Outdoor Electrical Panel Installation: What to Know

Outdoor electrical panels benefit homeowners who need electricity for their outdoor systems, such as pools, hot tubs, garages, and similar outbuildings. They also reduce the strain on internal central electrical systems since some appliances and gadgets are used outdoors. However, installing an outdoor electrical panel requires many considerations to ensure the appliance is installed correctly and up to code.

In this article, we’ll explain the concepts of outdoor electrical panels, outline why you would want one, and identify some variations and critical factors regarding the installation. We will also discuss calling on a licensed electrician, the best person for outdoor panel installation and maintenance practices.

What are the different kinds of Outdoor Electrical Panels?

An outdoor electrical panel is a waterproof box with circuit breakers or fuses that distribute electrical energy to outside areas and devices. This panel can either serve as a main switch for a consumer’s outdoor power appliances or as an auxiliary panel that takes electrical power from the primary indoor panel of the house to the outdoor extension cord.

What’s the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Electric Panels?

Why is there a distinction between indoor and outdoor electric panel enclosures? The main panels are usually located inside the house. In comparison, outdoor ones are made to survive extreme climatic conditions like rainfall, snow, and ultraviolet rays. They include water-resistant covers and additional shielding from rust.

Common Uses: Outdoor electrical panels often power outdoor lights, garages, sheds, pools, spas, EV chargers, and irrigation systems. They allow the placement of several outdoor circuits without returning to the main indoor panel and running long cables.

Benefits of an Outdoor Electrical Panel

Several factors might necessitate homeowners placing outdoor electrical panels, including ease of use, safety, and efficiency.

Convenience: An outdoor electrical panel can help provide safe access to power for any outdoor activity. External lighting, a garage or workshop, and even an EV charger can be installed without running power cables from the main panel in the house. An outdoor panel can also help control power in outdoor areas.
Safety: Extending your home’s electrical systems by running long circuits to outdoor areas such as porches and garages poses more risks, such as power overload or wiring problems. An installed outdoor electrical panel keeps long wires running from the primary circuit.
Efficiency: An outdoor electrical panel is an elegant solution for powering many electrical devices and appliances outside the house. It relieves the indoor panel from too much load and avoids using long extension cables or power strips.

Types of Outdoor Electrical Panels

Various outdoor electrical panels can be used depending on your home’s needs.

Main Breaker Panel: Utilized when one is required to switch off and on any or all electrical energy in a house. The main breaker, designed to cut off power in an emergency, is within the unit. As the name suggests, a main breaker panel is mainly found in places separate from the main house, like stand-alone carports, work sheds, or visitor cabins, where electrical control is detached from the primary residence.
Subpanel: A subpanel extends the power capacity from the home main panel to an external area, such as a garage or a pool area. It also permits the remote management of different circuit breakers independent of the breaker main. Subpanels are very useful in large properties with much space for power distribution.
Weatherproof Panels: Outdoor electrical panels are made to be weatherproof so that water, rust, and sunlight cannot impair them. These panels are manufactured from well-known water-resistant materials that maintain their integrity. The material can be exposed to water in all its forms and dirt without sparing its integrity.

Things to Consider for Installation

Several core aspects must be considered when installing an outdoor electrical panel to ensure it performs its duty as effectively and safely as possible.

Location: The location of the outdoor electrical panel is crucial to consider. It must be reachable without being exposed to excess water or subjected to unnecessary physical damage. Also, the panel must be placed at a given height from the ground and away from other installations.
Weatherproofing: Since outdoor panels are installed outside, one must select a weatherproof panel designed to handle rain, snow, and heat/cold. The panel shall have a waterproof case, and all sockets on the panel shall have GFCI protection to avoid risking electrical shock.
Amp Needs: The outdoor panel’s power requirements depend on the appliances or systems it will support. For example, if pool pumping, outdoor lighting, and garage wares are to be powered simultaneously, the panel must have enough amperage to withstand the stress. Knowing the total electrical demand is a prerequisite before picking a panel that will not be overloaded.
Compliance with Local Codes: Everything must follow the local building laws and electrical codes. These codes guarantee that the provision is safe and that the electrical provision is designed for the load required. Hiring a qualified electrician who understands the local laws and will create the panel to meet the above requirements is essential.

Why You Should Call a Professional

Replacing or installing an outdoor electrical panel cannot be done as a DIY because it is a sensitive operation requiring a master electrician. Here’s why calling a professional from Twin Cities Electric is crucial:

Safety: Working on electrical parts requires knowing best practices to avoid danger. Master electricians need proper training to handle such issues and know how to install outdoor panels without risking electric shocks, shorting the system, or even causing fires.
Code Compliance: The expert electrician knows the procedures and the building and safety codes. They will ensure that your outdoor panel installation is completed correctly so that you do not face issues such as fines or the need to do unnecessary and expensive rework for the building codes.
Qualified Experience: Installing an outdoor electrical panel involves knowing circuit loads, wiring, and where the panels should go. Professionals guarantee such procedures and will ensure all wires are fastened, circuit-bearing loads are grounded and adequately connected to the loads, and all systems are set up correctly.
Long-Term Reliability: Electric panels installed by a skilled person can be relied upon for many years. Our electricians use proper materials and follow industry standards to ensure the system works longer and more efficiently.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Outdoor Electrical Panels

Regular maintenance of outdoor electrical panels is essential to the proper operation and safety of the system. The following are some guidelines that will help you maintain the efficiency of your panel, which is quite faulty:

Regular Inspections: An electrician should inspect your outdoor panel at least once a year to test the wiring and breakers’ functioning.
Weather Protection: Examine the weatherproof box for damage or submergence that could not have been present before. You want to be sure that nothing from the outside is getting in.
Breaker Testing: To ensure the system operates correctly, you want a professional to perform testing and maintenance. Testing should be done regularly to ensure that GFCI outlets and circuit breakers are working. If the system has a problem, breakers will trip in response to the load.

All In All

An outdoor electrical panel is a better way to safely, conveniently, and efficiently add energy outside to your home. However, this task requires enough preparation, adherence to local regulations, and installation by qualified people. Contact Twin Cities Electric to install it according to the local rules guiding its use. Call us today to set up your outdoor electrical panel in your house and enjoy a stress-free feeling.