Can Electrical Outlets Be Placed Under Windows? | Manufactured Home Parts And Accessories

Adding electrical outlets to your home isn’t one of the most difficult DIY projects, as it requires little effort and basic knowledge of how to add that outlet.

However, when deciding where to place electrical outlets in your home, you must keep this in mind: all installed electrical outlets need to meet strict electrical code requirements.

(In This Regard) Can Electrical Outlets Be Placed Under Windows?

Yes, you can install an electrical outlet under a window. Wall space where electrical receptacles can be installed is defined as not being broken by fireplaces, doorways, and moving wall panels. Because windows are not considered broken spaces unless they are ceiling to floor units, you can install electrical outlets under your windows. Most importantly, make sure to install your receptacles at the ideal height for the convenience of users.

Among other wiring installation details, the electrical code specifies how outlets should be spaced and essential types of outlets to use in general living areas and other spaces within an average home.

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In this post, you will learn more about the installation of electrical outlets and some of the elements to consider before installing or adding outlets in your home.

Should You Place Outlets Underneath Windows?

Whether installing electrical outlets in a new home or adding a receptacle to an existing line in your old home, you must follow the code outlined in the NEC guidelines.

Besides, you need to follow your local electrical codes.

Generally, electrical codes are designed to ensure optimal safety and minimize potential risks associated with electricity.

Most electrical codes require a receptacle no more than 2 feet away from the range on either side.

As for placing electrical outlets under windows, you can have a receptacle installed below a window as long as you have part of the wall under that particular window.

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The wall below a window is treated like any other wall in your house.

When installing electrical outlets below windows, it is advisable that you use tamper-resistant outlets as they offer an additional layer of safety – they come with a spring-loaded shutter, which closes off the slots when nothing is plugged in.

As for the height of receptacles, no matter where you are installing, the general rule is that electrical outlets must be 15 to 48 inches above the finished floor.

Definitely, this means that it is against the electrical codes to install receptacles under windows that are too close to the finished floor.

If you are installing a general-purpose receptacle outlet, make sure it has the appropriate rating for the amperage of the circuit they serve.

Generally, household circuits will provide 15- or 20-amps of service, meaning the outlet shouldn’t exceed this amperage.

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Three Things To Consider When Installing Electrical Outlets

Planning your new home’s electrical outlets can greatly impact your life more than you can imagine.

You want a place where you can plug a charger every other day and install a new light fixture when you want to.

When installing receptacles in your home, the ultimate goal is to ensure that they meet your specific needs by increasing the functionality and safety of your home.

Here are factors to consider before installing.

1. Location

Where you want to place a receptacle is one of the most important factors to consider before installing wall sockets.

Basically, you want to ensure that the receptacle makes your life more efficient without compromising safety.

Generally, it is recommended that your place outlets in all four corners of your living rooms and at least one outlet in the middle of each wall.

For other spaces, like bathrooms and kitchens, follow appropriate electrical codes to ensure safety.

2. Specific Appliances

It is common knowledge that larger appliances need more voltage to operate.

For instance, electric ovens need more powerful voltage to operate efficiently than a laptop or handheld electronic device needs.

For this reason, unless you are installing a general-purpose receptacle, you need to consider the size of appliances you will plug into the outlet.

If you are placing an electrical outlet under the window to plug in a specific appliance, make sure to follow the specifications required for that particular appliance.

3. Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to installing electrical outlets.

Generally, there are two types of outlets designed with safety in mind: GFCI and AFCI.

While anti fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets protect your home from electrical fires, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect you and your family from electrocution.

Ultimately, the best options depend on the location where you are installing. This means the ideal receptacle to install under windows will depend on the space where the windows are.

If you’re installing under a window in the living space, kitchen, or bathroom, you will be better off with a GFCI electrical outlet.

For bedrooms, AFCI options are preferred. Regarding safety, it will be better if you use tamper-resistant outlets.

Generally, the electrical codes state that receptacle outlets in habitable spaces should be installed such that there is no point along the floor line in any wall space that is over 6 feet from an outlet.

Further, you can install an outlet in every wall space two feet or more in width.

This allows you to have as many receptacles as you can in your house, which ultimately make your space more functional without posing any risks as long as installations were done professionally.

As for placing electrical outlets under windows, it makes perfect sense to check if your windows leak.

This is because it can be hazardous to have an outlet in the line where water flows across.

How To Install A Receptacle

Chances are you use an electrical outlet every day.

But, what do you do if you do not have enough outlets for all your power needs?

Definitely, you need receptacles.

Thankfully, installing electrical outlets is not an extremely difficult task.

All you need is to prepare your home correctly and have the right tools in place.

Whether you want a more convenient outlet or just more outlets in your space, probably installing one under your window might help.

No matter where you’re installing, here is how you do it.

Tool and equipment

New receptacle

Remodel box and clamps
Jigsaw
Tape measure

Pry bar
Drill
Saw

Voltage tester
Screwdriver
Hammer

Fish tape
Pliers (Linesman and Long-nose)
Stud finder

Utility knife
Tape measure
Cable

Wire nuts
Electrician’s tape
Protective nailing plates

The Steps

1. Cust and drill a pathway for the cable

2. Turn the breaker off and pull out the existing receptacle from which you are tapping power for your news outlet. Next, disconnect it or move it to the side.

3. Cut a hole for a remodel box and run a power cable from the existing outlet you have just disconnected.

4. Clamp the cable to the remodel box and install the new box in place.

5. Remove the cable’s sheathing, strip wires naked, and attach a connector clamp to the cable. Next, fasten the clamp.

6. Connect the wires to the existing wiring and make sure to do it correctly.

7. Attach wires to the terminals of the new outlet – connect green wire to the ground screw, white wire to the silver terminal, and black wire to the brass terminal.

8. Push both the new and existing receptacles into their respective remodel boxes and screw them in place.

9. Screw on the comer plates and turn on the power.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why you may want to install an electrical outlet under any of your windows.

Whether you want a convenient receptacle or want to up the number of receptacles in your space, windows are not considered broken spaces, meaning you can install electrical outlets under windows.

Hopefully, after reading this post, you will install a receptacle under your window with minimal hassle.