General Purpose Outlets (GPO), more commonly referred to as socket outlets or power points, are an essential part of the electrical system in any commercial or residential building. GPOs can only be installed and maintained by a qualified electrician. With over a decade of experience in the field, AB Electrical & Communications Sydney can provide all types of electrical work, including GPOs installation and maintenance, ensuring quick service and high-quality workmanship.
What the client was after
Our client was after a weatherproof general purpose outlet installation, so he contacted AB Electricians Cammeray to carry out the work on his property. After discussing his requirements, we scheduled an appointment to complete the job.
What work was completed
Arriving at the client’s location, we took the following steps to achieve this installation:
- We first isolated the power at the main switchboard.
- We then discussed with the client possible locations for the GPO. We agreed upon a location where there was an existing GPO nearby that we could tap into.
- To run the wire, we drilled a 20mm hole through the external skin of bricks to give us access to the wall cavity.
- We then fished the cable between the hole we drilled and the location of the existing GPO using the wall cavity.
- From here, we simply terminated the cable into the weatherproof GPO and mounted it to the wall using green plugs and screws.
- We then connected the wire to the existing circuit and reinstated power to the property.
Are all outdoor power points weatherproof?
All outdoor outlets have to be covered, whether they are in use or not since they are exposed to outside elements. These powerpoints have a protective casing that makes them weatherproof, meaning they are water and dust tight. It’s also recommended for outdoor outlets to be enclosed in special boxes, apart from having an electric cover, especially if they are installed in damp locations or in places where they are exposed to rainfall.
What to do if an outlet gets wet?
It’s a well-known fact that water and electricity are not a good combination. A wet outlet can lead to serious issues such as short circuits, fires, and an increased risk of electrocution. Therefore, if water gets into an electrical outlet, you have to address the issue immediately to reduce risks and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
If you have a properly functioning GFCI outlet, it will shut itself off automatically if water or any liquid gets into it. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter – a component that shuts off the electric power to the outlet when it detects interruptions in the flow of electricity. However, if the GFCI outlet doesn’t turn off automatically, you can also do it manually by pressing the test and reset buttons located on the outlet at the same time.
It’s recommended to shut down the breaker box, even if the GFCI outlet stopped automatically, especially if you’re dealing with multiple affected outlets. This will stop the flow of electricity into the outlet, so you can dry it safely and keep yourself and your home out of danger.
Although you can do these tasks yourself, the best course of action is to call a licensed electrician. A skilled professional will know exactly how to solve the issue without any risks.
Why it is important to have a licensed electrician complete all outlet installation work
Even if you think you can handle the installation of an outlet yourself, keep in mind that electrical work can be complicated for those who lack the necessary training, skills, and equipment to perform these types of jobs. If you want to make sure your outlets are installed correctly and avoid any safety risks, always call a licensed electrician to get the job done.
Where the job was completed
This project was completed at our client’s property located in Cammeray, Sydney 2062. Cammeray is a residential suburb that lies five kilometres north of the Sydney Central Business District and is part of the North Sydney Council local government area. Facing Long Bay on Middle Harbour, Cammeray is bordered on the north by Naremburn and Northbridge, on the east by Willoughby Bay and Cremorne, on the south by North Sydney, and on the west by Crows Nest.
Who worked on the job
Adam – Tradesman
Matt – Apprentice
