You’ll Be Happy You Read These Summer Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

One of the best things about summer is being able to spend a lot of time outside! If you plan to do so, it is important to know your outdoor electrical safety rules. What do you do if you encounter a downed power line? Are there any precautions that you should take during the summer that you wouldn’t take at other times of the year?

Outdoor electrical work

• Have a qualified electrician do all of your outdoor electrical work. Given that outdoor electrical appliances and devices have to put up with the harsh elements of the outdoors, there are certain types of materials and installation techniques that need to be strictly followed—it is best to have a professional do these tasks!
• To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all of your outside electrical receptacles are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.

Power line safety tips

• When there is the need for yard maintenance around power lines (most notably trimming tree branches), be sure to have certified professionals do this work.
• If you must use a ladder to get up onto your roof, be sure that you put it up far away from power lines. You don’t want to risk the ladder falling off your roof and into the power lines!

Pool safety tips

• Have an electrician check out your pool, spa, or hot tub before you begin using it for the season. It should be up to code.
• Use battery-operated devices around your pool—never something with a cord!

Miscellaneous tips

• Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using them. If you find any hint of damage, replace them immediately!
• Don’t run extension cords under rugs, carpet, or other objects if you can avoid it.

Visit the rest of our Bright Insights blog for more great energy efficiency advice and renewable energy news!