Outdoor Electrical Fixture Safety: Advice From An Emergency Electrician | Myrtle Beach, SC
It’s summertime, which means time spent outdoors with family and friends. Barbecues, pool parties – it’s all good fun. But before you start enjoying the great outdoors, take a moment to make sure your home is safe from electrical hazards. Outdoor electrical fixtures can be dangerous if not installed, used, or maintained correctly. This blog post will discuss how to keep your outdoor electrical fixtures safe and avoid electrical emergencies.
8 Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Electrical Fixtures Safe
Regular Inspection for Wear and Tear
Checking your outdoor electrical fixtures for wear and tear should be part of your home maintenance routine. Contact an emergency electrician to replace the fixture if you notice cracks, frayed wires, or other damage. Don’t take chances with electrical hazards – it’s not worth the risk. To ensure the inspection is done properly, hire a professional electrician to do it for you. Since outdoor fixtures are subjected to the elements, they can deteriorate faster than indoor fixtures. Therefore, you should have them inspected more often – at least once a year.
Hire a Professional for Installation and Maintenance
When it comes to outdoor electrical fixtures, it’s best to hire a professional for installation and maintenance. This is not a do-it-yourself project – electricians have the training and experience to install and maintain outdoor fixtures properly. Attempting to do it yourself could result in severe injury or even death -leave it to the professionals. It will be much better to hire experts in the installation process than to hire an emergency electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC when something bad happens.
Use Caution with Extension Cords
While extension cords can be handy for powering outdoor lights and other devices, it’s essential to use them with caution. If not used properly, extension cords can pose a serious fire hazard. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using extension cords outdoors:
- Always choose a cord that is rated for outdoor use -Indoor extension cords are not designed to withstand the elements and can deteriorate quickly, leading to potential fire hazards.
- Ensure your extension cord is properly grounded – A three-pronged plug indicates that the cord is adequately grounded; however, just because a plug has three prongs doesn’t necessarily mean it is properly grounded. If you’re not sure, have an emergency electrician check the cord.
- Never overload the cord – You should not plug in too many devices on the extension cord. This can cause the cord to overheat and start a fire.
- Inspect the cord before each use – Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the insulation or frayed wires. If you notice any damage, do not use the cord and replace it immediately.
- Keep away from traffic – Make sure the cord is not running across high-traffic areas where it could be tripped over.
- Keep the cord away from potential water sources – if it gets wet, it can pose a severe electrocution hazard.
By following these simple safety precautions, you can enjoy all the benefits of using extension cords without putting yourself at risk.
Keep Water Away from Outdoor Electrical Fixtures
Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s essential to keep water away from all electrical fixtures inside and outside your home. If you have any outdoor fixtures near sources of water (pools, sprinklers, etc.), make sure they are adequately protected. GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) are devices that can be installed to protect against electrical shocks. If you’re not sure how to adequately protect your fixtures, contact an emergency electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC for help.
Use the Right Bulbs
When it comes to outdoor lighting, you need to be careful about the type of bulbs you use. Make sure to pick ones that are designed for outdoor use. These bulbs can withstand weather and temperature changes better than indoor bulbs, and they won’t overheat as easily. This will help to avoid any electrical fires. Ask an emergency electrician which bulbs are best for your outdoor fixtures when you have the slightest doubt.
Use Heavy-Duty Cables and Wires
When installing or using outdoor electrical fixtures, use heavy-duty cables and wires. These are designed to withstand the elements and won’t degrade over time like regular electric cords. Heavy-duty cables and wires are also less likely to be damaged by pests like rodents. You should engage the services of an electrician to help with the installation process to be on the safe side. They will help you choose the right cables and wires for your specific needs.
Keep Bushes and Trees Trimmed Away From Electrical Wiring
Overgrown bushes and trees can pose a severe fire hazard. If they contact electrical wires, it could cause a short circuit that could start a fire. To avoid this, keep all bushes and trees trimmed away from any outdoor electrical wiring. When you already have wiring in place, you should regularly check it to ensure that it’s still in good condition and there is no vegetation growing too close to it. Contact an emergency electrician in Myrtle Beach, SC right away if you notice any problems.
Clean Outdoor Electrical Fixtures on a Regularly
Outdoor electrical fixtures can get dirty very quickly. Over time, the build-up of dirt and dust can cause problems with the wiring. This is why it’s essential to clean your outdoor fixtures regularly. It would be best to have an emergency electrician check the fixtures before you start cleaning them to make sure they are safe to work on. They may need to replace some of the wirings if it’s in bad condition. While cleaning the fixtures may seem like a simple task, it is best left to the professionals to avoid any accidents.
Outdoor electrical fixtures can be a great addition to your home, but they must be used and maintained correctly. By following the tips in this blog post, you can keep your outdoor fixtures safe and avoid any electrical emergencies. If you have any questions or concerns about your outdoor electrical safety, contact an emergency electrician for help.
Hire a Dependable Electrician in Myrtle Beach
For all your outdoor electrical needs, hire a dependable emergency electrician. Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach is your go-to electrician in the area. We provide a wide range of electrical services, including outdoor lighting installation and repair. We also offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can rest assured that we’ll be there when you need us most. Contact Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach today to schedule a free consultation.