How To Control Outside Electrical Outlets

Wiring for Outside GFCI Outlets – the most practical solution would be to install X-10 outlets that could be controlled by a hand held remote or a X-10 switch.

Solutions for Controlling Outside Outlets
Electrical Question: I do not have access to the basement of the house where the circuit breaker is, so shutting of the power is not an potion.

• There are two live electrical outlets located on the porch of the building. Teenagers use these outlets to plug boom boxes and charge their cell phones.
• They constantly create a loud disturbance and are verbally loud and abusive when asked to unplug their stuff.
• Is there anyway I can disable the outlets without short circuiting anything or shocking myself.
• The landlord has given me permission to do this. The first floor apt is locked and empty. That’s the only unit with access to the circuit breaker. The landlord is away on vacation and won’t return for a few weeks.
• What can I do to cut the electric to the receptacles, or render them unusable so we can get some peace and quiet.

This electrical question came from: Enrico, a Handy-woman from Philadelphia PA

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Enrico.

Wiring for Outside GFCI Outlets
Enrico, there would need to be access to the panel so the circuit for these outlets could be identified and shut off, and then the wiring could be temporarily disconnected from the outlet to discourage the use of them, however keep in mind that these outside outlets are required by code. The landlord could have a switch installed that would control the power to these outlets, however the most practical solution would be to  install X-10 outlets that could be controlled by a hand held remote or a X-10 switch. If X-10 outlets are used the a GFI circuit breaker would need to be installed to provide the required GFCI protection for these outside outlets.

The Following Resources will assist you with your Electrical Wiring Question:
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

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Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

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The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

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Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.

This link is helpful as a Handy-woman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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