In the U.S., “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence” is frequently our motto, and most of us really like celebrating that during the summer time. Maybe we set ourselves up for a little disappointment with all the DIY projects we dream up all winter long, but regardless of how relaxed or inspired we feel, we should be sure to check our outdoor spaces for hazards that could put us and our families at risk.
Outdoor Outlets
In order to make sure your outdoor space is safe, you should start by checking all electrical outlets. Electrocution is a serious concern if each outlet is not protected by GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) that are highly sensitive to moisture.
You should also check to make sure all outdoor outlets have retained their weatherproof covers and keep them closed when outlets are not in use. All outlet covers should meet NFPA National Electric Codes. If you need new covers installed or want to be sure your covers meet the current standards, feel free to call D’Amico Electric and ask!
Extension Cords
Another potential hazard may be hiding in extension cords. Be sure you’re using only outdoor extension cords designed to hold up under the elements. Both outdoors and indoors, you should be careful to match up 3-prong cords with 3-slot outlets. (That third prong helps reduce the risk of electrocution or fire in the case of an internal electrical malfunction of the tool or equipment for which you’re using the cord.)
You’ll also want to remember that an extension cord is intended to be used for temporary needs such as power tools or event lighting — not as a substitute for a permanent solution. If a permanent power supply is needed, the electricians at D’Amico would be glad to install mounted outlets for you.
Outdoor Equipment
After a long, hard winter, you’re probably more than ready to set up your swimming pool. Before you get everything up and running, though, you’ll want to make sure any electrical equipment has remained dry and free from damage. If equipment gets wet, be sure to unplug it immediately.
Wet electric tools pose risks of electrocution, so if you’re using power tools near ponds, pools, or other potential water hazards, use battery-powered tools. Never use an electrical tool while you are standing in water! If a tool becomes wet, be sure to unplug it and let it dry out before using it again. If a tool becomes immersed in water, have a qualified electrician check it before you try to use it again.
You can always call D’Amico Electric to find out if your outdoor electrical needs can be added to your long list of DIY projects or if you should hire a licensed electrician. If we do say it’s okay for you to do it yourself, be sure to put it at the top of the list, so you can stay safe as you progress through the rest of your list — or just scrap it and enjoy the lazy days of summer.
D’Amico Electric Company
Since 1994, the D’Amico Electric Company has been offering electrical contracting services for industrial, commercial and residential buildings. From backup generator installation & ongoing maintenance to landscape/accent wiring and home theater systems, our experienced technicians are here to serve you. With our fleet of 10 trucks, we provide emergency electrical services 24 hours a day. Visit our website at damicoelectriccompany.com.
D’Amico Electric is licensed in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, New York and all of Connecticut. Our founder is Anthony D’Amico, a licensed electrician since 1992, who is a member of the Westchester Licensed Electrical Contractors Association.
When you need electrical help, choose D’Amico. We bring safe & innovative electrical solutions to homes & businesses. For more information on how we can serve you, call D’Amico Electric today at (914) 241-6909.
Image credits: Top by zmijak/Fotolia.
This article has been very helpful in making sure that no electrical problems happen. I hadn’t thought about how dangerous they could be. I will make sure that they are safe and I will use the more as temporary needs instead of a permanent solution.
I really appreciate the point you made about the importance of making sure that all outdoor outlets are taken care of. I want to make sure I do this with it being my first summer as a homeowner, but at first I wasn’t sure how. Now that I know this, I plan on first having an electrician come out and check everything, then I plan on getting those weather covers and put them over the outlets.
When dealing with wires. I stay clear away. I have to have people take care of it.
We all depend on electricity for many things. Without it, we would not be able to do a lot of different things. I did not know that there were outdoor extension cords that were made to hold up in the elements, I think I will go get some right now just to be safe.
My outdoor outlets have been exposed from time to time. What are the potential hazards when the outlets are not covered? I haven’t noticed any problems, but I would like to know what they could be.
Thank you for the tips on how to be safe with the electricity in the summer. We are having an electrician come by sometimes to make sure that the outdoor outlets are safe to use. I know that the outlets are sensitive to moisture and don’t want to get electrocuted for using them.
Thanks for the tips. I had no idea there were outdoor extension cords. I just bought some from the bargain bin. I have no idea if they can be used outside. I think they are only two prongs. I guess that is not very safe. I will have to get some actual outdoor cords.
It is smart to check to make sure everything electrical is dry. That way, you can hopefully avoid anything dangerous. It would be awful to start using wet electrical equipment and harm yourself or those around you!
I appreciate that you recommend to have an electrician check a tool before using it if it was immersed in water. I can see why this would be a good idea so that you or someone else doesn’t get shocked. It might be a good idea to have notes on how long it was in the water for and how long you have had it out of the water. This might help the electrician find what they need.
I need to have some electrical work done. I didn’t know that it was so important to make sure that I take care of everything carefully! It might be best for me to get a professional electrician to handle stuff for me.
Hiring a reliable company to replace my wires is important to me. I think it is important to see them have a lot of equipment out their home. I want to have all the correct materials.
These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice to ask friends and family for recommendations when looking for an electrician.It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info.
I need a blog that give me knowledge about electrician and their work process that how they get a better hob in this field because I also want to be an electrician that make a good job for all and the people also like my work. When I read your blog post then I realise how simple is that to be an electrician. Work that you describe of an electrician is full of knowledge. Publish some more post on how they do better work in commercial and residential areas.
Thanks for these tips. My brother is securing his home because his children are all walking around the house. He’s now looking up some electrician to help him with all the electrical wiring.
I really enjoyed reading this article. I love how you explained the dangers of not checking your electrical systems periodically. I imagine that with the help of a professional, you can make sure to keep your homes safe and free form the hazards of faulty electrical systems.
I appreciate your advice to make sure any electrical equipment has remained dry and free from damage after winter. As I am not an expert in this sphere, I will need to find a good electrician to do this for me. Thanks for the advice!
Thank you so much for all of the information here in regards to staying safe this summer! I really like that you mentioned how important it is to be using only outdoor extension cords that are designed to hold up under the many different elements. With the winter coming up, I know that there will be a lot of snow. Thanks for the reminder that we should be using our extension cords for temporary needs– that is beneficial!
Very helpful tips and Ideas. It’s better to prepare to avoid accidents. Also it’s better to ask or let the professional electricians do the electrical wiring around the house.
In this post you have some best electrical tips for summer safety. It’s very useful for all peoples. Thanks for sharing this best post.