The summer months is a time where many people are spending more and more of their time outside. Much of the time, this is going to require the use of power and electricity. Hopefully, you have outlets on the outside of your house that will help you get the power that you need so that you can enjoy your time out there. However, it is important to make sure that you are using your outdoor outlets safely so that you don’t run into any problems. Burley Electrical Services is here to talk about some tips that will help ensure you are operating any of your outdoor electrical appliances safely this summer.
What Type of Protection is Required for the Lighting & Outlets Outdoors?
It can be easy to get caught up in an event and forget about electrical safety during the summer months. Following are some tips to help ensure your time outside is as safe as possible this summer:
– Update Outlets When Needed: The outlets found on the outside of your house are going to be different than the ones that are located inside. These outlets need to have protection against any weather and should follow a different set of guidelines. If the outlets on the outside of your house are not GFCI outlets, you need to have them upgraded as soon as possible.
– Use the Right Extension Cords: You need to make sure that any extension cords you are using outside are not rated for indoor use only. Only use extension cords that are made specifically for outdoor use.
– Avoid Cords on Walkways: If you do have to use an extension cord outside, make sure you are not stringing the cord across walkways or other areas where it could become a tripping hazard.
– Avoid Wet Areas: Water and electricity do not mix well. You need to make sure that you are not using ext cords and electricity near any water including pools.
– Keep Outlets Clear: If there are any trees or shrubs that are starting to crowd the outlets on the outside of your house, make sure that you are doing everything that needs to be done to keep the outlets clear and easy to use.
– Watch Out for Storms: You should avoid using any outdoor outlets during a major storm. Once again, water and electricity don’t mix well.
– Don’t Waste Energy: There are several ways that you can avoid wasting energy when you are using your outdoor outlets and outdoor lighting. Make sure all of your outdoor lighting has been switched over to LED bulbs. You should also take advantage of any smart technology that can help you control outdoor lighting or outlets remotely.
Outdoor Lighting & Outlet Upgrades & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you have noticed that the outdoor lighting or your outdoor outlets could use some updating, you can turn to the electricians at Burley Electrical Services to help you make those upgrades as seamless as possible. Call us today!
