An explosion in technology is changing the way people live, work and use space. Wi-Fi, cell phones and tablets have blurred the lines of where people connect for work and leisure—inside, outside—it no longer matters. As a result, people are spending more time outside and they’re bringing their mobile devices with them. Homeowners, businesses and facility managers need safe, permanent and dependable power sources for outdoor events or charging cell phones, tablets and laptops outside.
The permanent outdoor power market is valued at an estimated $400 million, which presents a sizable new business development opportunity. Sellers can capitalize on this frequently overlooked market by offering a permanent outdoor power solution to customers who are managing corporate and educational campuses, hospitality facilities, parks and green spaces, town squares, main streets, farmers markets, open-air retail areas—and anywhere else that people gather outdoors.
In order to be successful, you must educate facility managers and building owners regarding how delivering safe, reliable, permanent power to employees and customers creates an environment that promotes longer stays, better productivity and more positive experiences.
Recommending the right solution
There are a variety of electrical solutions for the residential and commercial markets—but some options are safer and more visually appealing than others. The most common permanent power option found in residential and commercial applications are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles with waterproof covers. While this works well for the homeowner, this has not been the most robust, reliable and safe alternative for commercial and public spaces. Oftentimes, when outdoor power is needed in public and commercial settings, facility managers use makeshift solutions. Most of these temporary workarounds are unsightly, unproductive and often hazardous. Extension cords, homemade outlet box solutions and temporary generators are stopgaps, not solutions.
Here are three questions you should ask your customers when recommending outdoor power solutions:
- How will the power be used?
- Where will the electrical receptacle be located?
- Is it safe for outdoor use?
Your customers’ responses will help you counsel them on the right permanent power solutions for their applications.
How will the power be used?
Identifying how your customer intends to use the outdoor power will help you determine the appropriate solution, voltage needs and gang and outlet confi gurations for the application.
If you discover that a customer wants to install outdoor power in a public space so employees, students or guests can charge their cell phones and laptops, a charging pedestal with a combination of USB ports and GFCI receptacles will do the trick.
If facility managers are asked to supply power, data and audio/visual hookups for an event space, hospitality facility, sports venue or open public space and they don’t want the general public to use the receptacle, a permanent in-ground power box with a lock-out feature may be the best solution.
Where will the electrical receptacle be located?
Facility managers and electrical contractors frequently voice concerns about the durability and safety of outdoor electrical receptacles. Because many outdoor electrical boxes are on short posts or lay on the ground, they can get hit with groundskeeping equipment and sustain damage and are also susceptible to weather, vandalism and abuse.
When recommending an outdoor power solution, the physical location of the receptacle should factor into your selection. Power for public use to charge mobile devices is best provided with pedestal charging stations. If the power is for facility use and located in an open public area, it is best located in a housing installed fl ush with the ground to minimize incidental damage and prevent a tripping hazard. If the outdoor power solution will be installed in a high-traffi c area, it should have a Tier 5 load rating—meaning it can stand up to a 5,000-pound load—so it will survive occasional vehicle contact and run-ins with lawn tractors.
You should also consider climate and weather conditions and recommend an outdoor receptacle that is durable enough to withstand prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, rain, snow and extreme temperatures. If you’re skeptical about the product’s ability to stand up to the elements, ask the manufacturer to explain the technology that is used to keep the electrical connections dry. If you’re still not a believer, ask for the results of the product’s cover impact, water submersion and load tests.
Is it safe for outdoor use?
When assessing outdoor electrical solutions, safety will be your customer’s top priority. You should recommend a solution that is UL-rated in use. There are products on the market that are weatherproof and weather-resistant but are only UL-listed for use when the receptacle cover is closed—in other words, when it’s not in use.
Based on consumer demands, electrical manufacturers have developed new permanent outdoor solutions that are safer, more convenient and more reliable than previous outdoor electrical products.
When considering permanent outdoor mobile charging stations for your customers, look for a solution that is rated National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 3R, meaning that it’s safe to use in all weather conditions and climates.
If a permanent in-ground box is a better solution for your customer’s application, request a product that is UL 2996-listed and maintains a NEMA 6P rating while in use—meaning the wiring enclosure can withstand “prolonged submersion” in water—and complies with the National Electrical Code and local codes while in use.
Exploring cross-selling opportunities
Most of your customers already recognize the need for outdoor power, and they may be using cumbersome and unsafe methods to provide it. New permanent outdoor power solutions open the door for cross-selling opportunities in both the residential and commercial markets.
The next time you’re working on a new construction or renovation project, take the time to talk to the facility manager about the value of investing in outdoor spaces to improve employee creativity and morale. Or communicate to a retailer, bar or restaurant owner how installing outdoor charging stations on the patio can attract more customers and keep them longer. These additional product sales can create new revenue streams for you—and your customers.