than running several extension cords. You will get ample power sources for grills, fridges, and more with the help of multiple GFCI-protected outlets collected in one place. It will even provide you with a neat and permanent solution for your power outdoors.
4. Follow Clearance Requirements
You will need to follow proper electrical clearance requirements when you are planning to install permanent outdoor cooking equipment like a built-in grill. You must consider things like the grill’s distance from electrical outlets, overhanging surfaces, and ventilation while installation to reduce fire risks. It is also critical for you to check these distances with an electrical code.
5. Protect Circuits from Overloading
It would be easy for your outdoor kitchens to overload their circuits and cause electrical hazards between your energy-hungry appliances like outdoor heaters, cooktops, and others. So, you will need dedicated circuits for certain high-wattage items. You must also be careful not to overload the outlets and hire electricians in Menifee as soon as possible to add more circuits if needed.
Ending Note
You will need to take proper precautions to keep your family safe while cooking and entertaining when it comes to electricity. Following the best practices for outdoor electrical will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your amazing outdoor kitchen for years to come. Contact us now at Cali Coast Electric if you need any further assistance
