“Do You Really Need those Extra Electrical Outlets?”

Having enough electrical outlets in your home is crucial for powering all of your devices and appliances. However, determining how many outlets are really necessary versus simply nice to have can be tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through evaluating your electrical needs room by room to help you decide if extra outlets are worth the investment for your home.

Taking Stock of Your Current Outlets

Before deciding whether to add more outlets, the first step is taking inventory of what you already have. Walk through each room and make note of:

• Total number of outlets - Count all outlets, including ones in use.

• Outlet type - Note if they are 2-prong or 3-prong outlets.

• Outlet location - Make note if outlets are in convenient locations or if any areas lack them.

• GFCI protected - Note which outlets are GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets located near water sources like kitchens and bathrooms.

• Condition - Check if any outlets are loose, damaged, or do not work properly.

Once you've cataloged your current outlets, you can more easily identify problem areas and outlets that need replacement or upgrading.

Evaluating Your Electrical Device Needs

Next, make a list of all corded electrical devices and appliances used in each room. This includes things like:

• Lamps
• Televisions and monitors
• Computers and laptops
• Phone/tablet chargers
• Kitchen appliances
• Stereo equipment
• Power tools
• Hair dryers and styling tools
• Vacuum cleaners
• Fans and heaters

For rooms like kitchens, home offices, and entertainment spaces, be very thorough in your list. The more devices and appliances, the more outlets you'll need.

Also note any devices that you plug and unplug frequently, like vacuum cleaners. These are good candidates for additional outlets so you don't have to constantly swap between devices.

Evaluating Your Future Electrical Needs

Your current device usage may not reflect future electrical needs, especially if you:

• Just moved into a new home - Previous owner's usage differs from yours
• Have a growing family - More devices with kids/teens
• Work from home - Home office spaces require more outlets
• Enjoy entertainment - TVs, computers, gaming consoles, etc. need outlets
• Frequently upgrade devices - New devices may have greater power needs

Think about your lifestyle and how your electrical needs may change down the road. Adding extra outlets now can save you time and money later.

Room-by-Room Outlet Needs Analysis

Now that you've cataloged your current outlets and device needs, go through each room to identify potential problem areas lacking sufficient outlets.

Living Room Outlets

Typical electrical needs:

• TV & entertainment system
• Lamps and other lighting
• Phone/laptop charging
• Vacuum cleaner

The living room often serves as an entertainment hub and needs outlets spaced around the room for convenient device plug-in. Make sure adequate outlets exist near:

• TV wall/entertainment center - Cluster outlets for TV, cable box, speakers, etc.
• Seating areas - End tables and floor lamps need outlets.
• Entry points - Vacuums and phone charging need outlets.

Kitchen Outlets

With multiple appliances and devices, kitchens have high electrical demands. Key considerations:

• Countertop appliance use - Cluster outlets for convenience.
• Island or peninsula - Add outlets if lacking.
• ** Hood vent/microwave** - Ensure outlet exists if not hardwired.
• Small appliance storage - Outlets near storage areas eliminate cord stretching.
• Dining area - Outlets for charging devices.

Also pay attention to outlet placement based on workflows when prepping food or cooking. Having to constantly unplug devices can be disruptive and even dangerous.

Bedroom Outlets

Bedrooms have growing electrical needs for charging devices overnight. Evaluate:

• Nightstands - Outlets needed for lamps, phone chargers, alarm clocks.
• Desks or workstations - Power computers, lamps, and other office equipment.
• TV mounting location - Ensure an outlet is present.
• Alarm clock location - An outlet near the bed is ideal.

Having to run extension cords under rugs or across doorways is inconvenient and a potential tripping hazard.

Bathroom Outlets

Bathrooms have specific outlet requirements:

• GFCI protection - All outlets must be GFCI - ensure existing outlets meet this safety requirement.
• Countertop appliances - Provide outlets for hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, etc.
• Night lights - Small outlet near floor for plug-in lights.

Moisture and electricity don't mix, so make sure bathroom outlets are in good condition and meet GFCI requirements.

Home Office Outlets

Home offices can be power hungry, especially if occupied for extended periods. Evaluate:

• Computer workstation - Power PC tower, monitor, printer, lamp, speakers.
• ** Phone and tablet charging** - Outlets near work area.
• Desk layout - Ensure outlets accessible based on desk and furniture placement.

Try different desk configurations when planning office layout to ensure accessible outlets for your workflow.

Laundry Room Outlets

The laundry room commonly hosts multiple appliances:

• Washer and dryer - Ensure adequate power supply and nearby outlets.
• Ironing station - Outlet needed here.
• Utility sink - At least one outlet required.

Pay attention to outlet placement in relation to water sources like sinks and washing machines. GFCI outlets or a GFCI circuit breaker are critical to prevent shocks.

Garage and Workshop Outlets

Garages and workshops need ample and well-placed outlets:

• Workbench area - Multiple outlets to power tools and lights.
• Charging stations - Outlets for electric vehicle, lawn mower, and other battery chargers.
• Storage areas - Spaced outlets so items can be plugged in around space.

For workshops, go beyond the minimum outlets required by code. Powerful tools and machinery require lots of amperage, so spread outlets around the space.

Key Recommendations for Adding Outlets

If your room-by-room analysis reveals you need additional outlets, use these recommendations when adding or replacing them:

• Install 3-prong outlets for safety and ability to power 3-prong plug devices.
• For heavy appliance loads, install 20 amp outlets on 12 or 10 gauge wiring.
• Use GFCI outlets when near water sources like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages.
• Space outlets approximately 12 feet apart and ensure accessibility.
• Install outlet-surge protectors for electronics like TVs and computers.
• For island and peninsulas lacking outlets, install pop-up outlets.
• In older homes, update wiring that may be undersized for modern power demands.

Proper permitting and following electrical codes are essential when adding new outlets. Consider hiring a licensed electrician if you lack experience to ensure safety and correct installation.

Alternatives to Adding Electrical Outlets

While more outlets is usually better, there are some workaround alternatives to adding outlets in problematic areas:

• Use power strips to multiply outlets - just don't overload them!
• Install pendant lights instead of outlets over islands.
• Use battery powered devices like rechargeable vacuums.
• Switch devices like lamps to USB-powered versions.
• Install hardwired overhead lights instead of outlet-powered fixtures.
• Upgrade to wireless device charging pads.
• For workspaces, install under desk or desktop outlet strips.

However, these are just temporary fixes. Adding properly installed outlets tailored to your home's needs is the best long-term solution.

Making the Call on Added Outlets

As you balance construction costs versus home resale value and convenience, properly evaluating your home's outlets can help strike the right balance.

If your room-by-room analysis reveals clear gaps in outlets relative to your electrical needs, it is likely worth investing in added outlets now to avoid outlet shortages down the road. But if you identify only minor gaps that can be addressed with power strips and other alternatives, you may be able to hold off on adding outlets to save on renovation costs.

There is no universal rule of thumb for the right number of outlets per room. Let your specific electrical needs, rather than outlet quotas, drive any additions as you strive to keep your home's power flowing freely.