You can do various activities when you connect to a power outlet. If you plan to place outlets on the floor for your convenience, you should find safe locations to install them. Read this post to learn where you should place the floor outlets in your living room.
You can place the floor outlets in the living room near electronic devices or lighting fixtures.
Consider the convenience of accessing power when using your devices. Regardless of location, also think about the safety of the users.
If you have strategically-placed for outlets, your living room will be more functional. Your family members and guests will spend more time in the living room. Continue reading to know more about floor outlets.
Locations To Install Living Room Floor Outlets
The living room is where family and guests spend most of their time in your home. One can do various activities, but the distance from wall outlets is the problem. Adding floor outlets can address your electrical needs.
Access to a power source is critical when you use your gadgets, turn on the TV, or light up your lamps. That is why you should plan where to install the floor outlets with a layout.
You should know which spots in the living room will require an outlet.
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Layouts will differ from other households because the location depends on the appliances you use. There should be accessible outlets for charging stations. Also, consider the furniture where you comfortably stay, such as sofas, recliners, and tables.
Plan your layout with your family members, or ask for tips from your home contractor.
Below are some locations you can install a floor outlet:
- Near a TV or sound system
- Near floor lamps
- Near decor like Christmas trees and lights
- Middle of the living room
- Side and coffee tables
- In every corner where you can sit [near sofas, recliners, couches]
You can add outlets anywhere in the living room where you need a power source. Although you have the freedom to lay out the outlets, you should also consider the legal requirements.
Codes For Floor Outlets
When deciding where to place the floor outlets, refer to state and local electrical codes for guidance.
According to the National Electrical Code of 2020, floor outlets are part of the total required receptacles if located within 450 mm [18 inches] from the wall. Also, check if the outlets you use are suitable for floors. The provisions for floor receptacles are from 210.52 through 210.65.
The code permits the installer, building contractor, and homeowner to determine the location of the outlets.
How Many Floor Outlets To Install In The Living Room?
Besides the location, you should know how many floor outlets you need in the living room. The number depends on the spacing and needs of the living room.
Based on the NEC, one floor outlet can serve an area of at least 6 feet away from a wall for every 20 feet of space. If people usually gather in the leaving room, there should be at least one outlet for an area 12 feet away from any direction.
For a 16-20 feet living room, you can have 8-12 outlets. The number complies with the minimum number required by the code.
For other rooms, read this post to know How Many Outlets Per Room Should There Be?
Are Floor Outlets Safe?
Other than convenience, floor outlets can increase safety in the living room. When you have the correct position for the outlets, you can do what you must in the living room.
Regardless of age, your family and guests will not be at less risk of electrocution when using the outlets.
Here are some tips to ensure safety with floor outlets:
- Use the original outlet cover of the product.
- Cover the outlets with a rubber mat to protect them.
- Leave at least 3 inches between the outlet and any furniture or fixture.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the outlet.
Even if the outlets create a functional living room, the safety of your family and guests should be your priority.
Do Floor Outlets Need Covers?
Floor outlets should have covers.
Safety is at risk if you do not close the outlet when not in use. Another reason for an outlet cover is the accumulation of dirt on the outlets. If you leave it open, the dirt buildup can affect the internal wirings and cause damage.
It is also important to close the outlet for safety. People in the living room might touch an open outlet with bare hands and can get electrocuted. There is also a risk of fire when you leave the outlets open.
The outlet's first line of defense is the product's cover. Below are three common types of floor outlet covers.
- Hinged
- Removable
- Pop-up
The covers have different appeals when you use one. Choose a cover that is easy to use, clean, and maintain.
A removable cover is prone to losses, while a pop-up cover is easy to uncover. Hinged covers are in-between because you can lose the cover, and opening it is easy.
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Besides the outlet cover, you also need to add an external cover. One material you can use is a rubber mat. Rubber is a poor conductor and keeps you safe from electric currents. You can also use a movable area carpet or rug.
However, you cannot cover the floor outlets with a permanent covering, such as a wall-to-wall carpet.
Are Recessed Floor Outlets Good?
It is common that floor outlets are level with the floor or a little sunken below the floor surface.
With concealed receptacles, you get a decluttered and seamless look. The design of recessed outlets minimizes plug protrusion, so the outlet will not take up some space on the floor's surface.
Also, a recessed outlet increases safety. Thus, there will be less tripping when you roam inside the living room.
There are various designs and colors available. You can choose the receptacle finish that matches the floor material.
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The recessed floor outlets need a floor box underneath to organize the electrical wirings. Installation is easy by pushing the box into a hole in the floor slab. Always refer to the product manual for the correct installation technique.
Can You Add Floor Outlets On A Finished Floor?
Yes, you can add floor outlets on a finished floor. Yet, the problem is the routing of the cables underneath. You will encounter difficulties if you have a cement floor because you need to cut a trench to the nearest power source.
It is also challenging to install on floors with a finished ceiling below.
On wooden floors, drilling a hole for the outlet box is easier. Just find the floor joists where you drill the hole.
However, you should be careful when drilling if the ceiling below has drywall. If there are no joists, you can use vents, cables, or plumbing pipes that are visible on the floor surface.
The holes should be at least 2 inches from the top and bottom of the joist. Also, avoid drilling more than 1/3 of the width or length of the joist.
Before you proceed with the installation, check any codes to follow and necessary permits. Then, install and set up the electrical connections. If you are not an expert in the field, it is best to hire a professional to avoid errors.
Can You Relocate A Floor Outlet?
If you placed the floor outlets in the wrong area, it is possible to move the outlet to the correct location. However, it can be challenging to D-I-Y the relocation because there are critical electrical connections involved. It is best to ask a licensed electrician for this task.
Here are the tasks involved:
- Checking the suitable new location
- Removal of floor outlet [includes cover, box, wires]
- Splicing new wires
- Extending electrical wires to the new location
When you relocate, you must abide by state and local codes and get permits if required.
Read here to learn "How Much Does It Cost To Move An Electrical Outlet?"
In Closing
Floor outlets add function to the living room. You can conveniently connect your electrical devices to several areas of the room. The typical locations to access a floor outlet are near a TV, sofas, or floor lamps.
You should determine the number of outlets you install in the living room. It is also essential to add covers to ensure safety while using the floor outlets.
After all, adding floor outlets in the living room allow you to do more activities with family and guests.