When you think about your electrical system, you may picture various components that are located indoors. However, your electrical system also works to power all your electronic devices outside your home. Whether you’re looking to install holiday lighting or you want to enhance your home with residential electrical additions like exterior lighting, there are safety factors you should take into consideration.
Be Mindful of Overhead Power Lines
One of the first things to consider when undertaking any work outdoors is the location of your overhead power lines. These lines contain a high amount of voltage and can be extremely dangerous, if not deadly, when touched. It’s best to ensure that you keep your ladder at least 10 feet or more away from any overhead power line for optimal safety.
Use the Right Ladders
Ladders are a great tool for reaching high locations, such as near your gutters and above your patio. However, it’s essential to select the correct material for your ladder to prevent it from conducting electricity. The reason you want to choose a material that doesn’t conduct electricity is, if your ladder happens to slide into a power line, you don’t get electrocuted. Both fiberglass and wood are good options, while metal is not.
Only Use GFCI Outlets
When it comes to the outlets on the exterior of your home, they should all have GFCI protection. GFCI outlets are specialized outlets that react very quickly to cut power to the outlet, preventing electrocution. These are especially important in areas where water may be present, as water conducts electricity very well. You can identify GFCI outlets by their distinctive test and reset buttons.
Alternatively, many homes have GFCI protection at the circuit breaker. If your outdoor outlets aren’t GFCI and you’re unsure if your panel has GFCI protection, you can contact us for an electrical inspection to determine if an upgrade is necessary.
Be Mindful With Extension Cords
Ideally, you want to try to install electronics near where your outlets are to prevent having to use an extension cord. However, if you do need to use an extension cord, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the first considerations is choosing an extension cord that’s close to the required length, rather than significantly over it. It’s common when you use an extension cord that is too long to allow the rest of the cord to lay in coils on the ground or another surface. When the extension cord is turned on and has multiple coils, it can overheat and potentially cause an electrical fire.
Another thing to keep in mind is the overall amperage rating of the power cord. You should not plug in any item that has a higher rating than the extension cord is rated for. This can cause an excessive current through the line and pose a fire hazard to your home.
If the device or appliance you’re plugging in will be in place for an extended period, it’s best to use electrical staples to secure your extension cord in place. Select a location that receives minimal traffic, as you want to avoid people walking on the cord. Use caution when hammering in the staples. Ideally, you want the staples to be secure to the surface with still more than enough room to move the cord slightly. If you hammer the staple in too tightly, it can actually compress the extension cord, leading to overheating.
Only Use Outdoor-Rated Items
When you want to put electrical devices outside your home, one of the first things you’ll need to look for is that the device is outdoor-rated. Things like ceiling fans, light strands, and even extension cords can be rated for solely indoor use or outdoor use. You never want to use items that are only rated for indoor use, as they can’t handle the excess moisture that outside has.
Use Conduit
One of the best things you can do when using electrical appliances, equipment, or devices outside of your home is to protect it with a conduit. This is a very sturdy material that sits over the electrical cord and acts as a protective shield. It will keep out rodents, prevent UV damage, and resist precipitation.
Call Before Digging
Adding features like pathway lighting and landscape lighting can be a great addition to any home. Often, it’s most desirable to run wiring underground to power these devices, providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing look. This also holds true for adding features such as detached structures and hot tubs to your home. One thing to keep in mind is that you should always call 811 before you dig. When you do, local utility professionals will come out and mark all the underground lines on your property. This way, you can ensure that you do not hit any of these lines when you try to dig.
Use Weatherproof Outlet Covers
Using weatherproof outlet covers for all your outdoor outlets can be highly beneficial. This will provide them with more protection against the outdoor elements, such as snow and rain. These outlet covers are great for extending the overall longevity of the outlet and keeping it free from outdoor debris.
Ensure Safe Placement Around Wet Locations
If you have a hot tub or pool at your home, you must be very mindful when installing new electronic devices or wiring outdoors. Anytime an electrical device or wire comes into contact with pool water or your wet body, it can spell disaster. Having a safe distance is an absolute must. In fact, many local codes will require you to place any electronic equipment at least 5 feet away from any pool or hot tub. This is part of why it’s essential to always hire qualified electricians, like we have at Potts Electric, to handle any electrical work.
Place Generators Appropriately
Generators can be an excellent purchase for households to help ensure you have adequate power when your local grid goes out. When having a generator installed, you have to be mindful of where it’s placed. Because your generator relies on burning fuel to create power, it produces toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide. For this reason, it’s imperative that your generator be at least 20 feet away from your home. Better yet, install a backup generator that turns on automatically and is contained in a protective box, as these are safer to use and don’t require you to store or refill them with fuel.
Consulting a Professional
When it comes to simple outdoor electrical installations of things like holiday lighting, they tend to be more of a DIY job. However, when it comes to putting in permanent outdoor electrical wiring and devices, it’s best to leave it to our professionals. In fact, most local municipalities require that only a licensed electrician do electrical wiring in these locations. We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that the right products are used and that the job is done correctly for everyone’s safety.
Potts Electric offers expert electrical installation service to the St. Louis, MO area. We can also help with all your electrical repair and inspection needs. Simply give our office a call today to book a service consultation with one of our licensed electricians.
