Apr 23, 2022

Summer Electrical Safety Tips

The summer is a perfect time to host outdoor parties, complete outdoor DIY projects, and spend more time outdoors with friends and family.

Many of these outdoor activities involve electrical power, so it's best to pay extra attention to electrical safety during summer.

Our team of certified electricians at HomeOps Electric has compiled a list of summer electrical safety tips that will help you enjoy a much safer summer.

Install GFCI Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are protective devices that are designed to detect imbalances in the electrical current and automatically shut off power when an electrical fault is detected.

GFCI outlets should be installed in moisture-prone areas such as basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms to reduce the risk of electrical fire and electrocution.

GFCI outlets need to be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working order.

Trim Tree Branches Growing Too Close To Your Power Lines

You should keep tree branches at least 1.5 meters away from power lines.

Tree branches growing too close to your power lines can be a safety risk and cause electrical fires and power surges.

If there are any tree branches growing in close proximity to your power lines, call a reputable tree removal company to trim them.

No matter how easy it seems, you should never trim trees near power lines yourself.

Use Outdoor-Rated Extensions

If you’re going to participate in outdoor activities at home, it’s advisable to use outdoor-rated extensions. There’s a good chance extension cords will be exposed to moisture and heat, so it’s best to only use extension cords rated for outdoor use.

Outdoor-rated extension cords are weather-resistant and built to withstand more wear and tear.

Caution: Do not use extension cords for major appliances like refrigerators and dryers.

Furthermore, it’s best to inspect your outdoor extension cords for damage before using them. The last thing you want to do is use damaged extension cords, especially outdoors where they are more likely to come into contact with moisture.

Have Your Outdoor Electrical Equipment Inspected Regularly

All outdoor electrical equipment including electrical outlets, extension cords, and fixtures should be inspected regularly to ensure they are working properly.

It’s also important to inspect your electrical panel regularly to make sure it’s working properly.

The electrical panel plays an essential role in protecting individual circuits from overloads, so it’s important that the panel is in good working order at all times.